“This was way beyond my expectations,” he said at the end of our call. His words came as a surprise. I was conducting an interview as part of 360-degree feedback for a C-level executive.
Our conversation began with a small hiccup. I mentioned, “One of my dogs is unwell, so if I suddenly need to get up and let them out, please excuse me.” He, too, had a dog and was very understanding. We briefly chatted about our dogs, and this small personal touch helped set a warm tone for the entire interaction. Fortunately, my dog was fine throughout the conversation.
Curious about his reaction, I asked why the call exceeded his expectations. He had heard about these interviews but had never participated in one. His assumption was that I would ask questions, and he would simply answer—anticipating a purely transactional conversation.
These moments underscore the importance of authenticity in forging professional relationships. Our conversation evolved into a meaningful dialogue that delved deeper than standard queries and responses.
360-degree interviews are invaluable for gaining a broad perspective on the individuals I coach. They provide insight into a person’s strengths and the subtle issues that may be holding them back. More importantly, these interviews offer a chance to connect on a human level. For me, executing 360-degree interviews transcends data collection—it’s about cultivating relationships. It involves listening actively with empathy, striving to understand the viewpoints of my interviewees, acknowledging that every piece of feedback has a story, a perspective, and a person with unique challenges and ambitions.
Adding a relational layer to these interactions makes each conversation significantly more engaging and rewarding. Often, it leads to unforeseen opportunities. I’ve had interviewees express interest in my coaching services—not because I pitched it to them, but because they found value in our discussion. By concentrating on establishing genuine connections, I find that opportunities organically present themselves.
Reflect on the connections you forge.
How might you transform everyday interactions into opportunities for building deeper relationships? Consider how investing in building these connections could enrich your professional life and be both fulfilling and advantageous.
And for those of you curious about my four-legged friend, the grey one in the photo, she’s doing well. A few days on a rice diet corrected her digestive troubles, which we’ll lightly term as ‘delicate’ matters.