In this article, Why Do We Feel Better if the Wording is Changed?, the writer discusses ways of making 360 Degree Feedback more positive and acceptable to those receiving the feedback (and, I daresay, to those giving it).
I agree that small changes in wording can make a big difference to givers and receivers of 360 Feedback. Words are incredibly powerful and, as he/she has pointed out, can make us feel different on an emotional level, even if we know what the message is really saying.
At Track we've found that asking respondents to state
- Things you'd like your colleague to Start Doing
- Things you'd like your colleague to Stop Doing, and
- Things you'd like your colleague to Continue Doing
is a great way to help respondents to focus on specific behaviours, ensure they balance the negative with positive (Stop and Continue), and also provide signposts or suggestions for change (Start).