360 Feedback Questions for Leaders
These questions focus on the key capabilities required to lead effectively at an organisational level. They reflect the expectations defined in the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) Professional Standard for Stage 4 Senior Leaders. At this level, leadership goes beyond managing teams, it involves setting strategic direction, shaping organisational culture, influencing stakeholders, managing risk, and driving sustainable performance.
This set of 360 feedback questions focuses directly on three key areas of capability:
- Personal Effectiveness: Leading with integrity, resilience, and strategic judgement
- Interpersonal Excellence: Inspiring, influencing, and developing others
- Organisational Performance: Driving strategy, managing change, and delivering sustainable results
In this guide, we outline the most effective 360 feedback questions for senior leaders and the key areas every questionnaire should cover.
If you’re looking for a questionnaire designed around the expectations of managers operating at a team or operational level, see our article on 360 feedback questions for managers.
360 Feedback Questions for Leaders
(Based on CMI Stage 4 Professional Standards)
Personal Effectiveness
Leading self, demonstrating integrity, building credibility, and exercising sound judgement
- Demonstrates integrity and acts consistently with organisational values
- Role-models professional standards of behaviour and decision-making
- Maintains resilience and focus when managing complex challenges
- Shows strong strategic judgement when assessing risks and opportunities
- Uses evidence, insight, and critical thinking to inform decision-making
- Communicates vision and priorities clearly and effectively
- Tailors communication to inspire and influence diverse audiences
- Demonstrates confidence without being dismissive of alternative views
- Reflects on own leadership impact and seeks opportunities for personal growth
Interpersonal Excellence
Inspiring, influencing, developing people, and fostering collaboration
- Articulates a compelling vision that inspires and motivates others
- Builds confidence and commitment across teams and functions
- Establishes clear expectations and empowers others to deliver results
- Coaches and mentors others to develop leadership capability
- Recognises and celebrates individual and collective achievements
- Builds trust through openness, transparency, and consistency
- Creates a collaborative culture across departments and stakeholder groups
- Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organisation
- Uses influence effectively to align stakeholders and gain buy-in
- Handles conflict constructively and maintains positive relationships
Organisational Performance
Driving strategy, leading change, managing risk, and achieving sustainable results
- Develops and communicates strategic priorities aligned with organisational goals
- Scans the external environment to identify opportunities and challenges
- Benchmarks performance against best practice and drives continuous improvement
- Champions innovation to create long-term organisational value
- Balances strategic vision with operational realities when setting priorities
- Leads organisational change with clarity and confidence
- Supports teams through uncertainty and transition
- Identifies and mitigates strategic risks effectively
- Holds self and others accountable for achieving results
- Ensures resources are deployed efficiently to maximise impact
Why Link to the CMI Professional Standard
By grounding your 360 feedback questions for leaders in the CMI Professional Standard, you’re assured they reflect recognised, evidence-based leadership behaviours. For more on the CMI Stage 4 standards, visit the Chartered Management Institute.
Common 360 Feedback Questions Answered – Senior Leaders
Q. What are the most effective 360 feedback questions for senior leaders?
A. Lumus36 believe (aligned with CMI Stage 4 standards), the most powerful questions include:
- Demonstrating integrity and acting consistently with organisational values
- Articulating a compelling vision that inspires and motivates others
- Building trust through openness, transparency, and consistency
- Championing innovation to create long term organisational value
- Holding self and others accountable for achieving results
Q. What areas should be covered in a 360 feedback questionnaire for leaders?
A. Focus your questions on three key capability areas:
- Personal Effectiveness: Integrity, self-awareness, sound judgement, and resilience
- Interpersonal Excellence: Inspiring others, influencing stakeholders, developing people, and fostering collaboration
- Organisational Performance: Setting direction, driving strategy, leading change, and ensuring sustainable results
