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How to Coach Someone Through Difficult 360 Feedback

Receiving critical or negative 360 feedback can be upsetting, especially when it differs from the participant’s perceptions or is echoed by multiple people. However, how they deal with it is far more important than the content itself.

Use the following practical steps to help participants receive unfavourable 360 feedback objectively and constructively.

360 Degree Feedback for Performance Appraisal - Advantages, Disadvantages & Key Considerations

Encourage your coachee to...


Concluding Thoughts

The coach’s role is to normalise emotional reactions, help participants focus on the full picture, and guide them from reaction to reflection.

You may also find it helpful to read our article on coaching the emotions of 360 feedback for further insights and practical guidance. Lumus360 coaches are highly skilled in this area and offer a dedicated 360 Feedback Coaching service to support individuals in turning feedback into meaningful action.


Frequently Asked Questions – Coaching Difficult 360 Feedback

Q. How do I coach someone through a negative/ critical 360 report?

A. Coaching someone through difficult feedback requires sensitivity, empathy, and a constructive approach. Help them reflect on the feedback, identify themes rather than fixating on individual comments, and work towards positive, actionable development steps.


Q. What’s the best way to handle defensiveness in 360 feedback coaching?

A. Defensiveness is natural when facing challenging feedback. Acknowledge their feelings, allow time for reflection, and keep the discussion focused on learning. Encourage openness, balance difficult messages with strengths, and move the conversation towards a positive learning and actionable point.



More from '360 Feedback Coaching':
More from '360 Feedback Coaching':

Ensuring 360 Feedback Leads to Lasting Change... this article reveals four practical strategies: manager involvement, stakeholder follow up, environment redesign and shifting others’ perceptions to turn 360 feedback into real, lasting behavioural change.


360 Feedback Coaching: Supporting Participants to Manage Emotional Reactions... this article explores common emotional reactions to 360 feedback such as surprise, defensiveness or pride and offers coaching guidance on how to support participants move from reaction to reflection for growth.

360 Feedback Coaching Guide: How to Coach 360 Feedback Reports Effectively... this guide explores practical techniques to help participants interpret their 360 feedback reports, manage emotional responses, and turn insights into actionable development goals.


Line Manager as 360 Feedback Coach for Line Managers... this guide addresses the delicate role of line managers juggling coach, evaluator and leader and shows practical strategies to handle sensitive 360 feedback conversations, navigate bias and enable lasting improvement.

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