How Are Blind Spots and Hidden Strengths Calculated in a 360° Feedback Report?

In a 360° feedback report, blind spots and hidden strengths are identified by comparing two key perspectives:

• Self rating – the score given by the individual being evaluated.
• All without Self rating – the average score from everyone else (e.g., peers, direct reports, and managers), excluding the self-evaluation.

These two averages are compared to identify significant perception gaps.

What Counts as a Significant Gap?

A gap is considered significant when the difference between the “Self” rating and the “All without Self” rating is greater than one-third (⅓) of the total number of points in the rating scale used in the questionnaire.

Examples:

If your rating scale is 1 to 6, the total range is 6 points.

• One-third of this range equals 2 points (⅓ × 6 = 2).
• Therefore, any difference greater than 2 will be highlighted.

If your rating scale is 1 to 5, the total range is 5 points.

• One-third of this range equals approximately 1.67 points (⅓ × 5 ≈ 1.67).
• Therefore, any difference greater than 1.67 will be highlighted.

Understanding Blind Spots and Hidden Strengths

Blind Spot: When the Self rating is significantly higher than others’ ratings (the person perceives themselves more positively than others do).

Hidden Strength: When the Self rating is significantly lower than others’ ratings (the person underestimates their own strengths).

The report visually highlights these gaps to make them easier to identify — typically showing blind spots in one color (e.g., orange) and hidden strengths in another (e.g., green), as shown in the example charts.