Friday, December 5, 2014
What is it?
In October, the Army launched the Commander 360 (CDR360) program, a new assessment for battalion and brigade commanders in which they receive feedback from leaders, peers, and subordinates throughout their organization. It is a leader development program within the Army’s Multi-Source Assessment and Feedback (MSAF) suite of tools.
Designed specifically for Centralized Selection List (CSL) lieutenant colonels and colonels, the intent of CDR360 is to leverage 360-degree assessment feedback to enhance leadership growth and to increase rater involvement in the development process. Active and reserve component civilians and NCOs, as well as those from other services, may participate as assessors. The multi source feedback produces useful insights about the commander that the rater and commander are not likely to come by on their own. Only the commander and his or her current rater have access to the CDR360 report.
Why is this important to the Army?
The CDR 360 program promotes lifelong learning and is a key component in the Army’s deliberate, continuous, and progressive process of leader development. It is another way to encourage greater leader-to-leader development across the Army by increasing rater involvement in multi-source assessments. The CDR360 program focuses on battalion- and brigade-level commanders because they represent a critical role as organizational leaders and key drivers of change for the Army.
What has the Army done?
CDR360 was pilot tested from April to July 2013 and received favorable reviews from participating commanders and raters for its impact and utility for the commander’s development. Raters who participated in the pilot said the instrument provided detailed assessment of commander’s performance from otherwise uncertain perspectives, especially subordinates and peers.
Following that successful pilot, the next phase in implementing the CDR360 was conducted in Spring and Summer 2014 with 24 active component commanders using the final version of the program.
What efforts does the Army plan to continue in the future?
Effective October 2014, approximately 1,200 CSL Lt. Col.- and Col.-level commanders in the active components are required to participate in two CDR360 events during the course of their command tenure the first within three to six months of assuming command and the second between 15-18 months of command. Each event includes a 360-degree assessment as well as a mandatory developmental discussion between the commander and his or her current rater.
A similar phased fielding is planned for October 2015 for the nearly 2,400 Reserve component commanders.
Resources:
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.