One of the valuable aspects of our surveys is that we measure behaviors and not traits. In 360 surveys, some providers confuse the two. The difference, however, is what makes the difference between an effective and ineffective 360 Feedback. What is the difference, you may ask? Let us explain.
According to Dictionary.com, behaviors and traits are defined as the following:
Behavior:
1. the manner of conducting oneself
2. anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation
Traits:
1. a distinguishing characteristic or quality, esp. of one's personal nature: bad traits of character.
2. A genetically determined characteristic or condition. Traits may be physical, such as hair color or leaf shape, or they may be behavioral, such as nesting in birds and burrowing in rodents. Traits typically result from the combined action of several genes, although some traits are expressed by a single gene.
The difference between a behavior and a trait is simple: a behavior can be changed; a trait is essentially impossible to change. For example, you may react to certain situations with anger or violence—but that is a learned behavior and can be changed. You are born with certain color eyes; even if you wear colored contacts, your eyes are still naturally the same color as they were when you were born. This is a trait.
We make sure our surveys are validated to measure applicable behaviors that will be coachable. There would be no need for an organization to take the time and money to measure a trait when change is unlikely or impossible. An individual trying to change a trait will become frustrated and may quit working toward their goals. But an individual working to change a behavior? With hard work, a good coach, and the necessary tools, the individual can be successful at changing their behavior for the better—for good.
This butterfly’s traits make it very colorful, but also taste extremely bad to predators.
This child’s angry outbursts and temper tantrums are examples of behavior that needs to be changed.
