Bar graphs are used throughout Subject and Group Reports to visually display feedback results.
They provide a quick way to compare scores across responder categories, competencies, and questions.
Understanding how to read these graphs is essential for interpreting feedback accurately.
What Bar Graphs Show
Bar graphs display:
- Average scores for each question or competency
- Results broken down by responder category (e.g., Manager, Peers, Direct Reports, Self)
- A Combined score representing all responder feedback (excluding Self where applicable)
Each bar represents how a group of responders rated a specific behavior or competency.
Understanding the Categories
Each color or bar represents a different responder group.
Common categories include:
- Manager
- Peers
- Direct Reports
- Others (if applicable)
- Self
Combined Score
The Combined score represents the average of all responder categories (excluding Self).
This is typically the most reliable overall indicator of how the subject is perceived.
How to Read a Bar Graph
When reviewing a chart:
- Identify the competency or question being measured
- Compare the height (or length) of each bar
- Look at how scores differ between categories
- Note the Combined score as the overall benchmark
This allows you to quickly see both overall performance and differences in perception.
Comparing Categories
Bar graphs make it easy to compare how different groups view the same behavior.
Look for:
- Alignment – similar scores across categories
- Differences – one group rating higher or lower than others
Differences may indicate that behavior is experienced differently depending on the relationship.
Understanding Gaps
Gaps occur when there is a difference between:
- Self vs Combined
- One responder category vs another
These gaps can reveal:
- Blind spots – Self rating higher than others
- Hidden strengths – Others rating higher than Self
- Inconsistent experiences – Different groups seeing different behaviors
Gaps are often more insightful than the scores themselves.
Interpreting Scores
When interpreting scores:
- Focus on patterns across multiple questions, not a single result
- Look for consistently high or low areas
- Consider how different categories align or differ
Avoid overinterpreting small differences.
What High and Low Scores Mean
- Higher scores generally indicate stronger performance in a behavior or competency
- Lower scores suggest opportunities for development
However, scores should always be interpreted in context, including:
- Variation across categories
- Written comments
- Overall patterns
Common Misinterpretations
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Focusing on a single score instead of overall patterns
- Assuming small differences are meaningful
- Ignoring differences between responder categories
- Treating scores as absolute rather than perceptions
Bar graphs represent how behaviors are perceived, not objective measures.
Tips for Using Bar Graphs
- Use Combined scores for an overall view
- Compare categories to understand different perspectives
- Look for patterns across multiple competencies
- Use comments to add context to the data
Important Notes
- Self scores are shown separately and are not included in Combined results
- Scores represent averages, not individual responses
- Variation in responses may not be visible in bar graphs alone
