Understanding Bar Graphs

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 Responders score representing all responder feedback (excluding Self)

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 Responders

The Combined Responders 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:

1. Identify the competency or question being measured
2. Compare the height (or length) of each bar
3. Look at how scores differ between categories
4. Note the Combined Responders 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 Responders
• 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 see the Subject’s behaviors differently

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.

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.

Important Notes

• Self scores are shown separately and are not included in Combined Responders
• Scores represent averages, not individual responses
• Variation in responses may not be visible in bar graphs alone