The characteristics widely regarded as essential to effective leadership include communication skills, listening skills, sound judgment, common sense, leadership by positive example, and understanding of the job and the community. Each characteristic can be used to prepare a list of behavioral statements that can be rated by individuals who are both knowledgeable of and affected by the leader's performance. The first step in initiating a multi-rater system is to identify the participants. Next, questionnaires or survey instruments are distributed to subordinates, peers, supervisors, and people outside the agency. Forms are next scored and interpreted; written comments are summarized in a way that protects the evaluators' anonymity. Feedback sessions provided by an agency member or a consultant should take an hour. The process promotes self-insight for police professionals; its candor and specificity increases the probability that individuals will hear what is conveyed and be more motivated to resolve identified issues. However, users should be aware of and avoid potential abuses of the process. Source of further information