Wikipedia struggles too

Wikipedia defines 360 degree feedback as follows:-

In human resources, 360-degree feedback is employee development feedback that comes from all around the employee. The feedback would come from subordinates, peers and managers in the organizational hierarchy, as well as a self-assessment, and in some cases external sources such as customers and suppliers or other interested stakeholders. ("360" refers to the 360 degrees in a circle.)

Also known as multi-rater feedback', 'multisource feedback', 'multisource assessment'.

Compare to upward feedback where managers are given feedback by their direct reports, or a traditional performance appraisal where the employees are most often reviewed only by their manager.

The truth is that it's a difficult concept to explain in a few short sentences and it's something that I struggle with when trying to explain my 360 degree feedback site to people I've just met.

It then goes on to say:-

The results from 360-degree feedback are often used by the person receiving the feedback to plan their training and development. The results are also used by some organizations for making promotional or pay decisions, which is sometimes called 360-degree review.

Hmmm..... their reasons for doing it seem about right. But I'm still trying to find ways of getting more people to understand - and more importantly - buy it off my site. Some people seem to understand it without further explanation, others don't seem to get it no matter how hard you try.

Any ideas anyone?