I posted a wee while ago and got a load of useful replies here: http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/self-help-soft-skills-and-tony-robbins
For which, thank you.
I've come up with a daft idea that I think I need to be talked out of - I'm trying to figure out where my strengths and passions lie to get my career back on track. Over the years I've had very, very few appraisals or performance reviews as they are just not the done thing in my industry.
I'm thinking of building a Google doc and emailing more or less everyone I've ever worked with (bosses and staff) to collect feedback on what they think of me - all anonymously. Doubtless it could be a brusing experience, but the idea of that 360 degree feedback seems interesting.
How bad an idea is this?
Man you sound like such a try hard!
Complete waste of effort IMO.
Have you tried a performance coach? They should be able to work with you to help you figure out areas of strength etc (disclaimer - I am a qualified coach). Will cost you a few pounds, but probably be better than the approach you suggest.
Most 360 appraisal systems work best because they are anonymous - people can then give honest feedback (and that is not always true even then). the way you describe it I think most people wouldn't reply, and those that did would be polite, rather than honest.
Have you tried just sitting down in a quiet corner and having a word with yourself? Self-criticism is not a skill that you can learn by hearing what other people think about you.