How to give effective feedback to your manager

1. Choose the right time

There’s a lot that goes into professional feedback. When giving feedback to your manager, it’s important to choose the right time to do so. A one-on-one chat is an appropriate time to give your manager feedback. A performance review is another time that you can bring up feedback to your manager since your manager may play a part in how you perform. Don’t do it during a meeting as you don’t want to waste your teammates’ time or embarrass your boss.

Another aspect to consider is the setting. If possible, deliver your feedback in person to avoid miscommunication. If your manager works in another city or state, a Teams video call is another option.

2. Choose the right words

The way you phrase your thoughts and feelings will have a huge impact on how they are received. When giving feedback to your manager, it’s best to use “I feel” statements rather than “you” statements, which can feel accusatory. For example, saying “I feel like I don’t always have the space to share my ideas during meetings” sounds a lot less accusatory than, “You always interrupt people during meetings.”
Additionally, it’s important to keep the focus on your own observations. Don’t repeat to your boss what other team members have said about them. For example, you can tell your boss, “I feel like your instructions aren’t always clear,” but don’t tell them, “Maria and I have noticed your instructions aren’t always clear.” This could potentially decrease trust with your team and your boss.

3. Use a professional demeanor

Even though you might be upset with your manager, it’s important that you keep your voice level and respectful. Yelling or becoming upset is unprofessional. Give yourself some time for your anger to subside. You can even practice what you want to say to your boss with a close friend or loved one to make sure your delivery is as professional as possible.

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4. Point out the positive

To give constructive feedback, it’s important to also point out what your manager does that’s great. Your feedback shouldn’t feel like an attack. By calling out specific positive behaviors, it will help your manager see what they’re doing well.

5. Offer solutions

Your boss might genuinely have no idea how to improve their performance or behavior. Instead of unloading your complaints on your boss and leaving, present specific ways your boss can improve. This can make you seem both thoughtful and helpful to your boss. For example, instead of saying, “You never do anything to build camaraderie among the team” you could instead say, “I feel distant from a lot of the team. Would it be possible for the team to have monthly lunches?” Creating solutions can help ensure your feedback becomes a reality since your boss now has ideas to work with.

Giving your boss honest and empathetic feedback can potentially help improve both their performance and your own. Discover more tips on how to run a successful workplace, such as how to reduce chronic stress and tips for running a productive meeting at work.