Upward feedback is a process in which employees provide feedback to their managers or supervisors about their leadership style, communication, and overall effectiveness.
Unlike traditional top-down reviews, upward feedback flows from employees to management, helping foster transparency and continuous improvement.
What Is the Purpose of Upward Feedback?
The goal of upward feedback is to give managers direct insights into how their leadership impacts their teams. It helps:
- Highlight strengths and areas for improvement in leadership practices
- Strengthen trust and communication between employees and managers
- Promote a culture of openness and accountability
Upward Feedback vs. 360-Degree Feedback
- Upward Feedback – Limited to input from employees about their supervisors.
- 360-Degree Feedback – Broader in scope, collecting insights from peers, direct reports, supervisors, and sometimes external stakeholders.
In other words, upward feedback is a subset of the more comprehensive 360-degree approach.
How Can Companies Collect Upward Feedback?
Organizations can gather upward feedback through:
- Anonymous surveys and questionnaires
- Part of 360-degree feedback programs
- Structured rating systems or feedback scores
- Open forums or one-on-one sessions (where appropriate)
Best Practices for Upward Feedback
To ensure upward feedback is effective and constructive:
- Ensure anonymity to encourage honesty
- Run feedback regularly (quarterly or bi-annually)
- Offer training on giving and receiving constructive feedback
- Focus on actionable insights that managers can act upon
- Close the loop by sharing actions taken based on the feedback
How Managers Should Respond to Upward Feedback
- Listen actively without becoming defensive
- Reflect on key themes and patterns in the feedback
- Take action by creating clear improvement steps
- Communicate changes so employees see their feedback is valued
- Commit to ongoing improvement by welcoming regular input
Benefits of Upward Feedback
- Leadership development – Gives managers clarity on how their leadership is perceived and how to grow.
- Employee engagement – Employees feel heard and valued, boosting morale and satisfaction.
- Better communication – Opens two-way dialogue, breaking down barriers between managers and teams.
Bottom line: Upward feedback is a powerful tool for leadership growth, team engagement, and building a culture of trust. When implemented thoughtfully, it not only strengthens managers but also enhances organizational performance overall.
