--- title: How Managers Get Upward Feedback from Their Team description: Fostering a culture of feedback requires managers asking to receive feedback from their teams. Learn ways you can empower your team through feedback. image: https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Upward%20feedback/upward-feedback-two-coworkers.jpg --- Search Toggle Search EN - GB [English US](https://www.betterup.com/blog/upward-feedback) [English GB](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/) [![BetterUp](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/bu_logo_white%201.svg "BetterUp") ![BetterUp](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/bu_logo_black%201.svg "BetterUp") ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb) [![BetterUp](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/bu_logo_white%201.svg "BetterUp") ![BetterUp](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/bu_logo_black%201.svg "BetterUp") ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb) - For Business How it works [ Platform Overview Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/platform) [ Powered by AI BetterUp AI weaves data, science, and coaching to unlock growth at every level. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/powered-by-ai) Products [ BetterUp Lead™ Leadership that moves your business forward. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/products/betterup-lead) [ BetterUp Manage™ Manager performance, unlocked. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/products/betterup-manage) [ BetterUp Ready™ Resilience at every level of your organisation. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/products/betterup-ready) [ BetterUp Grow™ AI coaching for everyone. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/products/betterup-ai-coaching) Solutions [ Sales Performance Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/solutions/sales-coaching) [ Executive Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/solutions/executive-coaching) Customers [ Case Studies See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/customers) [ Why BetterUp? 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Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/roi-of-betterup) - Resources ** ** Resources Library [ Guides & Reports Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/resources) [ Events View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions. ](https://www.betterup.com/resources/events) Blog [ BetterUp Blog The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog) BetterUp Briefing [ BetterUp Briefing The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today. ](https://www.betterup.com/briefing) Research [ BetterUp Labs Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/research) - About ** ** About [ About Us We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/about-us) [ Careers Join us and create impactful change. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/about-us/careers-1) [ News & Press Read the buzz about BetterUp. ](https://www.betterup.com/about-us/news-and-press) [ Leadership Team Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce. ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/about-us/leadership-team) [Request a demo](https://www.betterup.com/demo-request) [ Login ](https://app.betterup.co/users/sign_in) [Blog](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog) > How managers get upward feedback from their team # How managers get upward feedback from their team By [ Madeline Miles ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/author/madeline-miles) X ![Madeline Miles](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/LinkedIn%20photo.jpeg) Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction. July 10, 2024 - 9 MIN READ ![upward-feedback-coworkers-on-laptop](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Upward%20feedback/upward-feedback-two-coworkers.jpg) **Jump to section** ![manager getting feedback on a project from their employee](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Upward%20feedback/upward-feedback-two-coworkers.jpg) **Jump to section** [How to encourage upward feedback](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/upward-feedback#section1) [2 ways to gather honest feedback from employees](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/upward-feedback#section2) [Receiving upward feedback gracefully ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/upward-feedback#section3) How often do your managers get feedback from their direct reports? If they don’t, you should look into changing that to [support their professional development](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/employee-development). It’s important for managers (and everyone else) to regularly receive upward feedback, as they can learn a lot about themselves and their management styles with the feedback they receive. There are always blind spots they might not be aware of, thus getting insights from their direct reports can be useful. Soliciting upward feedback also helps set the example, and encourage the development of a [culture of feedback](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/feedback-culture), [boosting a team’s level of trust](https://www.betterup.com/blog/3-research-backed-ways-to-build-trust). So how can you tell whether you have the best managers you can? Set up leadership reviews to check the pulse of how they’re doing! While individuals may not be used to [giving feedback to their managers](https://www.betterup.com/blog/positive-comments-for-your-boss) about their performance, you can support them in getting started. ## How to encourage upward feedback Sharing upward feedback doesn’t come naturally. It can feel intimidating and threatening for individuals who may [lack the confidence](https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-build-confidence) to speak their mind, or are worried about the consequences of sharing constructive feedback that isn’t well received. The foundation is to [establish psychological safety](https://www.betterup.com/blog/why-psychological-safety-at-work-matters), both company-wide, on a team level, and between managers and their direct reports. Once people feel that they are in a safe environment, they will be more inclined to start sharing their opinions openly. Ideally, you want managers to set the stage so people feel comfortable giving feedback. They can do this by: ### 1. Acknowledging the hesitancy In most cases, this will require them to be direct by telling their team members they [welcome constructive feedback](https://www.betterup.com/blog/constructive-feedback) and appreciate their advice. For example: “I know everyone has blind spots that they are not aware of. We all make mistakes and I am no exception. I’d like to hear feedback from you, whether it be about my managerial skills or work in general.” ### 2. Feedback-seeking behaviour Managers shouldn’t wait for others to spontaneously come and give them feedback, they should be regularly asking for it from their direct reports. They should use this as an opportunity to find out what team members think about a current project, idea, or process, on a regular basis. Holding [regular 1:1 meetings](https://www.betterup.com/blog/one-on-one-meeting) with their direct reports is another way for managers to capture feedback and [show they are listening](https://www.betterup.com/blog/types-of-listening), in a more informal setting. ### 3. Setting a good example Managers should be able to give upward feedback themselves, to their managers or senior leadership depending on the line of reporting. If they are transparent about it with their team, even sharing the difficulties they encounter, this not only sets a good example but should inspire employees to speak up. While [giving feedback](https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-ask-for-and-receive-feedback) to a direct report, managers can also seize the opportunity to ask that person for feedback in return, showing that they are open to receiving tips themselves. Once again, this is an effective way to [stimulate more feedback](https://www.betterup.com/blog/receiving-feedback) sharing across the team. ### 4. Provide options for anonymous feedback Anonymous feedback is powerful when it comes to sharing constructive feedback. Most of us struggle to give this type of feedback [face-to-face](https://www.betterup.com/blog/face-to-face-communication). Even in writing, feedback can prove challenging. For managers to show they are open to opinions and eager to create a culture of feedback, help them by providing employees with an option to share feedback anonymously. You could create a “suggestions box” where people can submit their ideas, or you can use a people enablement platform that can allow people to choose for themselves if they prefer to share feedback anonymously or make it clear who it was from. ![upward-feedback-two-co-workers-on-ipad](https://www.betterup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Upward%20feedback/upward-feedback-two-co-workers-on-ipad.jpg?width=800&name=upward-feedback-two-co-workers-on-ipad.jpg) ## 2 ways to gather honest feedback from employees In order to ensure they are getting honest feedback, here are two tips managers can use. ### 1. Ask for examples When they receive feedback from their direct reports, make sure they ask them to give examples of situations or behaviours they have observed. Examples will help provide more context to managers and make the feedback more actionable. For example, if someone receives feedback saying *“your presentation of the project strategy is excellent."* Here are some follow-up questions: - Can you share some examples of the good points of the presentation? - Which part of the presentation caught your attention the most? - Was it easy for you to follow the presentation at all times? Were there any points when I lost you? - What could I have done better? ### 2. Create a culture of ownership Everyone in the team should feel they have a stake in the success of the company. This means: - [Taking responsibility](https://www.betterup.com/blog/roles-and-responsibilities-why-define-them) for seeking better ways of doing things. It’s every team member’s job to help improve current practises. - Feeling empowered to make one's own judgement about their work and that of others. Consequently, people give feedback when they think that certain procedures need to be discussed. - Not being afraid of mistakes. People are willing to accept constructive criticism and change for the sake of the whole team. ## Receiving upward feedback gracefully Once managers start to receive more upwards feedback, they also have to set the example by receiving feedback well, so that it continues coming their way. Here are four things they should pay attention to when receiving upward feedback. ### 1. Understanding the feedback giver’s interests These can include: - Supporting the development of the manager’s [leadership skills](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/5-key-leadership-behaviors-you-must-have) - Helping their own professional development by improving the relationship - For the larger interests of the team ### 2. Separate WHAT from WHO Take into account the credibility of the idea, not its owner. Managers shouldn’t let personal feelings or preconceptions about the feedback giver cloud their judgement. ![upward-feedback-business-woman](https://www.betterup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Upward%20feedback/upward-feedback-business-woman.jpg?width=800&name=upward-feedback-business-woman.jpg) ### 3. Respect differences Managers are trained to see the big picture while employees usually come from the perspective of their role, which can lead to differences in opinions. Having [a fresh perspective](https://www.betterup.com/blog/member-story-expanding-my-perspective) can be very helpful in many situations. Even if managers disagree with an employee’s perspective, they should respect that they took the initiative to come to them. ### 4. Make a commitment If the person has raised a valid point that can be addressed, managers have a responsibility to commit to an action plan, either for themselves or that involves the whole team. ## In conclusion  Upward feedback is beneficial to managers and their teams. Help managers work towards [establishing trust in their teams](https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-build-trust), so people feel comfortable to share any feedback they might have. The more upward feedback managers receive, the better they will be able to support their teams, as well as work on their own professional development. And in turn, the more you will be able to build a culture of feedback in your organisation.  SHARE THIS ARTICLE [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/upward-feedback](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/upward-feedback) ## About the author ![Madeline Miles](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/LinkedIn%20photo.jpeg) [Madeline Miles](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/author/madeline-miles) Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction. ##### Related Articles [ Explore topic ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog/tag/) ![BetterUp Black Logo](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/bu_logo_black%201.svg) 3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702 142 - 146 Old Street, London England, EC1V 9BW [![Download on the App Store](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/Core%20Redesign/footer/Download_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US-UK_RGB_blk_092917.svg) ](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/betterup/id963755876) [![Get it on Google Play](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/Core%20Redesign/footer/Google_Play_Store_badge_EN.svg) ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.betterup.betterup) - For Business - How it works - [ Platform Overview ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/platform) - [ Powered by AI ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/powered-by-ai) - Products - [ BetterUp Lead™ ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/products/betterup-lead) - [ BetterUp Manage™ ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/products/betterup-manage) - [ BetterUp Ready™ ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/products/betterup-ready) - [ BetterUp Grow™ ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/products/betterup-ai-coaching) - Solutions - [ Sales Performance ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/solutions/sales-coaching) - [ Executive ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/solutions/executive-coaching) - Customers - [ Case Studies ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/customers) - [ Why BetterUp? ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/roi-of-betterup) - Resources - [ Blog ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/blog) - [ BetterUp Labs ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/research) - [ BetterUp Briefing ](https://www.betterup.com/briefing) - [ What is coaching? ](https://www.betterup.com/coachingcoaching) - [ Leadership Training ](https://www.betterup.com/leadership-training) - [ Business Coaching ](https://www.betterup.com/business-coaching) - Company - [ News and Press ](https://www.betterup.com/about-us/news-and-press) - [ Careers ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/about-us/careers-1) - [ Leadership Team ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/about-us/leadership-team) - [ Become a BetterUp Coach ](https://www.betterup.com/en-gb/about-us/become-a-coach) - Contact Us - [ Contact Sales ](https://grow.betterup.com/en-gb/contact-sales) - [ Contact Support ](https://support.betterup.com/hc/en-us) - [ Legal Hub ](https://www.betterup.com/legal-hub) - [ Privacy Policy ](https://www.betterup.com/privacy-policy) - [ Acceptable Use Policy ](https://www.betterup.com/acceptable-use-policy) - [ Trust & Security ](https://www.betterup.com/trust-and-security) - Cookie Preferences - [ Modern Slavery Act Statement ](https://www.betterup.com/hubfs/BetterUp%20Inc.-%20Slavery%20and%20Human%20Trafficking%20Statement%20FY%202026.pdf) © 2026 BetterUp. 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