How to Use Manager Feedback Tools to Enhance Performance

Just like employees, every good manager needs regular feedback. But unlike employees, managers have to find time to get it.

If you’re a manager, there are many things on your plate. You have to manage projects, keep an eye on deadlines, ensure your team is productive, and more.

And if you’re like most managers, you probably don’t have enough time in the day to get everything done that needs doing. But there’s one thing that should always be at the top of your priority list: Getting feedback from your team members.

A recent report showed that managers who received constructive feedback had 8.9% more profitability and 12.5% more productivity than those who didn’t.

It is clear that even for managers, receiving feedback is essential.

Why is Manager Feedback Important?

Manager feedback is important because it helps strengthen the relationship between the manager and the employee. And that’s all every good manager really wants.

Done right, the manager can improve the value of their work, build trust, and enhance employee performance. It also helps employees develop a sense of belonging and recognition for their work. 

Specifically, manager feedback can help you to:

1. Improve your leadership style. 

With the right feedback, you can learn more about your leadership skills and find ways to improve.

Feedback from employees will help you answer critical questions like: “What can I do better? Am I giving enough support?”  You can learn how your team feels about working with you. 

2. Build trust between you and your team members.

Being open to feedback from employees tells them that their opinions are valued. Employees want to be able to speak their minds without being judged, dismissed, or punished. Fostering a workspace where they can do this builds trust and boosts team spirit.

3. Learn about your strengths and weaknesses.

Getting management feedback from employees can give you insight into how they perceive your strengths and weaknesses as a leader. This will help you determine where to intensify efforts when improving your leadership style. You may also find that things you saw as strengths are not useful as you imagined.

What is a Feedback Model?

A feedback model is a tool that fosters concise and specific feedback. 

With the right model, managers and employees can make valuable changes based on specific, actionable steps. Unstructured feedback can be vague. So, feedback models help to specify areas where the manager or employee needs to improve.

Many organizations and individuals have adopted different feedback models. Some of the most popular ones include:

• SBI Feedback Model
• CEDAR Feedback Model
• STAR Feedback Model
• IDEA Feedback Model
• Pendleton Feedback Model
• 360 Degree Feedback Model
• The Sandwich Method
• DESC Feedback Model
• EEC Model

But, What is the Best Feedback Model?

While they all have their perks, ‘they’re not one-size-fits-all. However, when it comes to manager feedback, the EEC model tends to have the most desired effect. Unlike most feedback models, the EEC framework specifically addresses future expectations for the recipient.

EEC means Example, Effect and Change/Continue.

Also known as the AID (Action, Impact and Desired Outcome) model, it is used to achieve both change and continuation. It works for both negative and positive feedback. EEC model does not dwell on the past. Rather, it focuses on future actions. 

To employ the EEC model, start by:

• Giving an example of an action or behavior (good or bad).
• Next, explain the effects of the action on the company or team. 
• Then, mention next steps. Depending on the type of feedback (negative or positive), state what the recipient should change or continue doing. 

Types of Feedback 

The two main types of workplace feedback are:

1. Positive Feedback
2. Negative Feedback

Let’s dig deeper.

Positive Feedback

This is everyone’s favorite because it focuses on commendation.

Positive feedback highlights good things that happened in the past and encourages the receiver to keep it up. Since it is easier to give, it can easily be overused.

The best way to provide positive feedback is to back it up with data and balance it out with negative feedback.

Negative Feedback

This is the hardest to give (and sometimes receive.) It is often mistaken for criticism.

Negative feedback is the most valuable type of feedback that managers and employees can receive. This is because it focuses on things that need improvement (or that need to stop.) Negative feedback helps you work on doing things better,, and this benefits you, your employees, and the company.

Learn more: Constructive ways to give feedback to managers here.

Sources of Feedback for Managers

There are several sources of feedback in the workplace. They include:

• Customers
• Employees
• Managers and Team Leads
• Peers, etc.

For managers, the best sources of feedback are peers and subordinates. Let’s explore them.

1. Feedback from Peers

Feedback received from peers can be very effective. Since they are co-workers handling similar tasks, they understand your job better. When peers praise you or point out lagging aspects of your work, you know that they fully understand your challenges.

Peers are also better positioned to offer a different perspective for whatever situation you are dealing with.

2. Feedback from Subordinates

This is also known as upward feedback. Here, employees or subordinates give feedback about a manager’s performance and leadership style. These can be answers to manager feedback surveys, oral feedback during one-on-one meetings, or anonymous responses to manager feedback questions. 

Whatever the channel, keeping an open mind is the first step to getting meaningful feedback as a manager. The next step is using the right tool.

10 Best Manager Feedback Tools

1. Assembly
2. Sprynkl
3. Zonka Feedback
4. Hi5
5. Alchemer
6. SpiderGap
7. 15Five
8. Survey Sparrow
9. BambooHR
10. Mettl 360 View

1. Assembly

Assembly has over 40 customizable tools that help companies improve their work culture. These tools foster transparency in management, encourage open communication, and promote employee recognition. 

Assembly’s manager feedback template lets you easily create, collect and track feedback. You can also set goals based on the feedback and measure growth and progress over time. Book a demo today to learn how it works. 

Pricing: Starts at $3.50 per member/month.

2. Sprynkl

Sprnkl is a unique 360 feedback platform. It is an internal social media app that helps managers conduct surveys, chat with colleagues and employees and send instant feedback.

With Sprynkl, you can receive constructive feedback from peers and employees - fostering a culture of improvement, communication, and teamwork.

Sprynkl also allows anonymous posts. This enables employees to share their thoughts without fear of judgment. 

Pricing: Free to use.

3. Zonka Feedback

Zonka Feedback is a versatile feedback management tool that lets managers create and share surveys and feedback. It also allows users receive offline feedback.

With this, you can measure essential metrics like employee satisfaction, Net Promoter Score, and Customer Satisfaction Score. It is flexible, easy to use, and has lots of customization options.

Pricing: Starts at $99/month

4. Hi5

With web, desktop, and mobile apps, Hi5 provides recognition and feedback solutions for organizations and teams with web, desktop, and mobile apps. Hi5 is a great option for teams in a fast-paced tech environment. It lets managers set up pulse surveys and performance reviews in minutes. 

Pricing: Starts at $1/person monthly. Free 14-day trial for the Business Plan. 

5. Alchemer

This is a great tool for 360-degree feedback management. Alchemy makes it super easy to create surveys. It also allows you to upload surveys on several platforms. The built-in logic feature makes it easily adaptable to different industries. 

One major downside to this tool is that it is technical and requires training to use. If your team needs an easy-to-use tool, you should go with something else. 

Pricing: Contact Alchemer’s sales team.

6. SpiderGap

Want an intuitive 360 feedback tool for your manager and employee assessment? Try this cloud-based solution. Its distinctive features let you customize questionnaires lets you assess employee performance. You also get customized reports.

It has an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. However, its pricing plans are a bit more expensive than other tools in the market. 

Pricing: Starts at $79/employee.

7. 15Five

This performance management tool offers peer and self-reviews. It also features weekly check-ins, OKRs, and 1:1 meeting agendas. It allows managers control the entire feedback management cycle and perform automated actions like setting alerts for performance assessments and sending reminder emails to employees.

Their survey templates claim to be inspired by psychology to ensure that users get the most effective results.

Pricing: Starts at $7/person per month.

8. Survey Sparrow

Survey Sparrow is arguably one of the best feedback management tools in the market. It offers a personalized performance review experience for users. Its interface enables both conversational forms and chat-like surveys that help keep things lively and modern. 

The best part? Survey Sparrow is free. 

9. BambooHR

BambooHR’s performance management tool aims at helping small to medium businesses streamline their internal HR processes. As part of their all-in-one HR software solution, this tool integrates self-assessments and manager feedback with individual and organizational goals.

Pricing: Available on request.

10. Mettl 360 View

Mettl 360 View goes beyond the feedback management solution. It is effective for identifying high-potential individuals in your company who display extraordinary leadership and agile development skills. 

Mettl is a crowd favorite because it simplifies the feedback management process and generates useful results. This tool also uses survey responses to find employee weaknesses and suggest solutions such as training materials.

Pricing: Get a quote from Mettl Team

The Right Manager Feedback Tool For Your Team

Achieving your goals of being an excellent leader starts with receiving feedback from peers and team members, and taking action where necessary.

Reimagine your performance management process with Assembly’s manager feedback template. Book a demo now to get started.