Upward Feedback Questions for Direct Reports

15 ready-to-use questions, example comments and tips — plus a free tool that runs the survey and writes the AI report for you.

Upward feedback — direct reports evaluating their manager — is the most honest mirror a manager can get, and the hardest to ask for. These questions focus on observable behaviour so team members can answer safely and specifically.

Use these questions in a free 360 →

Support

  1. My manager makes time for me when I need help.
  2. My manager removes obstacles that slow the team down.
  3. My manager cares about my wellbeing, not only my output.
  4. My manager backs the team up in front of others.

Clarity

  1. I understand what is expected of me and how success is measured.
  2. My manager explains the reasons behind decisions.
  3. I receive feedback on my work regularly, not only at review time.
  4. Priorities stay stable long enough for me to deliver.

Fairness and growth

  1. Work and opportunities are shared fairly across the team.
  2. My manager recognises good work publicly and specifically.
  3. I have had a real conversation about my career in the last 6 months.
  4. My manager gives me work that helps me grow.

Open-ended questions

  1. What does your manager do that helps you most?
  2. What could your manager do differently to help you do your best work?
  3. If you could change one thing about how the team is managed, what would it be?

Example feedback comments

Good comments are specific, describe behaviour rather than personality, and explain the impact. A few examples:

Not sure your feedback is fair and specific? Paste it into our free feedback bias checker.

Tips for a useful 360

  • Use statements with an agree/disagree scale — they feel safer for direct reports than open questions.
  • Only share results when at least 3 direct reports have answered, to protect anonymity.
  • Thank the team and share 1–2 concrete changes you will make. It doubles response rates next time.

Frequently asked questions

Is upward feedback really anonymous?

It should be. In AI360Feedback reviewers answer by link without an account, and their answers are combined into one report with comments that are not attributed to anyone.

How do I ask my team for upward feedback?

Tell them why you want it, how it will be used, and that answers are anonymous. Then send the link and set a short deadline of 1–2 weeks.

Run this 360 for free in 5 minutes

Answer your self-assessment and get an instant AI report. Then invite colleagues by link — no accounts, anonymous by default.

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More 360 feedback questions