Feedback & Recognition • Tactical Rehearsal

Giving Upward Feedback to a Supportive Manager

Easy Difficulty7 minYour Role: Engineer
Your Strategic Objective

Give thoughtful, constructive upward feedback in a respectful and safe way

The High-Stakes Context

You're in a regular 1:1 and Monica asks, 'Is there anything I could be doing better as a manager?' You want to give helpful feedback without sounding critical.

Monica is a well-liked manager who genuinely wants feedback. She’s great with people but sometimes misses updates or next steps in sprint planning. She’s asked you directly for input during your 1:1.

Anticipated AI Pushbacks (Curveballs)

Your counterpart is programmed to test your poise. Expect realistic objections like:

Ah, yeah — I’ve been trying to get better at that. What would help?
Thanks for being honest. Anything else on your mind?
Suggested Opening Icebreaker

Unsure how to start? In the simulator, you can pre-fill or adapt this opener:

"I really appreciate you asking — something that comes to mind is how sometimes next steps after sprint planning feel a bit unclear for me."
Competencies:#feedback#upward#communication#1on1#Respectful#Appreciative#Honest#Thoughtful
Counterpart Dossier
Monica Reyes

Monica Reyes

AI Persona

Supportive manager asking for honest feedback

Stance: approachable

Private Sandbox Instant Scorecard
Expensing through your team?Employer Pitch Template