Positive feedback for your manager
15 examples of upward feedback. Managers hear little about what they do well, and specific thanks helps them keep doing it.
Managers receive less feedback than the people who report to them. A specific message about what they did and how it helped shows them what to keep doing.
Support and trust
Thank you for supporting me in the meeting with [name]. It meant a lot to me that you spoke up.
Thank you for trusting me to handle [project] by myself. It helped me grow.
You protected the team's time during the busy period. We all noticed.
You treat everyone on the team the same way. It makes this a good place to work.
Clarity and direction
The priorities you set for this quarter are clear. I always know what to work on first.
Thank you for explaining the reasons for the change. It helped me understand it.
When you give me a task, you tell me why it matters. That helps me do it better.
Thank you for saying no to [request]. It kept us focused.
Feedback and development
Your feedback on [task] was specific, and I used it straight away. Thank you.
Thank you for supporting my training on [topic]. I am using what I learned.
Thank you for giving me the chance to present to the leadership team. It was a big step for me.
Our one-to-ones are useful. You listen, and I leave with something to do.
Character
Thank you for being honest with us about the situation. It helped us trust you.
You treat people with respect, even when you disagree.
When the plan went wrong, you said so and took responsibility. It set a good example.
Questions
Is it appropriate to give your manager positive feedback?
Yes. Most managers welcome it, and it tells them what to keep doing.
How do you thank your manager?
Say what they did, how it helped, and thank them. In person or in writing both work.