How do I give feedback to my manager?

Congratulations on having what seems like an incredible manager! Of course, sharing honest, constructive feedback is really important in a relationship, but there's nothing wrong with only having positive things to say. Tell them your kind words in your next 1 on 1!

If you really want to go above and beyond, you can check out this video on how to give deeper thanks for some ideas.

All this being said, this is fairly normal for someone new. It will generally take time for you to deeply understand them enough to share feedback on how they can get better. In the meantime, just appreciate the fact that this person really seems to be putting their best foot forward. I have worked with a lot of new folks come in like a wrecking ball and ruin everything. 😅

I assume you're a software engineer, so I recommend watching our masterclass on what SWEs should look for in their engineering manager as well.

Feedback is a gift for anyone you work with. It's a gift that needs care and thought.

You should have the correct stage set for the feedback. It would be best if you did not do it in haste and in the middle of another conversation.

Also, it is recommended to ask for permission to provide feedback. If there is no permission to share the feedback, then your gift will not land correctly and will be returned.

In your 1:1 conversation, start by asking the manager, "can I share some feedback to you"? On their agreement, share what you have to share with them. Give examples for any point you share to make sure that this feedback lands as genuine and with a grounding. Feedback without an example would sound groundless.

Positive feedback will help the manager recognize it if they don't know about it and do more of it.

Good work in thinking about it and helping your manager grow.

A few more tactics in addition to the great answers already:

• Ask your manager what their goals are in the coming 6 months. What are they most nervous about? This can be an opportunity for you to comment on those areas in particular, or observe those going forward.
• Have you had other managers in the past, either at this company or other companies? One way to provide "feedback" is to share observations about what your other managers did that you found helpful (or not).