Sentiment tracking helps you monitor the overall tone of your one-to-one conversations over time, giving you an early warning system for team wellbeing.
How Sentiment Works
Each time you log a catchup, you assign a sentiment rating. This is not a performance score for the team member. Instead, it captures the general feeling of the conversation. Was it positive and productive? Neutral and routine? Or was there tension, frustration, or concern?
The rating scale uses a simple set of options ranging from very negative to very positive. Choose the one that best reflects the overall mood of the discussion.
What to Consider When Rating
Think about the conversation as a whole rather than focusing on a single comment. Consider:
- Was the team member engaged and positive, or withdrawn and frustrated?
- Were there unresolved concerns or blockers?
- Did the conversation feel productive, or was it strained?
- Were there signs of stress, low morale, or disengagement?
Viewing Sentiment Trends
Over time, Manager Toolkit builds a sentiment history for each team member. You can view this as a trend on their profile. The trend line shows how sentiment has changed across recent catchups.
This is particularly useful for spotting gradual shifts. A single negative catchup is normal, but a sustained downward trend may indicate a deeper issue that needs attention, such as burnout, role dissatisfaction, or interpersonal conflict.
Using Sentiment Data
Sentiment trends are most valuable when reviewed regularly. During your weekly planning, glance at the Sentiment Over Time panel on the Catchups page, or open a team member's profile to see their sentiment line, and check whether any trend is moving in a concerning direction.
If you notice a downward trend, consider scheduling an additional catchup or adjusting the focus of your next conversation. Sometimes simply acknowledging that recent discussions have felt difficult can open the door to a more honest exchange.
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