Every time you log a catchup, you record a sentiment rating that captures the overall tone of the conversation. Over time, these individual ratings form patterns that can tell you a great deal about how a team member is feeling and whether your support is making a difference.
What Sentiment Ratings Mean
Sentiment is a simple indicator of how the conversation went. It is not a performance score - it reflects the mood and tone of the discussion. A lower sentiment might mean the person is struggling with workload, frustrated with a blocker, or dealing with something outside of work. A higher sentiment suggests things are going well and the person feels supported.
Spotting Trends
The real value of sentiment comes from looking at it over time rather than focusing on a single data point. Here is what to look for:
- Steady or improving sentiment - things are going well. Keep doing what you are doing.
- A single dip - this is normal. Everyone has difficult weeks. Note the context and check in next time.
- A downward trend over several catchups - this is a signal that something needs attention. Look at the catchup notes from this period to understand what might be driving the change.
- Consistently low sentiment - if sentiment stays low across multiple catchups, it is time for a more direct conversation about what is going on and how you can help.
Using Sentiment in Catchups
Sentiment Across Your Team
On the Dashboard you can see sentiment patterns across your entire team. If multiple team members show declining sentiment at the same time, the issue may be systemic - a heavy deadline, organisational change, or team dynamic - rather than individual.
What Sentiment Does Not Tell You
Sentiment is one signal among many. A positive sentiment does not mean there are no problems, and a negative one does not mean the person is unhappy overall. Use it alongside your catchup notes, actions, and your own judgement to build a complete picture.
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