What is a feedback cycle?
A feedback cycle is a structured review round where selected participants give and receive feedback on defined competencies within a set timeline. Think of it as a managed performance review event.
Cycle structure
Each cycle has:
| Element | Description |
|---|
| Title & description | Name and purpose of the cycle |
| Participants | The people being reviewed (reviewees) |
| Managers | Managers assigned to review participants |
| Co-editors | Additional people who can manage the cycle |
| Questions | Competencies and open-ended questions used in the review |
| Rating scale | The scoring system (e.g. 1–5 with labeled descriptions) |
| Scope | Which review types are included (self, peers, manager) |
| Timeline | Start date, deadline, and close date |
Cycle lifecycle
| Phase | What happens |
|---|
| Setup | Admin creates the cycle, adds participants, selects competencies, sets dates and scope |
| Kickoff | Admin triggers the cycle start — participants receive notifications with their feedback tasks |
| In Progress | Participants complete their self-reviews, peer reviews, and manager reviews before the deadline |
| Closed | Admin ends the cycle — all results are locked |
| Results revealed | Admin reveals results to individual reviewees |
Review scope
Admins configure which types of reviews are included:
| Type | Who reviews | Notes |
|---|
| Self | The reviewee themselves | Self-assessment against competencies |
| Peers | Selected colleagues | Admin sets min/max peer count |
| Manager | Direct manager | Automatically included based on org structure |
| Additional managers | Other managers | Optional — for cross-functional reviews |
For cycle managers and co-editors
If you’re a cycle manager or co-editor, you can:
- Track progress — see who has submitted and who hasn’t in the Current Status tab
- Send reminders — nudge reviewers who haven’t completed their feedback
- Match peers — assign peer reviewers to participants
- End the cycle — close it and lock all results
- Reveal results — choose when each reviewee can see their feedback
Access your managed cycles at Reviews → Manage Cycles.
Competencies in cycles
Each cycle uses competencies from your organization’s competency framework. Admins select which competencies are included and can configure different questions for each review type (self, peer, manager).
The rating scale applies consistently across all competencies in the cycle. Admins can enable an N/A option so reviewers can skip competencies that don’t apply. Last modified on March 26, 2026
