Both FidForward and 15Five help teams perform better and stay engaged, but they take different approaches. While FidForward uses AI to make goal-setting and feedback more personal, 15Five focuses on tried-and-true methods like OKRs and structured reviews to keep teams aligned and growing.
Both platforms put their own spin on making performance management easier to use. FidForward’s AI assistant makes the whole experience feel like a natural conversation, guiding you through tasks with helpful prompts and suggestions [1].
15Five takes a more classic approach with its clean, dashboard-style layout [2]. While it might take a bit of time to learn all the features [3], the platform gives managers a great bird’s-eye view of how their team is doing [4].
When it comes to setting and tracking goals, both platforms have something unique to offer. FidForward’s AI assistant acts like a friendly coach, checking in regularly and helping keep goals on track with timely reminders and structured feedback [1].
15Five takes a more structured approach, breaking things down into short-term “priorities” and bigger-picture “objectives” [2]. Their OKR system helps teams set ambitious goals while keeping them measurable and achievable [2]. This clear framework helps everyone understand how their work fits into the bigger picture [3].
The way these platforms handle performance reviews shows their different philosophies. FidForward uses AI to gather insights continuously, turning everyday interactions into valuable data points that inform reviews [1]. This ongoing approach means feedback is always fresh and relevant.
15Five’s Best-Self Review® system lets you run reviews your way, whether that’s self-reviews, manager reviews, or peer feedback [2]. Their Performance Ratings+ feature helps make sense of all this feedback by automatically calculating scores based on review responses [2]. While 15Five sticks to more traditional review cycles, FidForward aims to make the whole process smoother with one-click review generation based on real-time feedback [1].
Let’s break down what each platform brings to the table:
| Feature | FidForward | 15Five |
|---|---|---|
| AI-powered feedback | Smart assistant for ongoing feedback | Performance insights and bias detection |
| Goal setting | AI-suggested goals and tracking | OKR framework with team alignment |
| Performance reviews | Real-time insights | Flexible review cycles |
| Employee engagement | Smart action planning | Weekly check-ins and team pulse |
| Manager support | Data-driven coaching tips | Leadership development tools |
| Integrations | Works with your HR stack | Connects with your daily tools |
| Growth planning | AI-personalized development | Career paths and learning hub |
| Recognition | Built-in praise system | Peer recognition tools |
FidForward uses AI to make feedback more meaningful and frequent [1], while helping create personalized growth plans for each team member [1].
15Five offers a complete toolkit for performance management, from goal setting to manager training [2] [3]. Their weekly check-ins help keep a finger on the team’s pulse [4].
While both platforms help teams grow and succeed, FidForward brings something new to the table. Its AI assistant makes giving and getting feedback feel more natural and forward-looking, focusing on what can be improved rather than dwelling on the past [1] [2]. This creates an environment where people feel safe to innovate and learn [3].
The platform’s AI doesn’t just make feedback more frequent - it makes it more meaningful [4]. By automating the routine parts of performance management, FidForward helps teams focus on what really matters: growing and improving together [5] [6]. While 15Five offers solid traditional features, FidForward’s fresh approach might be just what forward-thinking teams need to build a culture of continuous improvement.
