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Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, one of the Top Ten Business Thinkers in the World, the top-rated executive coach and best-selling author, wrote about the concept of “feedforward.”
Feedforward is basically the same as feedback, except there is a shift in mindset for both the giver and the receiver. Feedback is focused on the past while feedforward is focused on growth for the future. When we’re focused on growth, the act of sharing feedforward is a more positive experience for everyone.
Think about a time you had to give someone feedback. Notice what you feel when you think about that situation. Maybe the word feedback brings up certain feelings like anxiety and fear. Perhaps you assumed the conversation would be difficult simply because you felt you had to provide some feedback.
The following chart provides some reasons why feedforward can feel more constructive than feedback:
Because sharing feedforward is a much more positive experience, people are more likely to listen and consider what you’ve shared with them.
This doesn’t mean feedback is not useful and we should abandon it altogether. Leaders still have to hold people accountable but feedforward can support leaders to enhance communication with their teams and build trust.
Register for the next cohort of the Women In Leadership Development Program starting in September 2023 at www.womeninleadership.ca.