Less Feedback, More Feedforward

The new year often comes with reflections and resolutions, and 2025 is no exception for me. This time, my thoughts have been sparked by the enlightening "Bring Mindfulness to Your Communication" podcast hosted by Matt Abrahams, featuring Marshall Goldsmith as a guest. During the podcast, Goldsmith introduced a concept that resonated deeply with me: the distinction between feedback and feedforward. The essence of this idea is to focus on seeking ideas for the future rather than dwelling on feedback about the past.

As I reflect on this, I’ve started to question the traditional emphasis we place on feedback. For years, we’ve championed the art of gathering, sharing, and receiving feedback. Leaders are trained to deliver it effectively, and employees are encouraged to embrace it as a tool for growth. However, feedback inherently looks backward - it dissects past behaviors, capabilities, or performances. While valuable, I wonder if this backward-looking focus is truly the best way to drive growth and improvement.

Don’t get me wrong—feedback has its merits. But is it always the right focus point? Should our energy go into meticulously structuring and delivering feedback about past actions, or should we shift our gaze to the future and share feedforward ideas instead? Feedforward focuses on opportunities for growth and improvement, offering suggestions for the road ahead rather than critiquing the path already traveled.

One significant advantage of feedforward is its inherently positive and constructive nature. Feedback, even when delivered with care, can often feel like criticism, making people defensive or uncomfortable. This discomfort can create tension between managers and employees, leading to inefficiencies and stalled development. Feedforward, on the other hand, invites collaboration. It’s about investing in someone’s future potential and offering guidance without the baggage of past judgments. It fosters open dialogue and encourages growth without bias or resistance.

As 2025 begins, I’m breathing, reflecting, and rethinking how I communicate. I’m committed to focusing more on feedforward—on shaping future opportunities and creating meaningful conversations that inspire development and progress. This shift isn’t just about improving individual performance; it’s about fostering a culture of growth and collaboration within teams and organizations.

I’m grateful to Matt Abrahams and Marshall Goldsmith for bringing this perspective to light. Their podcast has inspired me to start the year with renewed clarity and purpose. Let’s embrace the future together and make 2025 a year of forward-focused growth. 

If you want to listen to the podcast, you can access the below link:

https://podcasts.apple.com/tr/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques/id1494989268?i=1000679080548