Feedforward

Method Monday: Feedforward – Looking Ahead for Growth and Trust

Feedback is an essential part of any development process (see also my related blog post...) – and yet, there are moments when looking ahead can be more helpful than looking back.

That’s where Feedforward comes in – a method developed by Marshall Goldsmith that helps people actively direct their potential toward the future. It’s not the opposite of feedback but rather a valuable complement – solution-oriented, inspiring, and forward-looking.

Feedforward invites us to move away from analyzing the past and instead gather ideas for future behavior – a perspective shift that brings motivation and ease to personal and professional growth.

What Is the Feedforward Method?

Feedforward means consciously focusing on what’s possible rather than on what was. Instead of giving evaluations or comments about the past, people receive specific suggestions on how they can act or communicate differently in the future to achieve their goals.

Marshall Goldsmith describes Feedforward as “communication that moves forward.” It opens space for learning, growth, and collaboration – and often makes development lighter, more constructive, and more joyful.

How Feedforward Works

The structure of the method is simple and can be applied in various contexts – in coaching, teams, or workshops. While the format may vary, the goal is always the same: to collect impulses and ideas for future behavior. Here some important steps:

• Choose a focus:

  The person identifies a behavior or topic they want to improve. Example: “I want to communicate more clearly in meetings" or "we want to improve our team collaboration".

• Ask for feedforward:

  Others provide 2–3 concrete ideas for future action. No looking back, no evaluation – just inspiration for the next step.

• Listen and receive: The person listens attentively and says “thank you” – without discussing or judging the input.

• Reflect:

  Finally, they reflect: Which suggestions were helpful? What do I want to try out?

  
  

This simple structure forms the basis – whether used in individual coaching or in a team setting.

Application in Individual Coaching

In coaching, I use Feedforward when the focus is on personal development. Together with the client, we choose a topic or situation they would like to approach differently in the future. I might ask, for example: “Which situation would you like to handle differently next time?”

Then we collect specific ideas – either in dialogue with me as the coach or through feedback from others (e.g., colleagues). The result: clarity, motivation, and a forward-looking mindset.

Feedforward is especially helpful in coaching when:

• people want to develop without falling into self-criticism,

• leaders want to reflect on their impact, or

• teams want to grow together.

  
  

Application in Teams

In team workshops, I use Feedforward as a shared reflection and development tool – with a focus on collaboration and communication.

A proven approach is to work with two guiding questions:

1️⃣ What do I value about our teamwork?

2️⃣ What do I wish for the future – what do we need for a trusting collaboration? How do we handle challenges together?

This combination of appreciation and future orientation creates a space where teams can speak openly – without blame or criticism. The goal is to recognize together: What’s already working well? And how can we strengthen our collaboration even more?

Why Feedforward Is So Effective

Marshall Goldsmith names eleven reasons why Feedforward is often experienced so positively in practice.Here are some of the key success factors:

• It directs attention toward the future – we can’t change the past, but we can shape what comes next.

• It encourages learning and openness because it avoids judgment.

• It reduces defensiveness and justification – and increases the willingness to truly listen.

• It strengthens connection and collaboration, because it shares ideas instead of opinions.

Feedforward doesn’t just change conversations – it transforms entire communication cultures toward trust, inspiration, and forward momentum.

Who Can Benefit from Feedforward?

• Leaders who want to create more solution-oriented conversations

• Teams that want to strengthen each other and learn together

• Coaches and trainers who want to open up new spaces for development

• Organizations that aim to build a positive feedback and learning culture

  
  

Conclusion

Feedforward is an invitation to think ahead – with courage, curiosity, and openness. It complements feedback without replacing it and gives every development process a forward-looking energy. Those who communicate this way foster trust, motivation, and genuine growth.

💫 Would you like to experience Feedforward in practice – in your team, organization, or leadership context? I’d be happy to support you through coaching, workshops, or leadership trainings that bring movement into change.

Learn more at www.johannawegner.de/en or let’s connect for a personal conversation.

Yours,

Johanna