Feedforward: The Future-Focused Secret to Continuous Improvement

Why Looking Ahead Beats Dwelling on the Past

Feedback is essential, but it can also be fraught with negativity. Enter feedforward: Marshall Goldsmith’s future-focused alternative that replaces blame with possibility. Instead of dissecting past mistakes, feedforward asks, ‘What can I do better next time?’

Feedforward is inclusive—anyone can offer suggestions, regardless of rank or experience. It’s positive, actionable, and energizing. Teams that practice feedforward report higher morale, more innovation, and faster growth.



To use feedforward, simply ask for one suggestion for future improvement, listen, and thank the giver. No debate, no defensiveness. The result? A culture where improvement is ongoing and everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Feedforward is more than a technique—it’s a mindset that says, ‘The future is unwritten, and together we can shape it.’

References: Goldsmith, M.; Book Summaries; Amazon Insights.