Discover how the powerful feed-forward approach, a key component of our discovery phase, enables leaders to gain valuable insights and strengthen key relationships.
The most effective leaders aren’t just great at giving feedback; they excel at asking for feed-forward.
Unlike traditional feedback, which focuses on past performance, feed-forward is purely about getting actionable ideas for the future. It’s an essential element of our Discovery Sessions and a core part of the Marshall Goldsmith coaching process. It’s also a compelling way of getting valuable suggestions, making it invaluable for any coaching program.
Why Feed-forward Is Your Most Powerful Tool 🛠️
The power of feed-forward lies in its dual purpose:
- Information Gathering: You gain genuine, forward-looking insights from people who know you. By asking for their ideas, you unlock new perspectives on how to improve in a specific area.
- Building and Strengthening Relationships: The act of asking for help and truly listening builds trust and respect. It’s a humble gesture that shows you value others’ opinions, which can transform even challenging relationships into more helpful ones.
Because feed-forward is focused on the future, it removes the negative sting of criticism often associated with looking back. This allows for a more open and honest exchange.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Feed-forward Session
The goal is to get straight, honest input from your stakeholders. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Choose a Clear Focus: Decide on one specific area you want to improve, such as your coaching or leadership skills.
- Select Your Stakeholders: Choose 3-6 individuals who are invested in your success. You can broaden this group as you get more comfortable with the process.
- Make a Sincere Request: Ask for 10-15 minutes of their time. Be direct and honest, for example: “I’m investing in a development programme to take my leadership to the next level. I respect your judgment and would like your input.”
- Ask the Question: Pose a simple, future-focused question like, “If you were me and taking this program, what would be the top two elements you would focus on?” Then, listen without interruption.
- Listen and Thank: Write down their suggestions using their words. Your thanks are for their honesty and time, not for the quality of their ideas. You can evaluate their suggestions later with your coach.
- Follow Up: Let them know what you will do. This demonstrates that their input was valuable and reinforces the relationship.
Remember the key steps in the Marshall Goldsmith process: Ask, listen, thank, think, respond, change, follow up.
Key resources: Marshall Goldsmith and the Society of NLP, SNLP
What You Learn: The Skills Gained
The true magic of the feed-forward process is in the skills you develop just by doing it. Clients consistently report gaining a range of transformative abilities:
- Active Listening: You learn to listen without judgment, focusing on understanding rather than formulating a reply.
- Open-mindedness: You become more receptive to new ideas and suggestions, fostering a mindset of growth and innovation.
- Self-awareness: Seeking feedback increases your awareness of your areas for improvement and the impact of your behaviour on others.
- Prioritisation: You learn to identify and prioritise the key behaviours that will have the most significant impact on your goals.
By engaging in feed-forward, you’re not just getting ideas; you’re fundamentally changing how you grow and connect with others.
Other Discovery Options
See our full range of Leadership and NLP Discovery Options.
About the Author
Michael Beale provides 1:1 NLP training and globally recognised MGSCC leadership and team coaching to unlock clarity, influence, and sustainable success. Read more about Michael and his expertise here: Michael Beale’s Bio.
Develop the Essential Skills for Senior Executives, Entrepreneurs and Young Ambitious Professionals:
A significant next step is our 1:1 NLP Practitioner training. For those genuinely interested, we offer a free three-session discovery phase. You can see our full range of NLP Training and Coaching Programmes.
Contact Michael:
You can contact Michael by booking a 30-minute video call in his online diary to explore whether these sessions would benefit you.
