How to Use Feedforward Instead of Asking for Feedback.
Feedforward is a simple twist on feedback. Instead of asking "how did I do?", you ask "what should I try next time?" That small change matters. Feedback looks at the past, which you cannot change, so it often stings and puts you on the defensive. Feedforward looks at the future, which is still wide open. The idea comes from coach Marshall Goldsmith, and it is a skill you can start using today.
Why feedback often backfires
Ask someone "how did that call go?" and you have pointed them at the past. They start judging what you already did. You feel scored, so your guard goes up, and half of you is busy defending instead of listening. Even good feedback can land like a verdict. And because the moment is gone, there is nothing you can actually do about it now. That is why so many feedback chats end with a bruised ego and no real change.
What feedforward does differently
Feedforward flips the question to the future. You pick one thing you want to get better at, and you ask for two ideas to do it better next time. Nobody is grading your past, so nobody feels attacked. You cannot argue with a suggestion about a call that has not happened yet, so you just take the ideas in. People find it easier to give, faster to say, and much easier to hear. Same goal, a lot less sting.
How to do it
Ask about next time, not last time
Name one thing you want to improve, then ask for two ideas to do it better on your next go. Point at the future, not the call you just finished.
I'm working on my discovery. Give me two things to try on my next call to dig deeper.
Just listen and note, do not defend
The ideas are about the future, so there is nothing to argue with. Do not explain what you did last time. Write the suggestions down and let them land.
You jot down both ideas and just say "got it" instead of "well, on that call the buyer was..."
Say thanks and pick one to try
Do not debate or rank the suggestions. Thank them, choose the one idea you will use first, and put it to work on your next call.
Thanks, both are useful. I'll try the second one, asking why now, on my next call.
See the difference
"How did I do on that call?" Your manager lists what went wrong. You feel scored, so you start explaining the buyer's budget and the timing. Ten minutes later you both feel a bit flat, and nothing about your next call has changed.
"I'm working on discovery. Give me two ideas to try next call." Your manager offers two fresh moves. You note them, say thanks, and use one an hour later. No sting, no argument, and your next call is already better.
Same manager, same goal. One question points at a past you cannot fix and puts you on the back foot. The other points at a future you can, so the advice actually gets used.
How you'll know it's working
You have got this when you catch yourself asking for future ideas instead of a past score. Listen to your own questions this week. Did you ask "what should I try next time?" more than "how did I do?" Did you take the suggestions without defending yourself? If yes, you are there. Feedforward is not about dodging hard truths. It is a calmer, faster way to get better, and it keeps your ego out of the way while you do it.
Questions people ask
What is feedforward and how is it different from feedback?
Feedforward is asking for ideas to do something better next time, instead of asking how you did last time. Feedback looks at the past, which you cannot change, so it often feels like a judgement and puts people on the defensive. Feedforward looks at the future, which is still open, so it is easier to give and much easier to hear. The term comes from coach Marshall Goldsmith.
Why does feedforward feel less painful than feedback?
Because nobody is grading a moment that has already happened. When you ask about the future, there is no past mistake on the table to defend, so your guard stays down. You also cannot really argue with a suggestion for a call that has not happened yet, which means you spend your energy taking the idea in rather than pushing back. Same growth, far less sting.
How do I ask for feedforward at work?
Pick one skill you want to improve and ask for two ideas to try next time, not a review of last time. Say something like "I'm working on my discovery, give me two things to try on my next call." Then just listen, note both ideas, thank the person, and use one straight away. Keep it to the future and keep it specific.
Should I use feedforward or feedback?
Use both, but lead with feedforward when you want fast, low-drama improvement. Feedforward is great for getting quick, usable ideas without the defensiveness. Traditional feedback still matters when you need an honest read on a specific thing you did, so you can own it. Many strong sellers ask for feedforward often and take real feedback well when it comes.
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