Reflacto

ENDE

Feedforward: Plan the next attempt

Feedforward shifts attention from a past mistake to useful behavior for next time.

  • Focus on the next attempt
  • Suggest behavior, not blame
  • Make progress observable

Feedforward in 3 steps

Feedforward plans the next attempt instead of judging the past. Set the outcome, choose an observable behavior, and define a success signal.

  1. Outcome

    Define what should change next time and how you will recognize success.

  2. Suggestions

    Gather observable options without judging the past.

  3. Next attempt

    Choose one option, use an existing strength, and set a review point.

What Feedforward sounds like

Example for the next sprint planning session:

  1. Outcome

    Sarah can explain her risk fully before the team discusses solutions.

  2. Suggestion

    Let her finish, ask one clarifying question, then summarize the risk in one sentence.

  3. Next attempt

    Use your strength in structuring technical topics quickly. Try it on Tuesday. Success signal: the team confirms the risk list before estimating.

The next attempt becomes observable. Harm or accountability still need a separate conversation.

When this method helps

Use Feedforward when you want to support development and plan the next attempt.

Limits and when to pause

Feedforward must not hide harm, accountability, or recurring patterns. Past facts still matter when they define the problem.

Where Reflacto uses this method

Choose the situation you want to reflect on:

Key benefits

  • Focuses the conversation on behavior that can change
  • Makes advice specific and testable
  • Can reduce defensiveness without hiding accountability

Questions Reflacto asks

Reflacto turns the method into these concrete reflection questions:

  1. 1What is the specific peer feedback situation you need to facilitate?
  2. 2What current behavior or pattern needs to be addressed?
  3. 3What would success look like in the future?
  4. 4What specific, actionable suggestions can help them get there?
  5. 5What existing strengths can they build on?
  6. 6How will progress be measured and tracked?

Common questions about feedforward

What's the difference between feedback and feedforward?

Feedback discusses the past; feedforward plans the next attempt. If harm or accountability must be addressed, feedforward is not enough.

Is this Marshall Goldsmith's feedforward?

Yes. Marshall Goldsmith popularized replacing critique of past behavior with suggestions for future behavior. Reflacto turns that idea into a structured reflection.

When is feedforward the wrong choice?

When consequences, repeated problems, or documentation matter. Address performance or accountability first.

How do I actually phrase it?

Name the behavior and its effect: “In the next planning, let the estimate finish before asking questions so risks surface earlier.”

Origin and Reflacto's adaptation

Marshall Goldsmith introduced Feedforward in a 2002 Leader to Leader article and later expanded it into a book of the same name.

Also known as: Feedforward, feed-forward coaching

What Reflacto changed

Goldsmith’s original exercise is a brief exchange of future-focused suggestions. Reflacto uses six questions and adds strengths and progress measures. These additions are not part of the original exercise.

Primary sources and further reading

Editorially reviewed by Daniel Schmeiß

Last substantive review: August 30, 2026

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