Feedback and Feedforward – Catalysts for Growth I owe much of my professional development to colleagues and mentors whose feedback not only shaped my perspective but also helped me grow as a person and as a professional. Their observations, encouragement, and even difficult conversations became stepping stones in my journey—reminding that growth is never a solo pursuit, it’s a shared process. Early in my career, I saw feedback as just a “tick in the box.” Something to acknowledge and move on from. Over time, I realised its deeper value—not as a judgment, but insight. When embraced with openness, feedback transforms behaviour, nurtures confidence, and accelerates growth along with the accompanying experience. Still, both giving and receiving feedback seem uneasy tasks. Why? Because feedback disrupts our inner balance. As human beings, we crave consistency between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Feedback unsettles that harmony, often triggering denial or defensiveness. It’s easier to protect the self-image we’ve built than to acknowledge the gaps that still exist. I’ve been there too—seeking validation instead of introspection. But experience taught me something important: discomfort is not a sign of weakness; it’s a signal to grow. The unease is natural, but the transformation begins only when we pause, reflect, and act on it. The challenge lies in how our brain processes feedback. A simple “You need to improve” can sound like “You’re not good enough,” sparking a fight-or-flight response. High performers, especially struggle with this—past success often becomes a shield that blocks new wisdom. Achievement creates comfort zones and breaking them requires humility and courage. Confusion is another barrier. Feedback often mixes with style critique, leaving us unsure of what really needs to change. Without clarity, it can feel contradictory and paralyzing. But when feedback is separated, contextualized, and delivered with intent, it becomes clear and actionable. Clarity is the bridge between reflection and execution. Good feedback leaves a residue- an impact with few questions for people to ponder and act upon. As we reframe the lens, feedback evolves - from critique to opportunity, from self-protection to self-improvement. It becomes less about who we are today and more about who we have the potential to become. That perspective shift is what turns feedback into fuel. And here lies the power of feedforward—taking insights from feedback and applying them to the future. Feedforward shifts the focus from “what went wrong” to “what can go right.” The real transformation happens when we stop asking “Why me?” and start asking “What if this idea is the one to propel my next leap of growth?” Feedback plants the seed. Feedforward helps it grow. Together, they become catalysts for continuous learning and limitless possibilities !
Brilliantly captured..! Feedback is the mirror of today, feedforward is the roadmap to tomorrow. Leaders who embrace both don’t just improve, they reinvent themselves continuously. True growth begins where comfort ends.
Brilliant reflection Sir! You capture so well how feedback----when truly welcomed----becomes the launchpad for meaningful growth, both personally and for teams. In my experience, the most effective leaders transform feedback from a formal event into an ongoing conversation; they see it as fuel for progress, not just a checkbox. When we move past the discomfort and lean into the “what’s next,” teams unlock new possibilities. It’s inspiring to see more leaders making feedforward a daily ritual, not just an annual process. Imagine what’s possible if every team saw feedback as a shared tool for collective advancement.
Director & CIO - XForm Learning Pvt Ltd | Business Transformation Expert | Sales Leader | Angel Investor I Harrison Certified Assessor
6dAmit Singhal Brilliantly articulated! Feedback grounds us in reality, while feedforward pushes us toward possibility. The real growth happens when we stop defending and start leaning . How can feedback be shared in a way that people use it, not resist it?