Team development tool

The Feed Forward Facilitation Guide

Marshall Goldsmith's proven alternative to traditional feedback. Future-focused, constructive, and 10x more effective. Stop rehashing the past; start building the future.

Goldsmith

Methodology

4-Step

Process

Team

Facilitation guide

Remote

Compatible

Marshall Goldsmith methodology

Facilitation script included

Download Facilitation Guide

PDF • Script + Worksheets • Instant download

The 4-Step Feed Forward Process

A simple, repeatable process that replaces defensive feedback conversations with forward-looking growth

Step 1: Select Behavior

Choose one specific behavior to improve
Frame it positively (what TO do, not what to stop)
Make it observable and measurable
Ensure it's within the person's control

Step 2: Describe Desired Future

Paint a picture of what success looks like
Use 'imagine if...' language
Connect the behavior to business outcomes
Make it specific enough to visualize

Step 3: Ask for Suggestions

Ask: 'What 2 suggestions do you have for me?'
Request specific, actionable ideas
Encourage creative and unconventional thinking
Gather input from diverse perspectives

Step 4: Listen & Thank

Listen without defending or explaining
Take notes on every suggestion received
Thank each person genuinely
Commit to trying at least one suggestion

Why This Matters Now

Traditional feedback is broken. It focuses on what went wrong in the past, triggers defensiveness, and rarely leads to behavior change. Marshall Goldsmith, the world's #1 executive coach, developed Feed Forward as a future-focused alternative that actually works.

Feed Forward vs. Feedback

• Feedback: "You didn't listen well in that meeting" → Defensive reaction
• Feed Forward: "Imagine being known as the best listener on the team. What 2 suggestions do you have?" → Creative engagement
• Result: 10x more likely to lead to sustained behavior change

This guide includes everything you need to facilitate a Feed Forward session with your team: the facilitator script, participant worksheets, timing guide, and follow-up templates. Run it in 60 minutes and watch your team culture shift.

Want to Transform Your Team Culture?

The guide gives you one exercise. Our Executive Mastermind creates the ongoing peer learning environment where leaders grow together through facilitated sessions, accountability, and shared wisdom.