Stop Waiting for Feedback: Master Feed-Forward Instead

A client came to me recently with a valid fear.

She’s stepping into a C-Suite executive role, but she’s haunted by the ghost of her predecessor. 

That predecessor was eventually deemed "not a fit" and let go.

The reason? 

She demanded high performance but didn't cultivate honesty. 

By the time she realized she needed feedback, it was too late. Her team had stopped giving it months prior.

My client asked: "How do I make sure I don't miss the critical feedback I need to survive?"

I told her something that felt counterintuitive:

Stop waiting for feedback. Start mastering feed-forward.

What is Feed-Forward?

In the C-Suite, you can’t sit back and hope your direct reports have the courage to critique you to your face. You have to lead the narrative.

• Feed-Forward is Clarity: It’s explaining exactly how an unpopular but necessary change in policy will create long-term value.

• Feed-Forward is Accountability: It’s explicitly communicating the kind of leadership your team can expect from you—and the standards you will hold yourself to.

• Feed-Forward is Courage: It’s leaning into the tough conversations today to prevent the disasters of tomorrow.

As an executive, you don't step back out of fear. You step forward with intention.

Don't wait for your team to tell you how you're doing. Tell your team where the organization is going, and invite them to build that future with you.

Are you ready to lead with feed-forward?

If you are transitioning into a senior leadership role and want to ensure you are building a culture of genuine clarity and high performance, let’s talk.