The Feedback Fix: Dump the Past, Embrace the Future, and Lead the Way to Change

The Feedback Fix: Dump the Past, Embrace the Future, and Lead the Way to Change by Joe Hirsch is a thought-provoking book that challenges traditional approaches to feedback and offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can create a culture of effective feedback in the workplace. Hirsch, an expert in organisational culture and leadership development, presents a compelling case for reimagining feedback as a forward-looking tool that inspires growth and drives positive change.

The book begins by highlighting the flaws of traditional feedback methods that focus on past performance and critique. Hirsch argues that this approach often leads to defensiveness, disengagement, and demotivation. Instead, he proposes a shift towards future-focused feedback, which emphasises the development of skills and capabilities that individuals need to thrive in the evolving work landscape.

Hirsch introduces the concept of "feedforward" as an alternative to traditional feedback. Feedforward involves guiding individuals towards future success by offering insights, suggestions, and resources that enable them to develop new competencies and achieve their goals. The author presents compelling research and real-world examples to demonstrate the power of feedforward in creating a positive and forward-thinking feedback culture.

"The Feedback Fix" provides practical strategies and techniques for leaders to implement feedforward effectively. Hirsch suggests starting with a foundation of trust, creating an environment where individuals feel safe and supported in their growth. He highlights the importance of clarity and specificity in providing feedforward, ensuring that it is actionable and relevant to the individual's goals and aspirations.

The book also addresses the role of technology in enhancing feedback practices. Hirsch explores the use of digital tools and platforms that facilitate ongoing feedback exchanges and encourage collaboration and continuous learning. He explores the need for leaders to embrace technology as an enabler of feedback and to leverage it to create a feedback-rich environment.

Furthermore, Hirsch acknowledges the challenges that leaders may face in implementing feedforward and addresses common concerns and resistance. He provides guidance on overcoming resistance, managing difficult conversations, and developing the skills needed to deliver feedforward effectively. The book highlights the importance of empathy, active listening, and creating a supportive environment where feedback is seen as a positive opportunity for growth and development.

In summary, "The Feedback Fix" challenges traditional feedback practices and provides a roadmap for leaders to adopt a future-focused approach to feedback. By embracing feedforward, leaders can empower individuals to envision and achieve their future potential. The book offers actionable strategies, practical tips, and real-world examples to guide leaders in creating a culture that values feedback as a catalyst for growth and positive change.

Hirsch's insights and perspectives offer a fresh and innovative approach to feedback that aligns with the needs of the modern workplace. By embracing the principles outlined in "The Feedback Fix," leaders can transform feedback from a source of anxiety and criticism to a powerful tool that inspires individuals, accelerates development, and drives organisational success.

The key takeaways from this book

1. Shift from feedback to feedforward: The book highlights the importance of moving away from traditional feedback, which often focuses on past mistakes and shortcomings, and shifting towards a feedforward approach. Feedforward focuses on future growth and development, offering insights, suggestions, and resources that help individuals achieve their goals and acquire new skills.
2. Create a culture of trust and support: The author shares the significance of building a foundation of trust and psychological safety within the organisation. When individuals feel safe to take risks and share their aspirations, leaders can provide more meaningful feedforward that inspires growth and positive change.
3. Make feedforward actionable and relevant: Effective feedforward is specific, actionable, and tailored to an individual's goals and aspirations. The book provides guidance on how to offer feedforward that is relevant and helps individuals develop the skills they need to succeed in the future. By aligning feedforward with personal goals, leaders can enhance engagement and motivation.
4. Leverage technology for feedback: "The Feedback Fix" acknowledges the role of technology in modern feedback practices. The book explores how digital tools and platforms can facilitate ongoing feedback exchanges, encourage collaboration, and support continuous learning. Leaders are encouraged to embrace technology as an enabler of feedback and leverage it to create a feedback-rich environment.
5. Overcome resistance and manage difficult conversations: The book acknowledges that implementing a feedforward culture may face resistance and challenges. It provides guidance on overcoming resistance, managing difficult conversations, and developing the necessary skills to deliver feedforward effectively. Empathy, active listening, and creating a supportive environment are emphasised as crucial elements in navigating challenging feedback situations.