The Power of Feedforward: Growth Mindset and Leadership

Balancing Leadership and a Growth Mindset

Leadership is not just about guiding others; it is a continuous process of self-improvement and evolution. As Dweck (2006) explains, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, feedback, and persistence. Balancing leadership with a growth mindset means embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and fostering an environment where both educators and students can thrive.

To embody a growth mindset as a leader, I actively reflect on my strengths and areas for improvement. Whether in the classroom or a professional setting, I encourage collaboration, research, and openness to feedback. Leadership is not about having all the answers but about cultivating a culture where curiosity and innovation drive progress. By adopting a growth mindset, I promote resilience among my students and colleagues, encouraging them to see obstacles as learning opportunities rather than failures. This perspective strengthens my leadership approach, making it more inclusive and adaptable to change.

Lessons Learned from Receiving Feedforward

The concept of feedforward, as opposed to traditional feedback, focuses on providing constructive insights that help improve future performance rather than solely evaluating past actions. Through my experience receiving feedforward, I have learned that growth comes from actionable suggestions that build on strengths and address areas for development without dwelling on past mistakes.

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of active listening. Receiving feedforward requires humility and a willingness to learn from others. It has shown me that feedback should be seen as a tool for empowerment rather than criticism. When I receive suggestions for improvement, I take the time to reflect on them, identify practical ways to implement them, and view them as steps toward professional growth.

Additionally, the process of receiving feedforward has reinforced the importance of specificity. Vague feedback often lacks direction, whereas focused suggestions provide clear and concrete steps for improvement. Through this process, I have come to appreciate the role of clarity and intention in effective leadership and communication.

Applying Feedforward to My Leadership Style

Incorporating feedforward into my leadership approach means prioritizing growth over judgment. As an educator and leader, I will apply these principles in the following ways:

Fostering Constructive Conversations Instead of focusing solely on past mistakes, I will emphasize forward-looking discussions that help students and colleagues develop improvement strategies. This includes fostering a classroom culture where students feel safe sharing their thoughts and receiving constructive insights.

Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment By modeling the importance of feedforward, I will establish a culture where peers support each other’s growth. Whether through professional learning communities or student group work, I will promote a collaborative space where individuals feel empowered to learn from one another.

Implementing Goal-Oriented Feedback I will shift the focus from traditional performance evaluation to setting goals and providing suggestions aligned with future aspirations. This approach will help students and colleagues concentrate on continuous development rather than a fixed measure of success.´

Strengthening Resilience and Adaptability Feedforward fosters adaptability by emphasizing learning from experiences rather than being defined by them. By integrating this approach into my leadership, I will cultivate a mindset where individuals view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.

Leadership is not about having all the answers but about fostering growth, resilience, and continuous learning. As Caulfield (2013) states, true leadership goes beyond tasks, it is about understanding why we lead and how we can empower others. By embracing feedforward, I cultivate a leadership style rooted in empathy, adaptability, and encouragement, where challenges become stepping stones for transformation. Every interaction is an opportunity to inspire and uplift, creating a culture where both educators and students thrive. Leadership is a journey, and by focusing on growth, we open doors to endless possibilities

Applying Feedforward to My Leadership Style

REFERENCES

Caulfield, J. (2013). Why does leadership exist? Journal of Leadership Education, 12(1), 274-281. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333436655

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

EDUCAUSE. (2024). 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report: Teaching and Learning Edition. EDUCAUSE Publications. Retrieved from https://library.educause.edu/resources/2024/5/2024-educause-horizon-report-teaching-and-learning-edition

Harapnuik, D. (2023). COVA+CSLE mindset vs. traditional learning. Retrieved from https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=7007

Keiser University. (2023). Leadership styles in education: Nine ways educators guide talent. Retrieved from https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/leadership-styles-in-education-nine-ways-educators-guide-talent/

YouTube. (2023). 10 most common types of leadership styles (with real-world examples). [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY82yptNp5E