The Future of Feedback: 2026 and beyond

Have you checked out the work of Futurist Dr Graeme Codrington? He predicts the future of leadership won’t be defined by new policies or the next piece of technology.  It will be defined by conversations.  

I believe the future of leadership will be defined by the quality of our feedback conversations.

If you love a good metaphor, you will love the way Dr Graeme Codrington talks about the 7 Grey Elephants — massive forces shaping the future of work that are already in the room, but often ignored. These elephants are creating pressure, uncertainty, and disruption across every organisation.

Hint: These elephants will sit themselves down right in the middle of your feedback conversations!

The 7 Grey Elephants & What They Mean for your Feedback Conversations

1. Angry People
   Rising frustration means team members may be more sensitive than in past years. A Warm-Up and Acknowledgement feedback can reduce conversations from escalating and start repairing trust.
   

2. Ageing Populations
   Four generations in one workplace, each with different feedback expectations. Feedback Fitness equips leaders to flex across Feedback Languages so no one feels left behind.
   

3. An Angry Planet
   Climate stress and values-driven work bring passionate, emotionally charged discussions. Feedback Fit leaders can hold space for conversations where purpose and values can be explored.
   

4. The Big Squeeze
   Economic pressures may squeeze  leaders toward “do better, faster.” Without Acknowledgement, teams may burn out. Balanced feedback keeps motivation alive.
   

5. Inequality
   Perceptions of unfairness crush psychological safety. Transparent, consistent feedback systems show that contributions are recognised and valued.
   

6. Intelligent Advances
   AI and automation leave many Leaders wondering: Where do I fit? Feedback conversations will never be replaced by AI. Feedback conversations are about building trust and human connection. There is an irreplaceable human sharing in feedback conversations.
   

7. Multipolarity
   With global and cultural diversity, one-size-fits-all feedback no longer works. Warm-Up conversations and meta-questions help leaders offer feedback that is tailored to each individual.

The Future of Feedback

The Grey Elephants will show up in your feedback conversations, but leaders who are Feedback Fit won’t get trampled.

The future belongs to leaders who see feedback conversations not as risks, but as a superpower for resilience, engagement, and growth.

👉 Want to prepare your leaders for the future of feedback?
Book a complimentary 30-minute discussion with me to explore how the Feedback Fitness Framework can help your organisation thrive in the face of these elephants.

Book a time here: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/30minutecompimentarydiscussionwithsue