A friend recently told me he regularly prays Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” To say this to God and mean it takes courage. I reflected that inviting feedback, however helpful, is not easy for me to do.
This week Juliet gave me some helpful feedback on a perspective I expressed to her. I immediately recognised the truth in what she was saying and realised my heart and thoughts had not been in the right place regarding the situation I described to her. Juliet’s comments were a gift to me that put light on my offensive attitude and directed me along a more Godly path.
As if to put a line under this idea, I was impressed with the importance of seeking feedback from a book I am reading called the Leadership Challenge. The writers suggest you cannot grow as a leader without receiving feedback. It is our personal responsibility to ask others, “how am I doing?” They also note that we should only ask this if we are truly willing to take the feedback seriously.
For reflection
What makes it hard for you to hear feedback from God and others?
Who could you ask for feedback on how you are doing?