One major turn-off for me while ministering on the altar is the lack of a feedback speaker or an effective one. I would always tell our media team to help check the feedback once I notice I cannot hear myself well. I would end up straining my voice unless it is fixed. This shows how important feedback is in life.
Friend, you need the right feedback if you want to succeed in life and fulfil destiny. Growth and excellence come when we learn to relate well with feedback. Pain is a blessing in disguise; it is a divine feedback mechanism to announce disorder.
Who is feeding you back? What is feeding you back? How do you receive and process life’s feedback, and what do you do with such (Matthew 16:13-18)?
Some feedback would come in the form of criticism; constructive criticism and destructive ones. Learn to handle both well. Some people would critic (not necessarily criticise) what you do; be free and open enough to accept such as they help improve your life and work. The negative criticism (from critics) must also be handled well; it must not affect your emotions. It should enhance your excellence (Psalms 141:5). Your critics may not be totally wrong or bad.
Like Jesus, learn to create an environment that encourages feedback. Don’t only have “Yes Men” around you. Let people be free enough to tell you what they think or feel about you or what you are doing (Matthew 16:15). Some people are merely keeping quiet because they don’t know how you would take their feedback. This is not good for your growth and effectiveness.
Like Moses, who can sincerely tell you, “What you are doing is not good” (Exodus 18:13-24)? No matter how sound you are or sharp your eyes are, you cannot see the back of your own head. Someone has to see it for you. Learn to listen. Don’t prove difficult. Don’t be adamant. Learn to change your mind; only mad people don’t. Have an open heart. Seek to be better. Be comfortable with critics and criticism; they can be blessings in disguise.
The way you react to feedback is a reflection of your sense of identity and security (Ecclesiastes 4:13). Let your spouse be free to tell you his or her mind without you taking offence. Let your boss be free to tell you stuff without you thinking he hates you. Listen to your clients. Be open to your friends. Don’t totally ignore what your enemies are saying. As a pastor, build a congregation where feedback is encouraged. Make the right adjustments. You will succeed!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria