As a manager and leadership coach for several years, a key attribute that I have observed in high performers is their hunger for and their application of feedback.  Feedback is the “breakfast of champions.”  Regardless of where you are on the pathway to your purpose, your attitude toward feedback as well as the application of it will make a difference. 

The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say about feedback, instruction, and how we choose to receive meaningful feedback. One scripture in Proverbs that resonates with me is Proverbs 12:15: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a person who listens to advice is wise (NASB).

As a coach, the gift of feedback is one of the most valued gifts I can share with anyone who seeks me for a coaching conversation.  You must work to develop trusted relationships in which you can garner meaningful and purposeful feedback.

An article from the Theology of Work website entitled, Giving and Receiving Feedback highlights how Jesus used feedback within the context of the relationship with Simon Peter: [1]

• Encouraging The Potential in Someone:  Jesus affirmed Simon Peter’s response about how he accurately understood who Jesus truly was. As a result, Jesus affirmed Peter’s identity as “rock” and that by virtue of this understanding would be given Kingdom authority or “Kingdom Keys” (Matthew 16:13-19).   In the Book of Acts, Peter did use the keys and began to operate in his Apostolic purpose! (Acts 2:38; 8:21).

• Moving Forward After Failure: Jesus used feedback to encourage Peter after he denied Jesus three times. Peter was getting clear on his purpose as he was discipled by Jesus, but he still stumbled while on his pathway to purpose (Matthew 26:69-75). Yet, Jesus through feedback, restored Peter and got him back on the path toward fulfilling his purpose (John 21:9-19). 

Receiving feedback is important if you want to get clear on your purpose, need affirmation regarding your purpose potential, or encouragement to keep moving forward when experiencing failure, setbacks, and discouragement as you fulfill your purpose and pursue your great.  Do you have a community of advisors that you can garner feedback?

References

[1] Giving and Receiving Feedback (1-Hour Small Group Study). (n.d.). Small Group Study | Theology of Work. Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.theologyofwork.org/small-group-studies/topics/giving-and-receiving-feedback