Feedback:
Friend or Foe?
By Ron Marsh
"Let me give you some feedback."
Anyone who's heard this phrase in a staff meeting knows that these
simple words are usually loaded with a punch. Unsolicited feedback is often
interpreted as..."Here's what I think you need to change" which can
have the effect of a small land mine exploding in your lap. Those giving
feedback are often well intentioned—however those who are on the receiving end
naturally become defensive and skeptical.
Quality communication is vital in helping ministries move forward.
Without a way of communicating strengths, weaknesses, and areas to improve,
there can be no personal or organizational growth. The difficulty comes when
there is no feedback loop or when the feedback is distorted.
Daniel Goleman, the author of Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power
of Emotional Intelligence, identified an epidemic found in organizations
with a leader at the helm. He discovered what he calls "CEO disease: the
information vacuum around a leader created when people withhold important (and
usually unpleasant) information." In other words, "top executives
usually get the least reliable information about how they are doing." This
results in leadership gaps that everyone is aware of except the leader him or
herself. This is sort of like walking around with toothpaste on your collar all
day. (Everyone else sees it but you.)
Because of this "CEO disease," the leader's performance is
actually hindered due to their position and lack of adequate feedback given by
the individuals they lead. The reasons for this are many; a desire to please
the boss, a fear of losing a job, or the loss of respect to name a few.
Leading within the church can be very demanding. Every week a pastor
receives feedback on the message, the music, other staff members, families,
ministries, etc. But feedback isn't valuable if it's communicated incorrectly
or if it's received with a defensive posture.
At CoachingPastors.com we want to give you a tool that will help you get
valuable feedback from your leadership sphere in order to help you address with
confidence the leadership gaps that you and others identify. You can download a
sample of this leadership
feedback tool here.
Ron Marsh is a certified life coach who helps others live in the center
of the purpose and passion. Meet Ron at www.PurposeFilledLife.com or www.CoachingPastors.com/Marsh.htmll.