January 30th, Feedback.
After wandering the mall on our adventure day, the team met back up and talked about our plans for the evening. One thing that was brought up was team time after dinner. “It’s Saturday, we don’t have team time today” someone said, but it was made very clear that team time HAD to happen. Oh boy, I thought, and my mind began racing to prep for all the things that may be MY feedback. Up until now feedback was that awkward silent moment in the beginning of team time where no one said much and then took a sigh of relief after we moved on. Tonight would be different, and I think we all knew it.
What is feedback and why do we have it? Feedback is an intentional time to voice positive things about an individual or constructive criticism for something that was said or done. I have notes from Alissa’s presentation (squad leader) about feedback:
Feedback. The word used for healthy communication.
“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
??Proverbs? ?3:11-12? ?KJV??
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
??Psalms? ?139:23-24? ?KJV??
We are not perfect, and there are things we can all work on. Constructive feedback is being given out of love as a desire to see your brother/sister more like Christ. If it’s done daily it prevents things from being built up. Before giving feedback, ask the Lord! Be sure it is not something you’re struggling with that you’re projecting to them. Timing is important, so know when to share. Ask them if it’s a good time to receive feedback. Do not let it go past 24 hours! If it’s between you and one other person, do it one on one. Inform the team after having one on ones and let them know it’s all good. Follow the 10:1 Rule. Give 10 positive for every constructive.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
??Proverbs? ?12:15? ?KJV??
When you receive feedback take it to the Lord, then go back and approach the person who gave it to you. If you respond negatively trust will be broken. If you’re giving feedback, be prepared with examples.
If that’s not scary enough there is super feedback! There is a “hot seat” and everyone on the team receives one positive and one constructive piece of feedback. This is planned in advance. Every team member asks the Lord for something to say to each person. Then it is recorded so that it can be reviewed and processed with the Lord.
“He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.”
??Proverbs? ?28:23? ?KJV??
All of this is intended to help us love each other well.
After dinner that night was team time aka feedback.
We all sat in a circle and this time opened with prayer. We went around and talked about how we would best receive feedback. A very important step. Joey, our team leader went first. We then went around the circle giving both encouraging and constructive feedback for our teammates. This was super feedback… super! When it was our turn, we listened to what everyone had to say and then gave ourselves feedback. It was the Holy Spirit that brought unity back to our team and allowed us to communicate effectively and with such love and grace for one another. We ended our time in prayer with uplifted spirits and a sense of unity. Though I enjoy the fruit of having these types of conversations, initiating them is often difficult to do. The Holy Spirit was absolutely with us and it felt so good to be in the Lord’s undeniable presence. Thank-you to those who have and continue to lift our team up in prayer.
After our intentional feedback time there was a lingering sense of the Lord’s power over broken strongholds. We stayed in that sea of freedom and let the waves of refreshment wash over us through stories and laughter.
The enemy wants us to remain isolated, frustrated, stuck and ineffective or unhealthy in our communication. If while reading this blog you thought about someone you would like to have a moment of feedback with, I encourage you to take it to the Lord!
Pray that he reveals what you should do and say. Ask him to use the Holy Spirit to speak through you and guide your thoughts and words. Prayers for our team are welcomed as we continue to grow together. God bless!
