Feedback!!!
Every ministry has their own culture- Adventures in Missions (and the World Race) isn’t an exception. AIM does many things well and one of my favorite practices they push is called “Feedback.”
Feedback, at it’s simplest, is like one person holding a mirror up for someone else. Different than conflict resolution, feedback is designed to help a person see their blind spots (aspects of your personality or behavior that others can see that you can’t).
There isn’t a hard formula, but the overarching goal of feedback is to point out the positive aspects of a person’s identity, give some perspective as to where they may not be living up to their full potential, all while leaving the person feeling encouraged and empowered (rather than discouraged and beat-up).
Feedback is something we are able to give each other at any point, but we typically have a specific time for it every day at team time. It’s awkward at first, but over time, as everyone chooses to say “yes” to the process, it gets easier.
In addition, about once a month, my teams have chosen to do a “Super Feedback” session, where everyone is required to give feedback to everyone else.
The concept of “feedback” isn’t new and didn’t originate with AIM, but I appreciate their commitment to it. My time on the World Race has been heavily impacted by the solid feedback from my teammates.
Over the Race, I have had some common themes running throughout the feedback I have been given, especially in regards to walls I throw up, my tone/word choice when I respond to something negatively, and my hesitancy to step out in confidence. I also have gotten feedback regarding my tendency to post vulnerable things for the world to read (via my blog) without letting my team into the things I am learning. Oops.
Yesterday we had our only Super Feedback session as team Salty Pursuit. I have enjoyed this team and the uniqueness of it- we are only together for this month (because the men have formed a super team for Manistry month), next week we go back to the teams we had last month. Being on a team for such a short time has forced us to push past the awkward stage and really dive in, giving a fresh perspective to our journeys.
Feedback is a tad frustrating sometimes because it’s usually easier to ignore blind spots than to deal with them. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit covers this whole process. I am confident my teammates are walking in the Spirit, so I can trust their perspective. Also, after receiving feedback, we are meant to bring it to God and ask Him to shed light on the situation.
For example, yesterday, during Super Feedback, I received perspective regarding my “walls” and how I need to fully step into the “yes” God wants from me. I have no idea what to do with that… except bring it to God and make space for Him to move as He will.
On a completely unrelated note, there are many things I will forever associate with the World Race: the term “feedback,” and “session,” and the Chainsmokers’ song “Closer”… and “squatty potty.”
XO
-L
