Principles of Leadership – Provide Feedback 1

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters.

During 2022, my theme has been “10 Principles of Spiritual Leadership”.  We have now reached principle #8 which is “Provide Feedback”. 

One definition of “feedback” in this context is “evaluative or corrective information about an action or process.”  It’s important to note that feedback can be positive or it may be negative, or corrective.  It is the responsibility of the leader to share both positive and negative feedback to those under their leadership. 

Too much positive feedback can lead to over-confidence and self-satisfaction on the part of the follower.  He or she might get the impression that “all is well” when that is not really the case. 

On the other hand, too much – or only – corrective feedback can seriously discourage those under our leadership. 

Godly leaders want to avoid both of these extremes by providing both positive and corrective feedback.

In this episode we will focus on the importance of leaders providing positive feedback.  Next time, we will explore the other side, that is, corrective feedback.  

As a leader, I seek to affirm the behaviors or results that I’m seeking. I want to provide positive reinforcement when others have acted or performed well, when they have met or exceeded expectations.  Over the years, I’ve learned that there are various ways to do this, and I try to share feedback in the way that is most appreciated by others.

·         it may be spoken words of affirmation, or

·         a written note or certificate

·         In some situations, a small gift best conveys positive feedback

I’ve also learned that feedback must be specific.  Rather that saying “good job on the report”, it is better to say “your report was thorough and complete, and I appreciated your analysis and recommendations”.  By providing specific feedback, those who follow us will have a much better understanding of what they did well and what they will want to do again the next time. 

As a leader, Jesus provided feedback.  In Matthew 8:10, Jesus gave feedback to the Roman centurion who brought his servant for healing.  Jesus told him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”  Jesus affirmed, or complimented, his level of faith. 

Later, in Matthew 16:28, he told the Canaanite woman, “Woman, you have great faith!  Your request is granted.”

Think how encouraged these two must have been and how likely they would be to express faith in Jesus in the future.  May we lead like Jesus by providing positive feedback to those who follow us. 

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.