Web Theologian

This is a very vulnerable thing to do, asking for feedback. In graduate school for my final theological paper I chose a controversial topic and knew I would have to defend it before as it would be used in my licensing exams. The professor that reviewed it had written extensively on the topic and we shared a similar view, though I remember being more terrified by asking his feedback then having to defend the paper.

Part of my maturing has been understanding that feedback is good and not scary. It became the big hairy monster for me because of the debilitating criticism I would put on myself. The cycle was not a healthy one, but a cycle that I can imagine many people can relate to.

Some of the things I have found out about feedback:

• It ALWAYS helps me improve
• It is not always correct
• Often it is more favorable then I expect
• At time it is more critical and often for my good
• Quality feedback shows that people care
• Poor quality feedback can be very accurate at times too
• Unsolicited feedback will come regardless of if you want it
• Emotional reaction to feedback is okay
• Emotional reaction to feedback need to be explored and not dominate the process

Anything you’ve learned about feedback would be appreciated, so share…