Growing Through Feedback

Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about being willing to hear them.

Feedback Isn't Failure
Too often, leaders bristle at feedback because we mistake it for failure. We want to get it right the first time. But the truth is, feedback isn't a grade—it's a gift. When we invite others to speak into our blind spots, we grow in awareness and wisdom. Proverbs 15:31 says, "He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise." Listening isn't weakness—it's wisdom.

Choose a Posture of Humility
It takes humility to hear what we may not want to hear. Whether it comes from a peer, team member, mentor, or even a critic, the humble leader receives feedback not with defensiveness but with discernment. James 1:19 reminds us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." That posture builds trust and shows our teams that growth matters more to us than ego.

Create Safe Feedback Loops
Do people feel safe giving you honest feedback? If not, it might be time to evaluate how you respond when someone challenges your ideas or decisions. Safe feedback loops don't happen by accident. They happen when we normalize feedback as part of the culture. Ask good questions, thank people for their honesty, and circle back to let them know how their input helped.

Invite the Right Voices
Not every voice is equally helpful. Seek feedback from those who are wise, spiritually mature, and who want to see you flourish. Proverbs 27:6 reminds us that "wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Surround yourself with people who speak truth, even when it's hard.

Let the Spirit Shape the Takeaway
As leaders, we can be tempted to dismiss or distort feedback based on how it's delivered. But even clumsily given feedback can hold truth that the Holy Spirit can use to shape us. Instead of reacting, bring it to prayer. Ask the Lord to show you what's true and what needs to change. God can use even the rough edges of others to sand off our own.

From Input to Growth
Feedback only helps us grow when we do something with it. Take action. Change the tone. Adjust the plan. Say thank you. Offer an apology. Improve the system. Do the work. Leadership development is slow, intentional work. But if we keep listening, keep learning, and keep responding, we become the kind of leaders others want to follow.