How Sensitive Leaders Can Get Better At Receiving Feedback

My wife reminds me that I’m a little sensitive. And that’s not because I can barely keep it together during a Hallmark commercial (Don’t judge). I’m a little sensitive when it comes to feedback. It’s something I know I need but I’m not always great at receiving it.

If the feedback is affirming I feel proud. I’m ready to shout to the world, “Look at me! I’ve got it all figured out!” When it’s negative I want to pushback or hide. I have a hard time accepting it because I have a hard time accepting some of the CHANGE that needs to happen.

But, change is necessary and if ’m going to be an effective leader I know that listening to others and gathering data to shape and impact my decisions is important. Whether you are a sensitive leader or not, you can get better at handling feedback by:

TAKING IT ON WITH A TEAM

If you are the only person responsible for your ministry the burden will weigh you down. It will feel like you have to do it all on your own and that type of mentality can create isolation.

Even if you are the only paid professional you can still share the burden. You’ll be able to delegate the responsibility. More people means more ideas on how to improve. Having other people tackle the changes, tweaks and modifications in your ministry will seem less overwhelming.

VISITING IT ON A REGULAR BASIS

No one likes to be caught off guard. Negative feedback that emerges from nowhere can be demoralizing. The way to avoid surprise is by reviewing your ministry on a regular basis. That should come in the form of:

• An annual meeting where your leadership team is revisiting the big picture
• Quarterly meetings when you are reviewing goals
• One on ones with your team to simply see how they are doing
• Constant communication to make sure everyone is on the same page

Communication is the key because it makes you aware of what’s going on in the ministry. Even if you see negative trends taking place you can be ready for them and handle the feedback with a cool and calm demeanor.

REMINDING YOURSELF IT ISN’T ALWAYS ABOUT YOU

Your ministry is a reflection of your leadership but the feedback isn’t always about you. People will come to you with complaints or criticism because their expectations are not met or they just want to be heard.

In those situations you need to listen to what they are saying, and acknowledge their presence. Diffuse the emotion and then process the feedback to decide what’s in your control and what isn’t. If you need to meet with someone who knows you that can help you process the information.

The more you can listen to feedback objectively the more you receptive you’ll appear. People will appreciate your input because they’ll see you as someone who is accessible to their needs.

COMMITTING TO LEARNING AND GROWING

If you are a leader that commits to growing and learning then you can be someone who welcomes feedback. It’s because you are okay with admitting that you do not know everything. Committing to growth means you want to know how to improve, which is the purpose behind feedback.

To commit to growing and learning invest in different podcasts, books, online courses and workshops. Sit down with volunteers, parents, teens and coworkers to learn what they are seeing and experiencing. The more you embrace this attitude the more comfortable you will be with receiving the information you need to take your ministry to the next level.

If you can be a leader that receives feedback well, you will be seen as someone who is authentic and accessible. Your ability to receive feedback will communicate to others that you value their contribution. And that’s the type of leader most people want to follow.

What strategies have helped you handle feedback well?