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| "Writing" CC BY-SA by ThroughKiksLens Source: Flickr |
I was involved in a series of discussions this week for a project I’m working on. In this group, each of us shared something we have written, with the purpose of receiving feedback.
Asking for feedback can be daunting. We are putting out into the world something that we have made, created, put time and effort into – and we hope that it will be good enough. But the feedback process itself can be intimidating, because we know that sometimes instead of critique, we receive criticism.
I think there’s a distinct difference: feedback that is meant to be helpful and constructive is intended to improve, to strengthen the offering of our colleagues to the world, is a critique. Feedback for the sake of putting someone else down, of insulting their work, is a criticism.
Our tone and words matter a lot in this process, for example: “I think if you clarify this sentence it would enhance your point” is kinder than “this sentence doesn’t make sense”; it offers a suggestion with a purpose rather than just rejecting what’s there.
Feedback is an important part of writing, but it’s also an important part of life. We exist in a constant feedback loop, with our words and actions and even facial expressions and body language. How we respond to those around us reflects not only what we think of the other, but also a bit about how we see the world. For if we only seek out the negative, and complain without aiming to help or empower, we are caught in a criticism loop; which can be isolating and inhospitable.
But if we take a moment to try and help, and enhance one another, we are building up a safe space to try, an open space to share, a helpful space to grow. A space of critique (when asked for!) can be a space of healthy Christianity.
Ephesians 4.29: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
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