Feedback: It's For You, Not Them

Do you ever consciously take time to ask for feedback from those around you? Do ever go to your boss, spouse, friends, co-workers or family members and ask, "How can I grow… in my relationship with you, effectiveness in my work, skills at listening to you, communicating with you in a way that is clear and understandable?" I know this can be a very scary thing, a very vulnerable thing, but it is a must if you ever desire to grow into the best you.

Many refuse to ask for feedback and consistently stunt their personal growth because of one simple reason, fear. Are you one of those many? Let’s be honest, who likes to be told they are doing something wrong, need to change or can do it better? I will tell you who, someone who desires to grow and cares more about who they are becoming then being right all the time. Your growth is more important than your front.

The reality is that those around you know, usually better than you, the areas in which you need to grow. 

Be real with yourself, do you honestly think the people you see every day can't see your flaws, weaknesses and areas where you need improvement? The question is, "Are you willing to be vulnerable enough to let them help you see those areas?"

If you're a leader, I challenge you to ask those you lead to share with you some areas they believe you need to grow. If you're a spouse, ask your spouse how you can love him or her better, listen better, show affection better. If you're an employee, ask your boss how you can be more effective with your time, how you can contribute in a greater way to see the vision come to pass. It’s not for them, though it will impact their lives in a positive way, it is for you. 

Stop waiting until things end up in a place where people have to tell you where you need to grow and start inviting them into the process. Don't let the fear of criticism keep you from being a better you.

Make growth the focus, not perfection. 

When growth is your focus then criticism becomes a guide to greatness. When growth is your focus then you are willing to make any change necessary in order to be the best you can possibly be. When growth is your focus then you intentionally ask for feedback.

Remember, it is for you. What keeps you from asking for feedback? What are you going to do about it?