Consider the source.
That isn't just a sacred principle in journalistic integrity. It's one key to healthy leadership. An insult from a fool might actually be a compliment and a compliment from a fool might actually be an insult. Consider the source!
When you get feedback on a message, you need to consider the source. If someone shares something they shouldn't know or shouldn't share, consider the source. If someone has a complaint or a compliment, consider the source.
Let me give you a few examples.
If someone has a complaint about our weekend gatherings, the first thing I want to know is whether or not they are inviting their unchurched friends. If they aren't, there is a much greater likelihood that the complaint is selfish in nature. How vested is that person in NCC? If they haven't invested blood, sweat and tears into NCC then it doesn't carry as much weight. If they are a serious shareholder, I'm all ears. Is the person generally positive or negative? If they are generally negative, the complaint might just be a personal projection of their own issues. And finally, what is the spirit behind the compliment or criticism?
What I'm getting at is this: consider the source. It'll save you a ton of headaches and heartaches.
That isn't just a sacred principle in journalistic integrity. It's one key to healthy leadership. An insult from a fool might actually be a compliment and a compliment from a fool might actually be an insult. Consider the source!
When you get feedback on a message, you need to consider the source. If someone shares something they shouldn't know or shouldn't share, consider the source. If someone has a complaint or a compliment, consider the source.
Let me give you a few examples.
If someone has a complaint about our weekend gatherings, the first thing I want to know is whether or not they are inviting their unchurched friends. If they aren't, there is a much greater likelihood that the complaint is selfish in nature. How vested is that person in NCC? If they haven't invested blood, sweat and tears into NCC then it doesn't carry as much weight. If they are a serious shareholder, I'm all ears. Is the person generally positive or negative? If they are generally negative, the complaint might just be a personal projection of their own issues. And finally, what is the spirit behind the compliment or criticism?
What I'm getting at is this: consider the source. It'll save you a ton of headaches and heartaches.
7 Comments:
Kinda reminds me of what Solomon wrote about considering the source – “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:4-5).
Mark,
this is a GREAT post. Thanks.
This reminds me of one of my favorite sayings: Feedback, not failure. If someone criticizes you or something you've done, try to objectively look at what they've said. Accept what is useful as feedback and jetison the rest.
I honestly don't know what people could be complaining about when it comes to NCC - innovative, energetic, EFFECTIVE! But then again, when you are on the cutting edge, you're bound to bleed a little!
It's interesting, because in certain places, it's very easy to get advice along the lines of: You won't like living there, and you won't like doing that, and if you ask, "And how long did you live there and how long did you do that?" you'll find that they're not talking about anything they actually know about. When someone says "We should do this," if you ask them to explain the thought behind the recommendation, you might find they quickly run out of steam.
Hi Mr. Batterson (seems wrong to call you Mark)
I really enjoyed your post today, it's my first. I met you yesterday when I chased you and your wife down as you got into your car. You were gracious enough to say hi and sign my "In a pit" copy for a friend. Thank you!
As I read your post today I was thinking about how important your concept of "Consider the Source" really is especially in the internet age. Recently I had a discussion with a friend that had become very disturbed over reading something off the internet that put some of our core beliefs in doubt. It was a bizzare interpretation of an obscure passage in the Bible. After a long walk and talk we felt like the Holy Spirit prompted us to "Consider the Source." And we both agreed to be careful in what we exposed ourselves to on the internet, especially in matters of our beliefs.
Having questions and curiosity is fine, but we must only expose ourselves to people we know and trust in the weighty matters of life. When we see or read something that doesn't match-up with the nature or character of our God we must be careful to "Consider the Source."
You know, some peole are like ducks. All they know how to do is quack. They quack whether it is good or bad because it is the only voice they have. As my grandpa used to say every October, "let's clean our guns, Todd. It's almost duck season." Enough said.
Very good post. We discussed this in our staff meeting today and realize that people in church ministry are very vulnerable and should expect criticisms. That said, I recalled a great quip by a wise old man, Justus DuPlessis: "Reaction is weakness." Lord, help us be strong leaders. Thanks, Mark.
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