I WAS ASKED

the other day to complete a survey regarding my view of how the company’s employee had served me in our over-the-phone transaction. The questions were forthright, objective, and gave me a possible range of responses from poor to excellent. I often take a pass on these sorts of inquiries, but I recognized the name of the person who had served me and so took the time to respond. I was pleased to say she was excellent in her work and resolved the matter in question with patience, pleasantness and fortitude. She is the kind of company representative we all would like to have in our employ.

 

I RECEIVED ANOTHER SURVEY

the very next day, this from a magazine I have subscribed to for a number of years, one that seems to have a new emphasis in mind under new leadership. In an effort to broaden its readership some of its historic rootedness has been put aside. So here was an opportunity to make reader comments. The problem was the survey began with “do you like us” questions and proceeded to “how much and in what ways do you like us?” Never “what is it you don’t like” questions, or “how can we serve you better” questions. Questions that on a scale of 1-10 never dipped below 5.

 

IN 2020 I SUBMITTED

the first 50 pages of a new manuscript to a best selling author to be professionally critiqued. I thought it was creative and work well done until I heard back. His critique was brutal. I put the manuscript away for a couple of weeks. I thought of trashing it at least once every day. Finally, I pulled it out and looked at it again, reviewing carefully his critique comments. Know what? He was right. So I proceeded to rewrite it again. And again. And yet again. Those 50 pages have been rewritten at least thirty times. At least. And I just sent those 50 pages off again to the same author to be critiqued. Because I respect the way he treated my work. Honest criticism mixed with encouragement. Am I anxious? Of course. I’m anxious to know if this author/mentor whom I respect thinks I’ve improved my work and the story itself … and how much more work may still be ahead.

 

I AM HAPPY BEING ABLE TO SAY

nice things to people about good work. I am happy when people say nice things about my work when it’s good. I don’t like having to say nice things nor do I wish to hear nice things said about what is not good work.

 

A story is told about Henry Kissinger and a young staffer who had been assigned to write a report. He brought the report to Mr. Kissinger who asked, “Is this the best you can do?” The staffer replied, “If I had a little more time …” Kissinger sent him away to do the work. This, according to the story, went on a couple more times until finally the young staffer said in desperation, “Mr. Kissinger, this is the very best I can do.” To which Kissinger allegedly replied, “Good. Then I’ll read it.”

 

So is there someone in your life, professional, marital, or a trusted and understanding friend to whom you might say, “What do you think? In this area of my life, how do you rate me … honestly. And what would you suggest that might help me to be, or to do better?” And remember, it’s not about being like or better than someone else. We just want to be the best we can be as followers of Jesus.

 

“Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”[1]

 

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”[2]

 

May Jesus keep us close.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. I no longer use Facebook Messenger as a communication software, so the best way to share your questions or thoughts with me is at the bottom of each weekly blog, or directly via email to ward@wardtanneberg.com. Thanks.

 

 

 

 

[1] 2 Corinthians 10:17, 18

[2] 2 Timothy 2:15