Based on an article published by Shane Parrish titled, "The Difference Between Amateurs and Professionals,” I'm reflecting on some of his key points with today's discussion on:
“Amateurs see feedback and coaching as someone criticizing them as a person. Professionals know they have weak spots and seek out thoughtful criticism.”
First, some words from the Book of books—The Book of Wisdom:
“…the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15b)
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted…”
(Proverbs 27:6a)
Amateurs have a wrong sense of identity since their self-worth is based on their ability and the opinion of others. They take any negative feedback as critical of their person rather than helpful in terms of gaining knowledge or taking their strengths to another level. Professionals base their self-worth on what God thinks of them and see their abilities as gifts from him to be stewarded.
There's a classic story in 1 Kings 22 about two kings preparing to go out to war against another king. One of the kings suggests they seek the advice of a wise prophet before proceeding, but the second king pushes back with, “I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad.” (vs. 8) The story ends with the second king dying in battle because he refused to listen to that prophet. Click on the link above and enjoy the story—it's fabulous reading and very instructive.
Professionals don't just listen to thoughtful criticism, they seek it out. They want to know where their blind spots exist, where they need to stop instead of start (or vice versa), where they are doing good at the expense of what's best, and how they could take their leadership game to another level.
When King David was under attack from his own son, he wisely listened to the advice of his own troops and did not go out to battle, unlike another time when his decision to stay home led to serious consequences. Perhaps he refused the advice of his commanders for this was “at the time when kings go off to war.” (vs. 1) Sometimes the best of us can have "amateur" moments!
