'I can take any amount of criticism, so long as it is unqualified praise', somebody once said. But how do we handle the awkward and embarrassing feedback to a talk or youth group session.
There is the danger that they will take things the wrong way or be upset by ill-chosen words. Constructive criticisms can be mistaken for damning nails in the coffin. But it is essential if youth work is going to grow. So how should we handle it?
In a relationship
One of the most important things to note is that reviewing builds on a relationship that is already established. The depth of the relationship affects the way that the review is received. Deeper things can be said if the relationship is strong. The relationship provides the safety net for the more critical comments. The trap to avoid is a review that comes blasting in with little background to the friendship. Feelings that are already fragile can become devastating.
