By Richard ODUSANYA
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Leaders should not ignore critics because criticism is an inevitable, necessary component of leadership that, when managed correctly, provides opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced self-awareness. In summary, effective leaders do not fear criticism; they ensure it informs, but does not define, their leadership. Facing criticism or discontent can be challenging. As Norman Vincent Peale (the late author of The Power of Positive Thinking) said, “The trouble with most of us is that we’d rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism”.
In the golden words of William Henry Gates III (Bill), an American businessman and philanthropist. Bill profoundly posited: “We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve”. Bill’s philosophy emphasizes that constant, honest, and constructive feedback is essential for personal growth and success.
At this point, permit me to share with you one piece of feedback from a distinguished Academic and Researcher who reacted to my above post as follow:
“In academia, we RE-SEARCH. This means we criticise and build. What I see with most of my people is that we criticise, but are unable to appreciate, commend and build. You cannot build and sustain anything significant if the Culture DNA is perpetual criticism; this is why the post, in my opinion, is incomplete. In psychology we are warned about always condemning children because it is known that this eventually affects their later undertakings and response to society. Nigeria, Nigerians and Nigerian leaders are toddlers in the development growth cycle. There is nothing wrong in criticising, but if this is what those leading the nation gets, it becomes expected, diffuse and inconsequential to a significant extent.
This is what I now call the “DanBwala Effect”, as demonstrated in the head to head interview. In this stage of our development, we cannot afford to behave like the developed countries, instead, we should do what they did in the earlier stages of their development putting all hands on deck in innovation and creativity. We would have more failures than successes, but our disparate successes would combine together to give us what we want!
I am not a social scientist, given that I can only see society with the lenses of an Engineer and hardcore scientist. Theories and hypotheses exist so that they can be re-evaluated and interrogated relative to prevailing situations, and where required, modified accordingly. This is why we have a number of economic theories and principles. The current orientation of our society (at least 90% of our people) is to condemn & damage regardless of situation and that is discouraging to those who might have meaningful contribution. Please, recall that we have been like this from before Nigeria was formed. I argue it is time to change if we are serious about development.
Finally, how do you score a person who was supported by the Nigerian people from primary school to PhD level working in foreign land, after all that, but whose only contribution to Nigeria is shooting bullets of criticism at it? Those we left behind are trying their best in my opinion, they cannot act beyond their capabilities. They might be getting things wrong, but they are the ones the majority of people are presented for elections. This perspective is fairness and equity! We need to start looking deeper into the causes of our dilemma and not just the effects.”
My sincere regards and appreciation for what you are doing & our debate. Cheers.
From the researcher’s perspective; it is crystal clear that, “constructive criticism” if presented in a way that shows one the flaws and presents an alternate solution without judgment will be much more acceptable to the recipient. And, also if delivered correctly, as in the proper meaning of being constructive and not out of spite, malice, threatening or intentional harm, then the criticism may actually be beneficial and more likely to be acceptable and considered.
Following from the above: I wish to state clearly –from my personal experience and perspective; constructive criticism is a bona fide review about our work and it’s loopholes, which is certainly free from any personal biased opinions. And the best part about this sort of criticism is that, it brings genuine methods of improvement and suggestions along with it. Whereas, negative criticism is totally a pessimistic condemnation, done out of anger, hatred or jealousy. Such people with small mindsets just try to find a way or the other to pass cynical remarks about other individuals (especially, when they are unconditionally working hard and leading themselves towards the path of success).
In conclusion, I wish to emphasize the importance of constructive criticism. Feedback is important for the growth of both individuals and organizations, but it can be difficult to give and receive. Finally, criticism or feedback is only someone’s opinion as long as no value is attached to it. It is how we perceive it that makes all the difference.
@richardODUSANYA
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