Thursday, 21 April 2016

The Danger Inherent in Criticism

The time and energy required in castigating people is more than that which is required to proffer solution. Just like the muscles required for frowning is less than that which is needed to smile. Although, Nigeria is paraded with bad leaders from time immemorial. It is not novel that leadership is one of the greatest problems of Nigeria, a country where abdication is a mirage. What are you doing in your own capacity to save this country from this mess? Ask yourself who a leader is? At one point in our life, we were faced with decision making challenges as a leader. Were you able to make the right decisions? How were you able to manage the surrounding influence?
However, it is very glaring that at one point in time, the opposition was prolific critic of incumbent government policies. Nevertheless, give the opposition a chance, the only change you will ever experience is what you see when you open a can of worn. You can never be sure of the proceeds of an unlabeled can. Although, criticism helps the government to grow, enabling her to stand on her toes. Nevertheless, it plays a negative role in the life of the critics because all his energies and resources are always channeled on negativity.   Before you malign or castigate others, look inward if you are not guilty of such. How will you feel if the next person to you is able to infiltrate your mind?
Obviously, a lot of citizens are vast and well groomed in problem analysis. Some couple of months ago, a lecturer (PhD holder) in one of the foremost Nigerian University from Economics department, was critically analyzing the “dollar surge”. Most especially, what lead to the economic setback in the beginning of 2016. After all his “inaugural lecture”, the simplest question was asked, how do we get out of this downturn? He left our conversation without any new word to be remembered of him. It is excruciating that our educational system is polluted by such intoxicant and political atmosphere is saturated with vision-less politicians.
In retrospect, I have learnt to always ignore things I have no influence on, but the focus my resources on thing I can change. Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela were all Hero-gone were the days of civil right movement. They were equipped with diverse leadership skills worthy of emulation as they fought their coursers on earth. One thing is common to all this heroes; they never lose focus even in the face of adversary. What is there to gain in the death of our enemy? Mandela came out of prison to work with those who put him to jail after serving his term in prison. He held no grudge against them. He knew the rules of power and he was able to stay positive to achieve his dream.
Remember Martin Luther Kings’ "no violence" message. Bellow is a statement credited to Malcolm X after his sojourn to Mecca; 
        I am not a racist... In the past I permitted myself ... to make   
        sweeping indictments of all white people, the entire white race,  
        and these generalizations have caused injuries to some whites and 
        perhaps did not deserve to hurt. Because of my spiritual        
        enlightenment... as a result of my pilgrimage [to Mecca, Arabia]...
        I no longer subscribe to make sweeping indictments of any one race
           Whenever  the need to criticize arises, it is to help the person in question improve his or her behavior. it must be specific, by addressing a particular flaws and provides advice on how it could be improved portraying a clear idea. also, constructive criticism is never about an individual but the act portrayed. it  must be gentled a sandwiched with ideas that are not ego hunting. 
The life of Abraham Lincoln as a serving president is also worthy of emulation, being able to manage his critic nature. It is pertinent to note that when people are criticized, they tend to be defensive. People only listen to you when you let them see the effects of their actions-make them to see reality from their own eyes and not through yours. Also, to change man, you have to be a changed man. With the right attitude, you can influence as many people as possible that fall within your immediate circle of influence. The leadership skills are not only learnt we assume power, it is a gradual process and it is now. Remember, God will only commit into your hand that which you can handle. For a new day to evolve there must be night fall. 
Regardless of your nationality or race, a man is not define by his appearance but by the content of his hearth. Endeavor to dwell more on the positive side of people, when your attention is focused on thing people do not do right, hatred becomes your companion. Learn to accommodate other, we are neither of similar background nor do we have the same orientation and experience. Continue to probe your mind to ascertain if you are upright or unreliable. What would the world be if everyone is like you? Before I drop my pen, I need you to do something for me. Before you react to any situation on challenge in life, ask this question; what would Jesus do? Never leave God out of the equation.