Laolu Akande, former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday shared insights on the significance of criticism, echoing sentiments from Apostle Selman’s perspective on public perception.
In a tweet tagged #WeeklyPonder, the veteran journalist Akande referenced Apostle Selman’s view that external opinions, whether positive or negative, should be regarded as an acknowledgment of one’s influence and relevance.
“According to Apostle Selman, ‘no matter what you say about me, provided you are not God or anyone I respect, you’ve only wasted your energy.’ So true,” Akande tweeted. “When people talk about you with some energy: good or bad, take it as a compliment – they are paying attention to u!”
Akande expanded on this viewpoint, suggesting that criticism, in essence, signifies that one is worthy of attention and consideration. He emphasized that in leadership and public service, the scrutiny and feedback from various quarters are indicative of public interest and engagement with issues of governance.
“Criticism should be embraced as an opportunity for introspection and improvement,” Akande remarked. “It shows that people are actively observing and evaluating our actions, which is crucial for maintaining accountability and transparency.”
He further underscored the importance of distinguishing between constructive criticism aimed at fostering growth and malicious intent aimed at causing harm. Akande urged leaders to discern feedback wisely, using it to refine strategies and enhance service delivery.
“As leaders, we must channel criticism into positive outcomes, using it to strengthen our commitment to serving the public good,” Akande concluded.
Akande’s advice encourages us not to be overly affected by either, maintaining a steadfast focus on our own values and goals.
In essence, whether we are discussed with admiration or critique, it is a testament to our relevance in the lives of others. By harnessing this attention as a source of motivation and reflection, we can channel it positively towards our personal growth and development. As we navigate the complexities of social interactions, Apostle Selman’s words serve as a reminder to remain grounded in our convictions and use every form of attention—positive or negative—as fuel to propel us forward on our journey of self-improvement.