Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, has called on the public to embrace constructive criticism, stressing that criticism is a normal and important part of human activities and leadership.
He made the statement on the airwaves of Fafaa 100.3 FM during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme, where he spoke about the importance of criticism and its role in promoting positive change and effective leadership.
According to Mr. Evortepe, criticism is an important aspect of human interaction because it enables individuals, organisations and leaders to identify areas where improvements are needed.
He explained that constructive criticism creates an opportunity for people to recognise their mistakes, make corrections and find better ways of doing things. He added that criticism can contribute to positive changes when it is delivered with the intention of helping rather than causing harm.
Mr. Evortepe, however, cautioned against what he described as accusation criticism, saying it can create disagreements, confusion and unnecessary tension.
He noted that some people criticise others without considering the impact of their words or providing any meaningful solution to the issue at hand. Such an approach, he said, does not help individuals or organisations to improve but can instead create misunderstanding and division.
He therefore urged people to distinguish between criticism that seeks to correct and criticism that seeks to accuse or attack.
Mr. Evortepe further stated that criticism is particularly important in a leadership role because it enables leaders to know the way to go. He explained that leaders do not always have all the answers and therefore need the views, concerns and observations of others to make informed decisions.
He said constructive criticism can help leaders understand the concerns of the people they serve and identify areas that require attention.
According to him, a leader who is willing to listen to constructive criticism is better positioned to make positive changes and improve the work of an organisation.
He stressed that criticism should not automatically be seen as disrespect or an attack on a person’s leadership. Rather, he said, responsible criticism should be welcomed when it is intended to bring improvement and produce better results.
The Executive President encouraged people who disagree with decisions or actions taken by leaders and organisations to express their concerns respectfully and provide suggestions that can contribute to solving the problem.
He said pointing out a problem without offering any constructive direction may not achieve the desired outcome, adding that criticism should be accompanied by a willingness to contribute towards finding solutions.
Mr. Evortepe also encouraged leaders to develop the capacity to listen, saying criticism can provide valuable information about how their decisions and actions are perceived by the people around them.
He noted that constructive criticism can promote accountability and transparency, particularly when leaders are prepared to acknowledge their shortcomings and take corrective measures.
He further advised the public to avoid personal attacks, insults and unfounded accusations when expressing their opinions, as such conduct can damage relationships and make meaningful dialogue difficult.
Mr. Evortepe maintained that disagreements are inevitable in human activities, but they should be handled through dialogue, mutual respect and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
He said the objective of criticism should be to correct mistakes, improve performance and contribute to development rather than to create confusion or bring individuals into disrepute.
He called on members of the public, leaders and stakeholders to make constructive criticism part of their daily interactions, saying society can achieve greater progress when people are willing to listen, learn from one another and make positive changes.
Mr. Evortepe concluded by stressing that criticism, when properly delivered and received, can be a powerful tool for growth, accountability and development, but when it is reduced to accusation and personal attacks, it can become a source of conflict rather than progress.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze