By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo
It is a public knowledge that some people always assume that they can’t be advised or corrected at a point on an issue bordering on their endeavours. This is absolutely wrong, because it is an easier way to self destruction.
There is no smoke, they say, without fire. I was having a conversation recently on phone with my respected brother and President of Ilorin Emirate Bayero University, Kano Alumni Association, Mallam AbdulGaniy Ayoku where we discussed issues that border on development in our community, Kwara state and Nigeria in general. He unequivocally said it is good to remind ourselves to always do good to one another. He explained that there is nothing wrong advising those in the position of authority, provided it is done with respect and devoid of vulgar language.
The Almighty Allah knows us, because He is our Creator. Hence, He said we should remind ourselves as it will be beneficial to mankind. Let me be blunt, nobody knows it all. If you are in a position of authority, it is imperative that you listen to those who are admonishing you on the path of truth; don’t disparage them. In fact, most times, listening to your critics would help you to grow in no small measure. This is because in their criticisms lie elements of construction and destruction. The psychophants would not tell you the truth because of one reason or the other. To me when you see someone refusing to listen to those who are genuinely telling him or her the truth, he is probably arrogant and pompous. Such a person is deemed to have traits of Shaitan (Devil).
It is significant to say that not all advice is workable, so it is now left to you to digest and think inward to ensure that you don’t commit grave errors that are capable of disrupting your affairs and people’s expectations from you. Of course, some people who know you are intelligent would want to paint you black once they know you would reject their selfish advice. As a community leader, politician, head of a corporate organization or head of a family; you must have people of proven integrity around you. The reason is simple, they are your first advisers.
Some men and women have failed because they have always been treating an advice from their wives or husbands with disdain and stubbornness. As a reasonable partner you should be able to listen and digest the advice so that you won’t run into “had I know I would have listened to you”. It is natural when you are advised against your wish that you feel bad, but all you need is to calm down, consult and pray. A typical instance is in the event that a young man or woman fell in love with someone and his or her parents had Advised him/her to leave the woman/man based on the history and unsuitability of the relationship. Naturally it is not easy to advise someone who is in love with a woman or man, but taking the advice would do him or her a lot of good If he or she listens. Most times our parents see what we don’t see when it comes to choosing a lifetime partner.
Essentially, your success would be largely determined by the crop of people around you as a leader in any setting. So open your mind and don’t be selfish and hasty, because nothing lasts forever. Great men who felt they knew it all have fallen down in history because they have refused to listen.
In fact, as a leader you would hear funny advice and scenarios; but your pragmatism and sincere approach would help you to weather the storm of those inadequacies.
It is only the Almighty that knows it all. As a human being; however, you can’t be an Island. The implications of proving that you know it all is, friends, families and associates would leave you to continue fooling yourself.
At this stage of my life, I know I don’t know it all, because I have limitations so I will listen to genuine advice that would make me nagivate across the ocean of wisdom, knowledge and wellbeing. When you listen to an advice from a wise elder, it does not mean you are a fool or because you can’t think for yourself but to ensure that you don’t make a lifetime mistake.
