THESE SHOULD BE ON YOUR TEAM TOO

The trouble with most of us is we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism. – Norman Vincent Peale

“Mummy can I open this bottle?”

“No, Josh you can’t.”

“But why not? “

“Because the liquid will pour.”

“So what will happen if the liquid pours?”

“It will stain the carpet.”

"What will happen if the carpet is stained…?”

My son was three years and he already was full of questions and will not stop until he is satisfied or you probably get irritated and send him off somewhere. 

At this age we can tolerate them; these are the people called the Investigators.  These people, on any team, are the ones who want to know what can go wrong; they never jump at any idea with enthusiasm, because it is their gift to see things that others may not perceive.  You may probably call them pessimists or skeptics, and decide not to invite them to join your team.

I can understand that you want the right kind of vibe and energy around you while you work your dream; however, every team needs an investigator as I choose to call them.  They are not the most encouraging people you will find, but they help me see possible pitfalls and allow me ample time to either work on averting them or prepare myself to work round them.   Either way these personality types can add value to your dream and vision if you know how to react and take on board their opinions and observations.  The question is will I pay an investigator to stay on my team and spread bad vibes? At face value maybe not, but if you have developed yourself to be objective in viewing their issues and taking into perspective their opinions, they can save you a lot of unnecessary pain and setbacks.

The other set of people I recommend for every team are the Critics, especially those who never give constructive criticism. Now this group of people I may not go looking for but they also have their use and like they say ‘every dog has its day’.  When we started publishing Effectual, it wasn’t perfect but it was a product I was proud of.  I took it to show to some friends of mine and I solicited their ‘constructive’ criticism. But there was this one guy who had only negative things to say. In criticizing he had no respect for the vision, did not seek to understand the goal and just went to town telling me how the magazine will not do well ‘unless’ I made some changes.

Now for me the things he asked to be changed were part of our Vision and Unique Selling Point!  His stance tore me to shreds on the inside but it also helped me to resolve to give it my best shot and make all the required sacrifices to prove that what we had was a worthwhile Vision.

The critics you don’t need to pay, but they will come find you, and when they come, I encourage you to understand that they have their use too.  If Judas had not colluded with the Pharisees and the Roman soldiers, Jesus would not have been killed.  If he didn’t die on the cross, we would not have received redemption.

In the words from a tweet by @BishopJakes ‘If the belligerence of men can kill your dream, you have no right to obtain it. You have to withstand insults and keep on moving.’

Your team will not be complete and functional if these two sets of people are left out.  Your dream will go as far as your resilience even in the face of senseless criticism.  Remember, your dream is worth the fight! You will make it NeverTheLess.

Love you lots

Sistar B