Who is to blame?

The elections have passed and we have been listening to criticism ever since, as well as finger pointing and pouring counter-accusations.
An interesting and surprisingly prominent one says that the electorate is to blame, the people. You see, it was not up to those who failed to inspire or build our trust, those who cheated, disappointed or neglected us (depends on how we see it). No. It was up to those who started to think and then made the wrong choice.

IT WASN`T ME

That exact scenario lives outside of politics. During a local organization meeting last year, several of us pointed out that it had not felt right that the representatives of the structure which had been the subject of the meeting, failed to show up. The president of the organization simply replied:“You chose them.“
You see, „we“ were to blame here, too. I have quite a few more, very recent examples from our industry and market, but I choose not to overstep the civilty by quoting some extreme statements I read or heard.

Although I didn`t think it was „our“ fault, on the contrary, we can only be responsible for our own actions or lack of them, I cannot help but wonder whether it is really important who`s fault it was?
Collective guilt is certainly not the answer. In my opinion, to solve the problem is the real goal. If finding the guilty party can bring positive changes and resolve the situation, bring it on, under condition that it helps in correcting what was found to be a mistake, bad example or simply deviated from best practice and has room for improvement.

THANKS FOR THE COMPLIMENTS, BUT YOUR CRITICISM LACKS GROUND

Criticism is necessary if we wish to change for the better and excel. It needs to include practical advice - specific and clear.
You may have said something like this or have heard it before: „How do I look, I`m not fat, right?“
We cannot treat things like that. No one expects negative comments, but they are a reality, too. And it is up to us to learn to listen. All that we are and that we do publicly is open to criticism or evaluation of others. We owe it to ourselves as well as others, that we progress and shine. Once we make a mistake or fail, we go a few steps back and make it right. That is the point where the responsibility should take control, not vanity.

We represent the adults here and we need to learn to be dignified and graceful in receiving both praise and criticism.
I am not comfortable in receiving negative comments and I expect that no one is. However, I do not try to resolve the situation via attempts to discredit those from who the criticism came from.
It is easy to turn to insults. Instead, we should stop, wait for the emotions to fade, think deeply and search for the s-o-l-u-t-i-o-n.
Some are more successful than others, regardless of their age or experience so it seems. This skill depends on our openness to change.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE

A great, wise lady I know, University professor, a true professional, also a mother and wife, someone who fights prejudices and whose actions speak equally loud as her words do, told me recently: „Do not stop trying or you will become just like anybody else, when in fact you are not.“
Each to his / her own... I gather we have recognized ourselves.