Free Speech and Criticism

 

            My experiences as an officer, as a leader, in the Army forced me to develop a thick skin. As a private and specialist, I thought my leaders were somehow immune to criticism from below. As an officer, I found that the criticism seemed unending from above and below. My rank did not serve as a shield, rather as a magnet attracting various forms of criticism. Sometimes it seemed to verge on abuse. This was especially apparent in the dreaded forum of the sensing session. In these sessions, the Inspector General (IG) would sit down with the subordinates of my organization and ask them their unvarnished opinions regarding my command climate and general fitness as a commander. Later they would sit down with me and review the results, always a challenging experience.

            Later as a teacher in a High School and a Community College, I learned about the civilian version of the “sensing session.” Each semester, I was required to submit to end of course reviews. Students, under the protection of anonymity, submitted critiques of my instruction. Again, I needed a thick skin. But interestingly, I found both types of criticism useful in helping me become a better instructor and leader. That is one of the many challenges of leadership. Leaders must develop the ability to absorb criticism and possibly learn from what others say.

            As I watch our current administration employ various tactics designed to stifle criticism, I am quite disappointed. Leaders and teachers need broad shoulders, shoulders, capable of withstanding criticism and disparaging remarks. To respond by censoring critics through any means reveals a small churlish spirit; one unsuited to the mantel of command or leadership. To bully, whether through verbal counter attacks or some other legal tool, is not the response of a true leader. The administration employs a number of tactics, verbal attacks, lawsuits, and regulatory threats designed to stifle critical voices and encourage their base. All of these reveal serious leadership flaws.

            True leaders understand that they are imperfect fallible humans. Even the best, most adept, leaders need input and guidance. Using bellicose speech and other pressure tactics does not show strength; those tactics show cowardice and insecurity. As a commander, leader of troops, I enjoyed a variety of retaliatory tools. To use them would have revealed my weakness as a leader, undermined the chain of command, and resulted in a poorly performing unit. Instead, I needed to carefully listen and make appropriate adjustments. As a teacher, I usually knew who wrote the critical reviews. By the end of a semester, I could recognize individual students’ style; and in a small community college the chances were quite good that I would see the students again. In both cases, if I swallowed my pride and hurt feelings, I found that the critiques helped me improve. But it is hard to swallow your pride.

            So, I well understand the urge to lash out at the critic. But I also understand the desperate need of our culture to see the example of a true leader, a statesman. Leaders, statesmen, put the needs of their nation above their own feelings. We all desire to feel loved and appreciated; but, leaders must often make decisions that others find unacceptable. As a leader in the Army, I often made decisions that my subordinates did not like, working late to prepare for an important exercise or mission, for example. As a teacher, I made assignments that my students did not want to complete or assigned grades that students did not appreciate; but, that was part of my responsibilities. So when they complained about their lot whether it be poor grades or long work hours, I did not hold it against them. After all, I understood their plight. But that did not change the state of things and for me to retaliate against them would not have been right.

            And that is the crux of my disappointment with the administration’s response to perceived censure. At this time, we desperately need broad-shouldered strong leaders who can stand the negative comments. No matter what they do, someone will complain. That is all part of the role of being a leader. Good leaders understand this, shrug off the petty complaints and take the worthy comments to heart and perhaps even redirect their actions and policies. So let us abandon threats and frivolous lawsuits designed to badger and bully. Instead, let us embrace thoughtful considered policy that works towards the best result for all of us in the republic. As my mother used to say, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.