Savour Criticism

About 10 years ago, when I standing in a queue to pay fees at my son's school, some one came up from behind and in a rather stern voice said "Excuse me; will you fall in line please"? Startled, I looked around, mumbled an apology and said to myself "She must be one of those strict school teachers. Whoever, she was, a strange "how can anyone order me around?" thought came over me. You see, when you have been an HOD for some time, you are not used to people finding faults with what you do and correcting it - at least not to your face - irrespective of how wrong you may have been!With time, one gets used to this idea and if you are not watchful, complacency creeps in - "I can do nothing wrong". People are scared to tell you your faults, your department's faults - though a lot of back-row chatter may be going on behind you. With no feedback about your minuses, the rot sets in.On their very first day in the department, I make it a point to tell all new residents that they are free to point out my mistakes and should not think twice about it. The unfortunate end to this little advice is not seldom does any resident actually points out a mistake or error in judgment. Occasionally, when one of the bolder residents does point out something, I relaise how wrong I had been all along.Colleagues in the department are no better; most are still scared about the HOD or perhaps couldn't care less about that old blighter! Friends from other departments generally say the good things; hesitate a lot before pointing out bloomers and generally keep a "cool" relationship. Occasionally, we have a Dilip Karnad, with whom I have endless conversations, who to this day, has almost never had anything good to say about our department and has been my unending source for the masala of criticisms and I treasure and respect him for that. For, had it not been for his voluminous criticisms, we would have been much worse off in so many activities of the department. Unfortunately, his is not a common species.So, the other day, in one of the HOD meetings, provoked on some subject, VJL, as is his won't had choice criticisms in full public view about our CT and perhaps the MRI sections. Though some others, immediately voiced their disagreement with VJL's opinion, I was indeed momentarily shocked - for thus far, he had never mentioned any of this to me and I had counted him as one of my close friends in the campus! After the initial startled response, my defenses were back in place and I said to myself "I should look him up tomorrow and ask what the problem is.Tomorrow came and we bumped into each other - where else - but outside the canteen! Before I could say anything, he apologized profusely for "yesterday's outburst"; "it was not warranted" he continued. As others were present; I just let it go off without any further exchange. But, I know, there must be a problem and I will get it out of him.Listening to criticism - in fact seeking it, is an absolute necessity especially for those who make decisions and are in power. It does not matter where it come from; it does matter if much of it is garbage; it does not matter it is from the junior most resident. That is why GSMC Sounding Board; that is why - the Radiology Sounding Board where anonymous postings are allowed - a place where from we get important feedback.
I wonder how the Deans feel; sitting alone; rarely hearing in-house criticism - though a lot it goes on beyond earshot. I for one, have had interesting responses to my unpleasant feedback to the Deans - but these anecdotes will have to wait for another "Chairman's Corner" !

September 2004