Inspiring Lessons I http://www.inspiringnet.com
Introduction
A brief exchange involving Nigerian billionaire entrepreneur Tony Elumelu and a young graduate has sparked conversations online. But beyond the debate over titles, respect and corporate etiquette, the encounter offers two simple but powerful lessons for everyday life: have the courage to correct what you believe is wrong, and have the maturity to accept correction and keep going.
During an interaction at the United Bank for Africa Graduate Management Accelerated Programme graduation ceremony, the young woman reportedly greeted the businessman with, “Good morning, Tony.”
Elumelu immediately corrected her, indicating that she should address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE.”
What happened next is equally instructive.
Tony Elumelu: Correct What You Believe Is Wrong
Whether people agree with Elumelu’s response or not, one lesson stands out: he communicated his preferred standard instead of silently accepting something he considered inappropriate.
In life and business, people will sometimes cross boundaries simply because they do not know those boundaries exist.
Correction, when properly communicated, can provide clarity.
We should not always remain silent about behaviour we consider inappropriate only to complain about it later. Sometimes people need to be told clearly and respectfully what is expected of them.
The lesson is simple: when something needs correcting, address it.
The Graduate: Accept Correction and Keep Going
The young woman’s response provides an equally powerful lesson.
She did not turn the moment into an argument. She did not allow the correction to destroy her confidence or stop her from speaking.
She adjusted, addressed him appropriately and continued with her question.
That is emotional maturity.
Throughout our careers, businesses, relationships and personal development, we will encounter correction. Some corrections will be justified; others may be debatable. Some will come privately; others may unfortunately happen publicly.
Our ability to listen, adjust where necessary and keep moving can determine how far we go.
One uncomfortable moment should not become the end of an important opportunity.
Correction Should Produce Growth, Not Paralysis
Perhaps this is the biggest lesson from the encounter.
The person giving correction should aim for clarity and improvement, not humiliation. The person receiving correction should resist allowing embarrassment, pride or defensiveness to prevent growth.
Correct what is wrong. Accept correction when it comes. Learn what you can. Then keep going.
Conclusion
The Tony Elumelu encounter may have lasted only a few moments, but it provides a useful lesson for workplaces, businesses and everyday relationships.
We need the confidence to communicate our standards and the humility to receive correction.
You will not always agree with every correction you receive. But you can choose how you respond.
Sometimes success is simply being humble enough to adjust, confident enough to continue and wise enough to learn from the moment.
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