Not just about football—a question of words, resilience, and responsibility.
Ghanaians will never forget the AFCON final of 2015. After a strong performance, the Black Stars lost to Ivory Coast on penalties—a painful result, but one that offers profound lessons for anyone who leads or influences others.
One story stands out: Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s leading World Cup scorer, and former captain of the Black Stars. By 2015, Gyan had already made his mark in Ghana’s football history. Yet he was (and might still be) a man praised and insulted in equal measure.
Without much support from home in 2015, Gyan led a team few believed in, all the way to the finals. But the circumstances of that defeat tell a deeper story. When the 4th official called for a substitution at the 120th minute, I silently prayed it wasn’t what I feared. Sadly, it was—Gyan was leaving the pitch, missing the penalty shootout. Why? Because years of harsh criticism had shaped a promise he made to his late mother: never to take a penalty for Ghana again.
Could things have been different if we had encouraged rather than condemned? What if, instead of insults and death threats, we pushed him to learn from the like Eto’o, Drogba, Abedi, Ibrahimović, Ronaldo, Rooney? Maybe, just maybe, we would have helped him become one of the world’s best strikers.
(Ref: Proverbs 18:21)
Here’s the real question:
Are we speaking words that build—or words that break? As leaders, are we creating cultures where feedback strengthens—not silences—potential? And when criticism stings, are we modelling resilience—turning pressure into progress instead of retreat?
I’ve lived this lesson. I once sent my work to a mentor for review. Her feedback was so disappointing that I almost trashed a year’s effort. But I paused, reflected, and reframed her comments. That shift turned a perceived negative into constructive insight—making my work is ready for use.
So, when criticism comes, ask: How differently could this have been said to help me grow? Find the answer. Act on it. Excellence will be yours.
Call to Action:
Take a moment today. Identify one area where your words can build confidence instead of fear—and one skill you need to develop for unexpected challenges. Because leadership isn’t about position; it’s about readiness, resilience, and responsibility.