We should always plant the sincere intention to improve and do BETTER than the environment that we were in. And this applies in any social context: parenting, organizations, teams, even friendships.
And we do so, not out of disrespect to the previous generations, our parents, "forefathers", teachers or leadership. Rather, we do so out of the desire to improve.
Sometimes, the tendency is to view "rectification" as taboo, as it inherently means we are subconsciously highlighting their mistakes and therefore disrespecting them. It would be easier to "respect tradition" and continue on the same thing… even if they are obviously wrong or outdated.
But instead, we should change our outlook: We approach it with the positive thoughts that our predecessors were merely doing their best, given the limitations that they had and what was relevant during their era. They make mistakes, just as we do.
In fact, our intention is to improve and build upon the work they have done, by respecting and complementing any great contributions, actively acknowledging we are prone to making mistakes too!
For example, if we see company documents, guidelines or current ways of working are outdated or have glaring errors, we don't have to judge or disrespect them for being negligent, incompetent or “a failure”. Just be professional about it: Objectively identify the shortcomings, rectify whatever we can and move on!
If we are in a position to set the tone in our environment, seize the opportunity to be the change that we want to see. Don’t fall into the trap of intending tit-for-tat and repeating the “doom loop” out of a sense of revenge. When will the organization ever change?
Besides, if we are sincere, wouldn't we want our succeeding generations to have a mindset of rectification and sustainability? Wouldn't we eventually be "forefathers" too? And when we do, wouldn’t we love to see our contributions blossom into something greater?
I would want to create a great working environment, with the hopes that when my colleagues become leaders, they could make it even better.
Even in parenting: I want to give my son the best childhood that he can get, but at the same time, I also know I'm not perfect, so who am I trying to fool? So, respectfully, if there are areas you can do better when you become a husband and father someday, yes please do - tafaddhol, Muawiyah!
And if we speak about organizations - or even families, as a small piece of a larger picture of the community - we should think big picture: It's not about us. It's about supporting something and advancing a cause bigger than ourselves.
And that mindset the Qur'an teaches us:
"Verily! Allah will not change the state of a people, until they first change what is in themselves" (Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:11)
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