ICANN Participants Should Keep Criticism of Development Process Leaders 'Respectful,' Ombudsman Says
ICANN Ombudsman Herb Waye urged participants to consider whether they're being “respectful and constructive” in criticizing the leaders of the organization's various multistakeholder policy development processes. Those leaders are expected to be able “to handle critique, dissent, aggressive questioning of…
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decisions, and many other challenges to their leadership,” but not “abusive criticism” or “counterproductive, irritating or frivolous comments,” Waye said in a Friday blog post. “I am not asking people to go easy on leadership. Hold them accountable for their decisions. Demand transparency. Enforce application of policy.” But that criticism should make leaders “feel you want to be part of a solution rather than merely an opponent,” Waye said. “By offering constructive criticism rather than simply criticizing, you are treating the leadership with respect. You are legitimately challenging them and at the same time demonstrating an interest in opening a conversation with them about improvement or change. Comments should focus on the problem not the people.”