Naming the Problem

[Problem Solving - I]

Finding the problem is not usually the problem. Being honest about it is.

But if the problem exposes our culpability…
If the problem points to our deficiency…
If the problem tars our reputation…
If the problem evokes unbearable emotions…

Then avoid it.

As if saying it out loud or pointing at it directly will somehow hurt us. We want to deny it while we find a work-around. But denying it never increases our chance at a solution. The opposite is true.

Fearing the problem gives it strength; not naming it inflates its influence. And not being honest about it gives it the best chance of doing the maximum damage.