Jaime describes an approach to team problem-solving: look at the problem like a patient on the table. What are the symptoms? What’s the next step in treatment? Don’t ask whose fault it is.
“Let’s just look at this like a patient on the table—what are the symptoms and then what’s the next step in treatment. And not worrying about whose fault is something.”
When shame enters problem-solving, people stop being creative and start being defensive. They hide mistakes, avoid accountability, and optimize for not getting blamed rather than for finding solutions. Removing blame keeps people in problem-solving mode where they can actually think clearly.
This doesn’t mean no one is responsible—it means responsibility is handled separately from diagnosis. First heal the patient, then review the process.
Related Concepts
- Shame stagnates behavior
- See what’s right and build on it
- Gratitude reveals solutions deficit thinking hides