The Culprit That Isn't Me

Who is the culprit? If only I could get a face and a name. Blame. Blame. Blame. Fingers pointing every which direction.
I pointed out a problem the other day and all the fingers came back pointing at me. How dare I point out a problem? What sort of trouble maker am I? Have I no grace or forgiveness in my heart? It didn't take five minutes in the context of one problem for most to agree that another more serious problem had arisen.
Fortunately for me, this is my business, so I am familiar with the dynamic. But for many it comes as a shock to find the loyalty and courage that would risk addressing a negative situation twisted before their eyes into an accusation of betrayal or self-promotion.
Responsibility and accountability are not punishing words. To be held to one's word is not a personal affront or an assault on one's character, but an assumption of integrity and an expectation of consistency. We explore the cause of problems in order to learn what doesn't work, not to assign blame.