we got problems

The techniques of making a large problem from a small one are simple and ancient, yet they may take a lifetime to master. Luckily there are six billion of us milling around this shrinking ball, all with exactly one lifetime to burn. Consider the depths of the shit we're going to be in this time next century.

Almost universally, the first step is to ignore the small problem. The smaller the problem is, the easier it is to ignore. Certainly there are cases in which premature panic and overcompensation are called for. But when in doubt, wait it out. Almost any small problem worth developing will certainly grow to respectable dimensions if just given some peace and quiet.

Now, the second step is the one everyone disagrees on. For my money, you can't beat spending phase two assigning blame. You can call it ownership or responsibility if you're that kind of perverse mind. Passing the buck feeds the problem and resentment simultaneously. It's a win win situation.

Now it's time for step three, misinterpreting the problem. Here you have some choices, and there's no easy way to learn what kinds of problems respond best to what kind of treatment. You can pretend it's still a small problem, persistent but nonetheless subject to any number of quick fixes. You can then put these off because they're really so simple. You can blow it way out of proportion, and detour a lot of resources you really can't afford into a overly complicated solution.

Now it comes to whether to stick doggedly to a clearly failing solution or change tactics so rapidly that there's no chance of judging the efficacy of any one. If the problem has grown beyond expectations it might already be time to call it self sustaining and let it go.

How to decide? Well, I say it's like golf. They're all good clubs, they'll all whack the ball around. The best way to learn the individual strengths of the components is to head to the range and hit some balls. They're all good techniques. Start ignoring all your problems right now, and see what develops.

klik if you demand tedious explanations of every little thing.