Ladder, anyone?

If you were in a labyrinth, and someone offered you a ladder, would you accept it?

This ladder would take you up high enough to see over the maze, help you to plot your path, and lead you out the other side, to freedom.

Well, I'm not talking about cheating in a fun park here, it's a problem solving metaphor. In my experience, and yes, I include myself, we often say no. Why?

It is important for us to suffer. We like to say how hard it was, how hard we worked, as if the toil is some badge of honour, at least when it comes to bragging rights.

It's also because, we are not all that often, offered a ladder. The old adage of "no one was there to help me, so you can find it out for yourself", speaks volumes for the lack of rational thinking when it comes to problem solving. We find some perverse pleasure in sitting back and waiting for the mistake, just so we feel good when we correct the error.

So, next time you recognise a problem, and you think you can help, offer it. And, if you are faced with the problem, consider accepting the help.

Hopefully the ego's on both sides can be put aside for long enough to see that might be what you are both looking for, and give you something better to brag about.