Domain

Explanation

Blame

• The process or reproaching oneself, others or both when things fail to reach expectations
• In short, the accuser shoves disapproval, bad-temper & ill-will towards the accused – he blames him
• On analysis, blame has the following aspects:

1. Anger
2. Dissatisfaction
3. Denial & shoving of responsibility
4. Towards a target – specific / general

Physiological side

• The mind concocts negative, harmful & often unstable states
• As these states are unstable, they force the beholder to seek equilibrium through changes, often dynamically

Roots of blame

• Any process has the following stages of development:

1. Initiation: start up & formation
2. Gradual build-up: slow development
3. Climaxing: blow-up & explosion
4. Residing: dying
5. Basis: dormant before next

• The roots of blame lie in the initiation stage involving a restructuring of perception, feelings & impressions
• The following are a limited group of roots:

1. Exhausted self: fatigue sets in & personal capacity is reached
2. Stimulation: negative perceptions towards stimulations that are otherwise inconsequential
3. Environmental conditioning: harsh surroundings &/or perceived difficult circumstances that breed dissent
4. Physiological structure: internally near the edge & ready to implode
5. External structure: externally harsh & unforgiving, ready to explode

But…

• Blame can be positive & like conflicts, can be managed & may even be necessary depending on the circumstances
• A HBR article has these to share:
• According to David Baldwin, a former Major League pitcher, blame can be a powerful and constructive force
• It can be an effective teaching tool that helps people avoid repeating their mistakes
• When used judiciously--and sparingly--blame can also prod people to put forth their best efforts, while maintaining both their confidence and their focus on goals
• For blame to be effectively positive, follow these five rules:

1. Know when to blame
2. Blame in private and praise in public
3. The absence of blame can be far worse than its presence
4. Manage misguided blame
5. Confidence is the first casualty of blame

Quotes

Mark Burnett (Eco Challenge, Survivor, Combat Missions):

• "Team members that quarrel, argue or blame within & amongst themselves pull each other apart further & further"
• "The leading teams refuse to argue … they simply push on & on"
• "Communication is essential and effective communication is critical"
• "The spirit is push on & on, not relenting any moment … mutual help & encouragement are vital"