List the Causes.

In a normal exercise, we would list all the causes of people not becoming self-reliant.

We would then categorise those causes. My guess is that if we did that, we would come up with 5 categories. Physical, emotional, financial, spiritual and moral reasons. 

However, if we do the exercise for the 5 areas it is one; a lot of work and two I am not sure what it is going to tell us.

The objective of the exercise is to put the shotgun away and bring out the rifle. If we can pinpoint the single greatest cause of people not either wanting or willing to become self-reliant then it will be a lot easier to engage them in meaningful discussion.

It has been my contention that a significant problem has been the parents. I present exhibit A attached. I have heard this story many times. “Yes, I know I should let the kids grow up, BUT I just want to hang onto them for another few years and be my buddy.” I believe we need to reframe the discussion as to why parents want to cripple the emotional, financial, and moral development of their children but that is getting a little ahead of the program.

There are many causes for a lack of self-reliance and I would suggest your team could brainstorm many of them. I find with brainstorming we get to about 40 causes, then there is a silence for a few minutes and then the best come out.