We know - intellectually - that confronting an issue is the only way to resolve it. But any resolution will disrupt the status quo. Given the choice between conflict and change on the one hand, and inertia on the other, the ostrich position can seem very attractive.

Most people have their best ideas when they take their minds away from problems they're trying to solve.

You cannot fix a problem that you refuse to acknowledge.

Those in powerless positions aren't about to complain about bullying bosses, abusive supervisors or corrupt co-workers. There is no safe way to do so and no process that promises redress.

As long as it (an issue) remains invisible, it is guaranteed to remain insoluble.

If we aren't going to be afraid of conflict, we have to see it as thinking.

[For constructive conflict,] we have to resist the neurobiological drive which means that we really prefer people mostly like ourselves.