Don't even think it! It's a defensive response that destroys your leadership credibility.

Okay, there's a problem. Let's say it's a major one - sales forecast missed, major breakdown of customer service, people at risk due to your products - you know the type. Our negative feelings cry out for quick satisfaction. The idea that we are wrong feels even worse, so it must be someone else. We hunt for causes outside us, someone to blame, someone to relieve us - fast.

So we point. And where we point is where we start solving the problem. Fred's the problem, sort Fred out. It's Janice's team, fire Janice. Sales department's the problem, cut their bonuses. 

This is a fundamental spiritual leadership principle in action. It is called First Cause. It says that, when there's a problem, where we start looking and our attitude determine the path to a solution. If we start with angry finger pointing, then down the wasteful path of destruction we go until our anxiety is satisfied. If we start in a positive way, or even a neutral way, then the probability of finding a constructive solution increases enormously.

If irritation and frustration are burning you up, you need a spiritual leadership strategy to create a better First Cause: 

1. Take a breath, focus on something good, say a prayer or affirmation.
2. Gently accept your own part in the problem.
3. Surrender the entire problem to your spiritual inner core.
4. Say your favorite affirmation to yourself (e.g., "There's good for me here, and I ought to have it.")
5. Repeat until a calm, confident, feeling comes to you.
6. Listen carefully to the ideas that emerge from your calm state of mind.
7. Begin solving the problem with theses ideas and your calm attitude.
8. Repeat the process whenever finger-pointing erupts. 

All the power you ever need is at your inner spiritual core. Point your finger there.