"Criticize by creating." Wow. The book I am now reading ("In A Pit With A Lion...) used this quote, attributing it to Michelangelo. I had never heard that quote before but I find it very interesting.

A commonly heard thing in the workplace is "Don't bring me a problem unless you have a solution." I have used that some at work but then I usually open the door a bit, too, for folks to come discuss the problem even if they do not have a solution -- maybe together we can find one.

This Michelangelo quote is more focused on structures and institutions than processes I think. In essence, it is believed he was saying that, if you don't think something is working right -- if it is not meeting the needs of man -- then create your own "something".

I am not sure that is good advice 100% of the time but it certainly could stand as a sound general rule.

My business is in an industry which is proverbially broken -- the home improvement industry and, specifically, roofing. Our industry generates more complaints to the Better Business Bureau each year than any other industry. That is an ugly reality.

As a business in this industry, though, we can be critical of it or we can just choose to rise above it and create something entirely different -- something devoted to the "delight" of homeowners as a co-worker used to say.

Indeed, let us criticize the current by creating something better for the future.