What makes you pessimistic about problem-solving?

One day, a blue bird flies through an open window of your room. Out of confusion, the bird is trapped. There must be something special about this lost bird. So, you kept the bird in a sturdy shoe box and later on in a secured cage. Then, you fed it for the day. The following morning, you were surprised to see the bird, sporting yellow feathers from blue when you first saw it.

- REY ELBO

Apparently, the lost bird is pleasantly unique from all other birds. You continuously cared for it with a nutritious, premium seed mix.

On the morning of the third day, you were delighted to see the bird change its color from yellow to pure white. On the fourth day, it turned its feather completely black as if it was in mourning. Now, you're hoping and praying that the bird discontinues its color-changing habit.

If you're the person in this story, what permanent color do you want for the lost bird? Blue, yellow, white, or black?

This story was adapted from the work of Japanese professors Tadahiko Nagao and Isamu Saito in their bestselling opus Kokology: The Game of Self-Discovery (2000). I'm using it to help people understand their aptitude in kaizen problem-solving. Incidentally, kokology means the study of mind and spirit.

These two important aspects could help us improve our problem-solving skills, like what Aristotle told his constituents: "Knowing oneself is the beginning of all wisdom."

The activity routine in my kaizen program goes like this. Four volunteers are requested to come forward on stage brandishing different flags representing their favorite color. As soon as they've established themselves on stage, all participants are asked to join the group representing their preferred color.