Ed Dowding

“Can’t see the wood for the trees” is a common phrase used as shorthand for a common problem: if we’re too close to something, it’s hard to see it in context.

Thus we’re unable to see solutions which are obvious, or to think strategically since we lack a bigger-picture overview.

There is no one we’re going to be closer to than ourselves, so what makes us think we’re well placed to solve our bigger-picture problems which requires perspective and broader thinking? Once we have that in place we’re probably – if we know ourselves – the best person to add detail to the picture; but it seems that we’re going to be better off
listening to someone else to get a general overview.

PS This is not a well-phrased point, so please forgive me, but I’m in a hurry and wanted to get it down.

PPS Blindingly obvious? Yes, of course. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need saying. We forget this stuff.