All the problems in the world can be classified into one of two categories:
	* My problem
	* Somebody else's problem
A problem is "my problem" if it interests or affects me in some way or if 
I have been assigned the responsibility to mitigate it. Otherwise it is somebody else's problem.

Ignoring those problems that are SomebodyElsesProblem is a good way to focus my 
attention on those problems that are ''mine''.

Ignoring those problems that are SomebodyElsesProblem can keep me from becoming entangled in the political, social, and economic aspects of their solutions. Keeping ones nose out of other people's business is often a good idea. Fixing other peoples 
problems 
for 
them 
may 
prevent 
them from learning how to fix problems themselves or prevent them from 
fixing them the way they want them fixed.

'''But,'''

It can be too easy to dismiss problems as being 
SomebodyElsesProblem. Just because a problem is 
somebody elses problem doesn't mean it is 
not mine as well. A problem that doesn't 
interest or affect me today may do so tomorrow.

Refusing to help others with problems that are 
SomebodyElsesProblem often leads to resentment and lack of cooperation. People who explicitly say "That's not my problem" are generally viewed negatively. Diplomacy is 
important.

In a team environment, it is usually beneficial to consider all problems to be "our problems".

''However, you can also use a SEP field to make your boss think the project is finished. See DouglasAdams''
----





See also DelimitYourResponsibility
----
CategoryHumanFactors