Why do we blame others for situations?

Blaming others often stems from psychological tendencies such as the fundamental attribution error. This error involves making assumptions about others' behaviors without adequate evidence. For instance, if someone fails to show up for a meeting, we might speculate that they are forgetful or upset with us, rather than considering alternative explanations, like an emergency 1.

Moreover, blame can be rooted in our ego's need to be right. As discussed by Jim Dethmer, this need often limits our learning and growth. He suggests shifting from a mindset of blame to one of "radical responsibility,” viewing challenges as opportunities for learning rather than assigning fault. This approach fosters a higher learning state and encourages collective growth and problem-solving 2.