When you face a problem in Brazil, your first question should be: who do I know who can help? Brazilian problem-solving naturally activates personal networks—family, friends, colleagues, contacts—whose knowledge, resources, or connections can contribute to solutions. Building and maintaining relationships is not separate from problem-solving; it is problem-solving infrastructure. Relationships serve multiple functions.
They provide information about how to solve problems and who else might help. They provide direct assistance through mutual aid. They provide access to resources and opportunities that formal channels may not offer. They provide flexibility—the ability to negotiate solutions that rigid systems would not permit.
Invest in relationships before problems arise. When problems come, well-maintained relationships can be activated; neglected ones cannot.
This does not replace technical problem-solving, but technical solutions often depend on relational foundations for implementation. The technically correct solution that ignores relationship requirements often fails.
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