My kitchen table is full of 1,000 puzzle pieces. On the box is a picture of Notre Dame.

I know exactly how I am going to crack this puzzle: first the corners, then the edges and then fill in each area. The sky is the least fun part. I’ll save that for last.

Even with this step-by-step plan, I know that I am entering a search process that is anything but efficient.

We are in turbulent waters: there are immense issues at stake, with painful choices, conflicting interests, polarising relationships and unpredictable twists and turns. The end is not in sight.

If you take on a leadership role in such a situation, you know one thing for sure: you will be put to the test.

There is nothing wrong with a good discussion from time to time.

Yet we tend to discuss too much rather than too little. For example, in situations where the exchange of arguments is a foregone conclusion.

I will mention seven of these.