Humans downplay threats.
That’s what the average person does.
Again and again.
Threats lead to change
(and extra work)
and very few people like change
(or extra work).
So when someone on your team
comes to you
with a concern,
it is highly likely
they’ve already tried
to dismiss it as a concern.
They’re now talking to you
because they can no longer
ignore the problem.
The problem is THAT bad.
You’re human also.
So your first urge
will be
to dismiss it
as a concern.
Resist that urge.
Investigate the issue.
Immediately.
And thank the person
for bringing it to your attention.