Why Doesn't Standard Problem-Solving Work for Wicked Business Problems?
A New Standard?
Standard problem-solving methods, such as the scientific method, are often not effective in addressing wicked problems for several reasons:
Complexity: Wicked problems involve multiple interrelated factors that are difficult to understand and quantify.
Incomplete information: There is often limited or conflicting information about wicked problems, making it difficult to develop solutions.
Lack of clarity: The solutions to wicked problems are often open to interpretation and are not clear-cut.
Multiple perspectives: Wicked problems often have competing perspectives, and different stakeholders may view solutions differently.
Unpredictable consequences: The consequences of solutions to wicked problems can be far-reaching and unexpected, making it difficult to assess the potential impact of different answers.
Resistance to change: Wicked problems often involve fundamental differences in values, beliefs, and behaviours and can generate opposition from those resistant to change.
Interdisciplinary nature: Wicked problems often require a multi-disciplinary approach. Still, traditional problem-solving methods are often siloed and do not facilitate collaboration across different fields.
Therefore, standard problem-solving methods may not be sufficient to address wicked problems. A more flexible, adaptive approach that considers the unique characteristics of these problems is often needed.
There is a Better Way
Coaching can be a better way to solve wicked business problems for several reasons:
Customised approach: Coaching takes a personalised, individualised approach to solving problems. It helps individuals identify their unique challenges and strengths and develops customised solutions specific to their needs.
Focus on behaviour and mindset: Coaching focuses on behaviour and mindset, which are critical drivers of business success. It helps individuals to develop new habits, skills, and perspectives that enable them to tackle challenges more effectively.
Empowerment and self-awareness: Coaching empowers individuals to take ownership of their problem-solving process. It helps individuals to become more self-aware and understand the impact of their thoughts and actions on their results.
Improved communication and collaboration: Coaching promotes improved communication and cooperation, which are essential for solving complex business problems. It helps individuals to build better relationships and work more effectively in teams.
Sustainability: Coaching focuses on creating sustainable solutions that can be sustained over time. It helps individuals to develop new habits, skills, and perspectives that will continue to serve them well long after the coaching process has ended.
Coaching is a more holistic, individualised, and empowering approach to solving wicked business problems that address these challenges' surface-level symptoms and the underlying root causes.
One example of a corporation that uses coaching to solve business problems is Procter & Gamble (P&G). P&G is a multinational consumer goods company that uses coaching to develop the skills and capabilities of its employees.
One of the ways P&G uses coaching is through its leadership development programs. The company partners with external coaching firms to provide leadership coaching to its senior executives and high-potential employees. This coaching helps these individuals to identify their leadership strengths and weaknesses, develop new skills, and overcome personal and professional challenges.
In addition to leadership coaching, P&G also uses coaching to solve specific business problems. For example, the company has used coaching to help employees develop their cross-functional collaboration skills. This has helped improve communication, teamwork, and decision-making, positively impacting business results.
P&G's use of coaching is part of a broader focus on developing the skills and capabilities of its employees. The company recognises that coaching is a powerful tool for driving individual and organisational performance. It has made a significant investment in coaching programs to support this goal.
SORTED: Six Steps to Tame Wicked Problems
I equip leaders to tame wicked individual and organisational problems, building trusted personal and professional relationships through six principles:
Situation - Identify your wicked problem (or opportunity)
Objective - Identify the outcomes you want
Reality - Where are you now? Really?
Template - Sketch possible solutions
Execution - Pick the most promising solution and put it into play
Development - Progressively improve the solution and your wicked problem-solving knowledge and skills.
Why not sit down for a couple of moments and think about a complex problem you had yourself or at work. Then, how might you apply these principles?
But Our Approach to Problem-Solving Has Always Worked?
Businesses may prefer traditional approaches over coaching to solve wicked business problems for several reasons, including:
Familiarity: Traditional approaches are often more familiar and easier to understand for many businesses. They have been used for a long time and are widely accepted, which can make them a more appealing option.
Lack of understanding: Many businesses may not understand the benefits of coaching and how it can be used to solve complex business problems. This can result in a lack of knowledge about the coaching process and how it works.
Cost: Coaching can be more expensive than traditional approaches, primarily if a company uses external coaches. This can make it a less appealing option for businesses trying to minimise costs.
Resistance to change: Businesses may resist change and prefer to stick with traditional approaches, even if they are not as effective as coaching. This can be due to a lack of trust in new methods or a fear of the unknown.
Lack of measurable outcomes: Some businesses may struggle to measure the impact of coaching on business results, which can make it a less appealing option. They may prefer approaches that have more tangible and measurable outcomes.
Time constraints: Businesses may also be pressed for time. Consequently, they may prefer approaches that can be implemented quickly rather than taking the time to develop a coaching program and see results over the long term.
Overall, businesses may prefer traditional approaches to coaching because of familiarity, cost, resistance to change, and a lack of understanding about the benefits of coaching. However, coaching can be a highly effective solution to wicked business problems. As a result, it is becoming more widely recognised and used by businesses in various industries.
Standard Doesn't Handle Wicked
Wicked problems are complex and multi-disciplinary. They involve incomplete information, multiple perspectives, unpredictable consequences, lack of clarity, and resistance to change. As a result, traditional problem-solving methods, such as the scientific method, may not effectively address these issues. Coaching is a more flexible, adaptive, and personalised approach that considers the unique characteristics of wicked problems, leading to sustainable and practical solutions. Procter & Gamble is an example of a corporation that uses coaching to solve business problems, including leadership development programs and collaboration skills. The SORTED method consists of six principles that help to tame wicked problems. Some businesses prefer traditional approaches to solving wicked problems, resisting coaching because of a lack of understanding, cost, and resistance to change. However, coaching is a more holistic, individualised, and empowering approach to solving these issues.