The previous article discussed the importance of paying attention to the nature of the challenges we face as a prerequisite for effectively responding to them. In simple terms, the more we understand the problem, the better our ideas and insights will be for confronting or tackling it. Just as a mechanic must diagnose a car before repairing it, and a doctor must examine a patient before prescribing treatment, we must analyze the challenges we encounter before attempting to solve them. Failing to conduct a thorough analysis can lead to mistakes, delays, distractions, and divisions within an organization, ultimately resulting in mediocrity or decline. If leadership is about making progress, that progress must start with a proper investigation of the challenges at hand.
In light of this, my final perspective on leadership is that confronting challenges—by paying attention to them and brainstorming solutions—should be an ongoing engagement. This applies whether we are dealing with small challenges, large ones, or both, regardless of whether they take longer or shorter to resolve. It is crucial to cultivate a mindset that embraces a “work in progress.” Why is this important? This process, which involves action, will ultimately lead to gradual, step-by-step improvements rather than instant transformations. We should seek out the moments when our small yet consistent actions contribute to meaningful progress.
These four insights about leadership have emerged from years of working with leaders and organizations in various fields across Asia. Like everyone else, I am still learning, and I recognize that there is much more to discover about leadership in the context of addressing the many challenges we face as humans.
Article 7: Two Types of Challenges That Leaders Need To Confront and Solve
In line with the discussions in previous articles and the book The Art of Adaptive Leadership, this article will address the two types of problems we constantly confront each day: technical and adaptive challenges.
Technical challenges are those that can be diagnosed and solved using expertise, knowledge, or learned skills. Examples include fixing a lamp or building a home. Typically, the most sought-after person in this field is the one with the highest degree of expertise, the most experience, the best tools, or the ability to solve the problem quickly and effectively.
In contrast, more complex challenges are termed “adaptive.” These challenges are multifaceted and evolving, and expertise alone may be insufficient for their resolution. Instead, addressing these problems requires leveraging the collective wisdom and insights of everyone affected. In other words, participation from all stakeholders is necessary, as their lives are impacted by the issue. For instance, when a community or company decides to go completely green within a year, the efforts of top leaders alone will not suffice for success; everyone must share the responsibility for going green.
Adaptive problems take time to solve, as they are not easily understood. Identifying viable solutions can be as challenging as generating them. Often, it requires multiple attempts to determine what will work best for achieving the desired outcome. This trial-and-error process is likely to be accompanied by confusion and frustration.
