From Deserts to Swamps to the Open Sea: Navigating the Harsh Terrain of Wicked Problems
“Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1)—a verse that comes to mind when reflecting on Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth’s Exploring Wicked Problems. Drawing from the work of social scientists Horst Rittel and Melvin Webber, Bentley and Toth distinguish between two categories: tame problems and wicked problems. Tame problems have clear solutions, while wicked problems are complex, ambiguous, and resistant to resolution. The authors cite Stanford University professor Larry Cuban, who defines wicked problems as “ill-defined, ambiguous, complicated, interconnected situations packed with potential conflict. In organizations [and elsewhere], wicked problems arise when people compete for limited resources, hold conflicting values, and wrestle with diverse expectations held by others about what [we] should be doing.”[1]
When faced with wicked problems, people often react by ignoring or denying them, repeating past failed solutions, or simply hoping for a miracle. However, Bentley and Toth propose a more effective approach—one that begins with naming the wicked problem, acknowledging its complexity, and embracing adaptive strategies rather than clinging to ineffective quick fixes.[2]
Rather than succumbing to the daunting nature of wicked problems, Bentley and Toth argue that challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities. Problems, they claim, enrich our emotional lives, stimulate our thinking, and expand our capacity to learn. As they write, “Growth, success, emotional vitality, courage, wisdom, thinking, perceiving and experiencing, learning, choosing, and acting—all are associated with problem situations.”[3]
Similarly, Karise Hutchinson highlights the complexity of wicked problems, explaining, “Unlike well-defined problems that are characterized by a known goal and route to the correct answer, ill-defined problems (also defined as wicked problems) are characterized by multiple potential goals, numerous ways of solving the problem, and several possible and acceptable solutions.”[4] She asserts that a new type of leadership—creative leadership—is needed to tackle these challenges. However, she emphasizes that “the most innovative outcomes emerge from a diverse collection of individuals thinking and acting creatively together.”[5] Bentley and Toth state, “…collaborating with others, create new ways that actually make a difference.”[6]
This need for collaboration and creative leadership in the face of wicked problems becomes especially clear when considering the “Desert Survival” or “Lost at Sea” exercise. I first encountered it during my undergraduate years as a Business student, and its results have stayed with me ever since. In this exercise, participants are placed in a scenario where they are stranded—whether on a deserted island, lost at sea, or in a desert—and given a list of survival items. Each person ranks these items individually in terms of their importance for survival, and then the group comes together to discuss and reach a consensus on the same task. The surprising twist, however, is that teams often perform worse than individuals, which challenges the assumption that group collaboration always leads to better outcomes.
Several obstacles hinder a team’s success, including groupthink, where the desire for consensus stifles critical thinking; social loafing, where some individuals disengage, assuming others will carry the load; and overconfidence, where teams may place undue trust in flawed reasoning, especially if it comes from a confident speaker. However, when teams work effectively—by valuing diverse input and leveraging expertise—they can achieve better results.
Much like being stranded in the desert or lost at sea, Bentley and Toth use the metaphor of a swamp to describe the disorienting and overwhelming nature of wicked problems. They write, “There is no firm place to stand; people feel they are in over their heads. The light is dim—dark, gloomy, and uncertain—and the tools most people bring with them are either inadequate or outdated for the work that must be done.”[7] Much like the stranded individuals in the survival exercise, people confronting wicked problems often feel overwhelmed, unsure, and ill-equipped to handle the situation.
This image of the swamp evokes a sense of helplessness and confusion, much like the experience of trying to solve complex, interconnected problems without the right resources or understanding. In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, the protagonist, Christian, encounters the “Swamp of Despair,” which parallels the challenges we face when confronting wicked problems. In his dream, Christian meets a figure named Help, who explains, “This place was never meant to remain in such disrepair. For over two thousand years, the King’s workers have been trying to fix it, following the guidance of His Majesty’s surveyors. Despite their best efforts, the swamp has swallowed up countless resources—millions of the finest materials intended to solidify the ground—but it still remains unchanged.[8]”
In conclusion, the wicked problems we face are often complex and resistant to simple solutions. As Bentley and Toth highlight, these challenges are “never solved, fixed, finished, or tamed.”[9] The examples of the “Desert Survival” exercise and the “Swamp of Despair” from Pilgrim’s Progress serve as metaphors for the disorienting and overwhelming nature of these issues. They remind us that the key to addressing such problems lies in embracing them as opportunities for growth and innovation. Just as teams may falter in the “Desert Survival” exercise due to challenges like groupthink or overconfidence, so too do we often feel ill-equipped when faced with wicked problems. But, as Bentley and Toth write, “If we seek out other people and join with them in figuring out what is valuable, meaningful, and worthwhile about the experience, and if we come to understand that struggling effectively in a swamp is in itself a notable achievement, we can help prepare ourselves for future experiences in swamps.”[10] By collaborating with a diverse group of individuals, we can unlock creative solutions, navigate these challenges together, and transform obstacles into meaningful progress.
[1] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems: What They Are and Why They Are Important (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2020), 11, Kindle.
[2] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems, 33, Kindle.
[3] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems, 65-66, Kindle.
[4] Karise Hutchinson, “Leadership and Creative Innovation,” Illuminaire Press Vol. 1, no. 1 (2024): 117, https://www.illuminaireleadership.com/illuminaire-press-vol-1-digital.
[5] Karise Hutchinson, “Leadership and Creative Innovation,” Illuminaire Press Vol. 1, no. 1 (2024): 118, https://www.illuminaireleadership.com/illuminaire-press-vol-1-digital.
[6] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems, 120, Kindle.
[7] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems, 144, Kindle.
[8] John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress, rev. Alan Vermilye (Linton, IN: Brown Chair Books, 2020), 23, Kindle.
[9] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems, 70, Kindle.
[10] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems,181-182, Kindle.
About the Author
Elysse Burns
16 responses to “From Deserts to Swamps to the Open Sea: Navigating the Harsh Terrain of Wicked Problems”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Elysse,
I like that you brought in the Pilgram’s Progress. I finally read that book sometime last year. What is one of the wicked problems in your current setting that you enjoy working on? Some wicked problems are a drain, but some can be energizing for us. What energizes you?
Hi Adam, We often talk about the leadership crisis we face today, and my host country is no exception. While working at a clinic here, I found energy and purpose in teaching new skills to employees—watching them not only learn but also embrace and adapt those skills to their own context. I suppose that’s what fuels me most: walking alongside people in their growth journey, even when the path is challenging.
Hi Elysse, I too was curious if you face wicked problems in your current setting. My question is do you find there are people that are interested and able to help process a portion of those problems with you so that maybe a portion of it might be tamed?
Hi Diane, Thank you for the question. I have both expat and local friends who are eager to tackle the complex challenges we face here. The wicked problems here are daunting, and we still have room to grow in how we approach them. It’s far easier to sit around drinking tea and discussing the country’s problems than to take meaningful action—but real change requires us to move beyond conversation and into action. I am still navigating this myself. But the encouraging thing is, there is genuine interest from locals to see change.
Elysse,
When you write about the swamp of despair I thought about the movie The Princess Bride and I see some parallels. The Fire Swamp has R.O.U.S. (Rodents of unusual size). Our swamps have P.O.U.S problems of unusual size. Then the Pit of Despair, is where they suck the life out of Wesley. Our Pit of Despair is where our problems suck the life out of us. “And don’t even think of trying to escape.”
My question isn’t about you or your work but your context. Given where you are, what wicked problem or P.O.U.S exist for your country and/or community? What is the attitude within the country regarding these wicked problems, do they possess hope?
Hi Jeff, Thank you for mentioning “The Princess Bride!” I considered using that example too. My host country is a mess—but I try to keep Ecclesiastes 9:4 in mind: “Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!”
That said, I want to highlight a wicked problem that’s less about the country itself and more about expat workers here. Many of us struggle emotionally, spiritually, and physically in this context. Turnover is high, and too often, people simply “white-knuckle it” until the day they leave. I have a lot more to say on this, but I’ll leave it at that for now. I’d love to pick Graham’s brain on this topic.
Overall, there’s a prevailing sense of hopelessness in this country—one that affects both locals and expats alike. I constantly ask myself, How can we not only embody hope but also speak it into this place?
Thank you for the great questions!
Hi Elysse, I found this book very encouraging for our context. Do you remember our many conversations that have gone similar to this, “It feels like we are attracted to complicated problems! Will we ever get away from them?!” Thanks to this book, the answer is “no!” I am realizing that choosing to stay in the swamp and deal with wicked problems is part of our calling. Thanks for modeling courage and creative leadership in the midst of wicket problems.
Hi Kari, Yes, we are definitely drawn to problems. Maybe that’s because one of us in this duo is a troublemaker? And let’s be honest—it’s not me! I’m glad we get to serve in the swamp together—high ground is overrated and far less interesting.
Hey Elysse! I enjoyed yor map making in this post. Thinking of your context can you share with me how difficult is it to collaborate on the wicked problems which you are forced to confront?
Hi Daren, Your question strikes at the core of my NPO— effective collaboration between expats and locals. It’s an incredibly challenging endeavor. After four years in-country, I feel like I’ve only just begun to grasp the complexities. These wicked problems span a wide range of issues, including the lingering effects of colonialism, unhealthy power dynamics, poverty, language barriers, religious differences—the list goes on. All of these wicked problems come into play when navigating partnerships with people. Do we share the same vision? Or are our goals, perspectives, and expectations different, shaped by the complexities around us? It’s incredibly challenging.
Hi, Elysse, thank you for your post. I like how you start your post by quoting, Job. Definitely, true, ‘are of few days and full of trouble.” Sounds like a wicked problem! You mentioned diverse collaboration as a means to approach wicked problem, could you share an example?
Hi Noel, Thank you for the great question. I’d like to share my Discovery and Design workshops as an example. These workshops brought together both expats and locals, but the diversity didn’t stop there. The expats came from various countries, had different roles in the country, and ranged in age. Similarly, the locals were equally diverse—some were university students, small business owners, nonprofit workers, and government employees, each coming from different people groups and generational backgrounds.
All these voices came together to discuss the NPO I was presenting, and it was fascinating to hear their feedback and see how their perspectives shaped the conversation. The diverse input was incredibly valuable.
Great resources for this article Elysse! Now I really do need to read “Pilgrim’s Progress.” 🙂
I find this especially interesting: “However, when teams work effectively—by valuing diverse input and leveraging expertise—they can achieve better results.” in light of what is going on in the world right now, where our governmental leaders are insisting on homogeneity. It’s pretty frightening, for a lot of reasons. But now I see that we are significantly less likely to be able to solve problems if we are not a more diverse country.
What are your thoughts about that?
Hi Debbie, I agree with your observations. From what I’ve seen, the level of homogeneity we encounter often reflects a fixed mindset, and as we know, that’s not an environment where growth can flourish. However, I find hope in the fact that we, as citizens, have the power to push back against this. By consistently stepping into uncomfortable spaces and engaging in meaningful conversations with those who think differently, we can create opportunities for both growth and positive change.
For instance, let me use the Muslim world as an example, since Ramadan is on my mind. Muslim immigrants to the U.S. may be facing unfair targeting by the current administration, but even so, we have the ability to reach out to these individuals, making sure they know they are seen and heard. We don’t need to mirror the homogeneity reflected in our government’s actions. Instead, we have the power to respond with inclusivity and compassion, showing that there is room for everyone at the table.
Hi Elysse,
As you have realized that wicked problems can’t be solved on your own, and you only play a small part in taming the wicked problem, how do you find peace in making your own small contribution, knowing that you may never see the solution?
Hi Christy, One of my core motivators is Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” There is so much beyond my control, but what I can control is my response to the wicked problems I face. My daily prayer is simple: “Lord, do something exceedingly and abundantly above the little I can offer.” This brings me peace. I am not in control, but He is.