Embracing the Wicked
Problems are a common part of living. Solving many of them may be relatively simple. They give people confidence to try new things, thinking that the strategies for problem X would likely work for other problems. In addition, problem solving has other benefits such as giving life meaning, building mental growth, stimulating thinking and helping develop emotional life[1]. However, in their book Exploring Wicked Problems, authors, Joseph Bentley, PhD and Michael Toth, PhD discuss two very different types of problems, Tame and Wick. Tame problems are those that can be solved by employing specific approaches by people with the right knowledge or experience, leading to the benefits mentioned above. Wicked problems are those that are not only difficult to solve, sometimes there are no right answers for solving them. These are difficult problems that might need the leader to choose the best approach available from a number of bad options[2]. I would like to explore how wicked problems can impact organizations, the unnatural acts that are often part of organizations, intricacies of working in the swamp versus high ground and more, however time and space limitations prohibit much of that. In this post I will explore how to recognize a wicked problem and some of the different approaches to working with them. Finally, I will share some realizations I had in reading this book and where I see it may impact my current situation.
Wicked problems are most often recognized when there are messy situations that can’t seem to be fixed but are difficult to ignore. Messes are ill-defined yet troublesome situations[3]. Messes do not get solved, but can turn into problem through analysis, then discussion, reflecting, and vetting the pieces of the mess and extracting something that can tangibly be worked on to exact some kind of change[4].
The authors did give some hope for dealing with wicked problems, taming them. Just like the lion-tamer in the center ring with a lion, wicked problems will always be difficult, dangerous, or more, yet they can be tamed[5].Taming wicked problems involves taking a step aside to get an outside look at the problem and see what is important that can be considered and if there is a part of the problem that might be able to be solved – tamed. The authors recommended 8 steps to taming a portion of a wicked problem:
- Find the problem: What needs attention now.
- Own the problem: Admit that it is important to either the community or more broadly.
- Create the problem: This is done by taking a messy situation and creating some order then claiming ownership of this step with the situation.
- Define the problem: The definition is formed when someone is able to state where they are with the problem and where they want to go.
- Name the problem: This opens the door to meaningful discussions and action steps.
- Identify Obstacles: What stands in the way of reaching the goal?
- Recruit, Enlist, and Engage Others: Some examples of how to accomplish this, wicked problems need a team approach from those who are about the problem, is willing to work on it, has some knowledge or experience related to it.
- Create and implement an action plan: This gives direction to the effort that could reduce the impact of the overall wicked problem[6]
Exploring Wicked Problems was the last book I wanted to read. I spend most of my days navigating problematic situations and wasn’t very interested in reading about them. However, the book was extremely accessible, made sense to me, and gave me hope. As I was reading this book, I thought of Jesus talking to the disciples, generally in Matthew and specifically to Judas Iscariot in John saying that the poor would always be present[7]. It reminds me that even Jesus did not wipe out all the wicked problems. But Jesus modeled how to be present with each person regardless of their status. Mack McLarty who spoke to us at the DC advance also came to mind while I was reading this week. He had served with a number of presidents and specifically as President Clinton’s Chief of Staff for a time. I thought about all the wicked problems that sit on the desk of leaders in our capitol. What struck me was that Mr. McLarty talked about relationships. Talking with people based on them as a person and getting to know them[8]. Even now, I think he was taming a piece of a wicked problem because when we get to really know people who are co-worker, friend, neighbor, or political adversary we stop treating them like an object to be disregarded. There is a chance for growth.
Last weekend I went on our confirmation class retreat with a bunch of teens. I love teaching this class, but being away for a whole weekend had me a bit unnerved. If left to my own devices it would be easy to panic on a number of fronts. Yet, God knew better than I what was most important and what I needed. The time was precious with the kids and especially being with and talking about Jesus was invaluable. As I was walking the beach with the tide rolling in, I felt God’s presence in that place. His message to me was a reminder that even when the world has been filled with upheaval, sin, and even evil, God has been present. God’s created ocean has been changing tides, roaring with the break of the waves and depositing the shells and sharks teeth on the sand since creation.
[1] Joseph Bentley and Michael Toth, Exploring Wicked Problems: What They Are and Why They Are Important, (Bloomington, IN, Archway Publishing, 2020), p. 49.
[2] Bentley and Toth, p.34.
[3] Bentley and Toth, p.75.
[4] Bentley and Toth, p. 78.
[5] Bentley and Toth, p. 54.
[6] Bentley and Toth, pp. 55-57.
[7] Gospels Matthew 26:11 and John 12:8.
[8] Thomas Mack McLarty, Portland Seminary DC Advance, Sept. 2024.
About the Author
Diane Tuttle
12 responses to “Embracing the Wicked”
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Hi Diane,
What additional topics or scenarios would you have liked to see covered in the book Exploring Wicked Problems?
Hi Shela, thank you for the question. Because the presentation of difficult problems that seem to be impossible to solve was new to me, I did not have a preconceived idea of what the book should be about. Rather I read it with expectancy of learning something new, which I did. In a perfect world, in which we are not yet living, I would have loved to hear the author’s opinion on how faith might impact their approach to wicked problems.
Diane,
It’s a rainy, almost cold enough to snow night, they walk on the beach you described sounds wonderful.
You said ” It reminds me that even Jesus did not wipe out all the wicked problems. But Jesus modeled how to be present with each person regardless of their status.” I’m thinking of your employee that recently passed away. It sounds like she was great at being present with the members of the group home. As staff at the group home are trained, what is the number one tip you would give them on how to be present with each member of the group home?
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the question. The first thing we tell our staff is that although our agency owns the homes our folks live in, it is their home and to be respectful of that. We then remind them that they are there to be helpful, present, encouraging, and caring. They are not “in charge of” or parents of the men and women.
Diane, Thank you for your beautiful post. I so appreciate the idea that by getting to know someone we can be taming part of a wicked problem. I am convinced that naming something is critical to begin change/solving. What kinds of obstacles do you see in naming problems? Maybe just in your context?
Hi Julie, That is a good question. I think the answer that comes to mind does work in my context but also might be a useful awareness in others. The first obstacle is recognizing the problem, second I think would be to plan ahead how to discuss it without being reactive then not assigning specific blame to a person. If it is a wicked problem all likelihood it is bigger than one person. Again – a good question and even as I write this I recognize that the answer might be different with any given situation.
Hi Diane, thanks for your blog. I appreciated that you focused on the relational side of this. Problems typically involve and impact people.
What are the challenges you might face in involving others to help address the problem?
Hi Graham, I may have touched on a piece of this with my reply to Julie but from a different perspective. Because I am currently reading Rare Leadership, I want to day I would hope I wouldn’t run into a sandbox bully.
Diane, I appreciate your focus on the process of taming wicked problems by breaking them down into manageable parts and engaging others in the effort.
Given that wicked problems are never fully solved, how do you determine when an intervention has been successful? Is success measured by incremental progress, shifts in perspective, or by the relationships built in the process?
Hi Chad, Thanks for your thoughts. If I may answer from my context, one of our wicked problems is the need to raise over $1M annually. No one person can do it alone, it won’t be over once the 1M is raised because the State limits our ability to be reimbursed for the actual cost to provide the intense/medically needed services. I think celebrating successes in increments such as building relationships that become longterm, empowering our team to have confidence to tell our story, and in a concrete way, make our $120K payroll every 2 weeks is very important. If there were no relationships, grit, progress, and especially faith, it would be easy to lose hope. Yet, each win is an encouragement and a lesson for other wicked problems that arise.
Hi Diane, Thank you for this great post. I appreciated your concluding thoughts and how you felt God’s presence while walking along the beach. In your response to Shela’s question, you would have liked to see the author touch on how faith plays out in their approach to wicked problems. As followers of Jesus, we know experiencing His presence is essential to our trudging through the swamp. When you are in the midst of the mess, what helps you refocus on Christ and His promises? Thanks again for your post.
Hi Elysse, thanks for the question. I think there are a couple of things that could bring me back to Jesus. The first if when I wake up in the middle of the night. It is a good reminder to reflect and pray – and then go back to sleep. The other is when I feel overwhelmed in the swamp and sense myself doubting so much, I have to stop and remember God’s invitation to love him and follow Jesus. I don’t know how anyone lives otherwise. Thanks again for asking, the reminder is always good.