Though Wicked, A leader Can be Effective!
Introduction:
“EXPLORING WICKED PROBLEMS: What They Are and Why Thet Are important,” by Joseph Bentley, PhD and Michael Toth, PhD not only gave us different perspectives on how we look at problems, but some practical ways to deal with it. In the introduction, they gave us the reason this book is necessary by stating that life acquaints all with goodness along with disappointment, pain and disorder and since the world gives us both possibilities and challenges.[1] To further elaborate, problems were classified as ‘wicked problems’ and ‘tame problems.’
“Those problems that lent themselves to straightforward solutions they called tame problems. Those that were inherently too difficult to solve they named wicked problems.” [2]
Since problems (both wicked and tame) are normal part of everyday life, it is crucial that those in leadership must be aware of, acknowledge its existence, and learn how to deal and live with it. Wicked Problem is defined as, “a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognize.”[3] On the other hand, tame problems is the opposite of wicked problems.
Wicked Problems and Effective Leadership
Effective leadership is crucial in addressing wicked problems; however, to lead through wicked problems, it is important to have basic idea of what is a ‘wicked problem.’ A wicked problem are not easily solvable; they are enormous and complicated. Following are some basic characteristics: (1.) it is difficult to to frame, define and describe, (2.) it is hard to understand without trying to solve it first, (3.) it is not solvable as in, ‘finally solved, once-and-for-all’ perspectives, (4.) it does not have a ‘true-or-false’ solution, (5.) those trying to solve it, are fully accountable for the aftereffect, (6.) trying to solve it is very risky, it may not work, (7.) there is no specific, or immediate solution, (8.) Each of them is unique, can not be broken down, and does not have a specific mode of operation, (9.) with each wicked problem, is the result of another, and finally (10.) no specific theory for it, for the causes varies, making solutions difficult.[4]
Due to the wickedness of the situation, how would a leader navigate or set his/her map-making. Dr. Kate Isaacs[5], in her response to the question of how great leaders tackle these [wicked problems] challenges now, she mentioned six winning practices; and following are the 6 winning practices: (1.) Bring the whole system to the table, (2.) First, to build and sustain trust among everyone, (3.) Ensure short-term wins, then to longer-term system solutions, (4.) Build ongoing and adaptive learning into the process, (5.) Be aware of your power and share it responsibly, and finally (6.) Manage relationships at home in tandem with those of your problem-solving community, or the stakeholders.
Conclusion:
To conclude, I would say that leading and finding solutions to wicked problems is nearly impossible. However, as we looked to some of the great leaders in history, it gives us the hope that it could be manageable, though not totally solved. Following are some examples of great leaders that have tackled with wicked problems:
- Nelson Mandela [6], the Apartheid in South Africa.
- Winston Churchill [7], WWII and the Nazi threat.
- Eleanor Roosevelt [8], Human rights and social inequality.
These are but few of them. And though these are but World leaders, it gives us hope that any leader could tackle wicked problems!
[1] Bentley PhD, Joseph; Toth PhD, Michael. Exploring Wicked Problems: What They Are and Why They Are Important (p. 9). Archway Publishing. Kindle Edition.
[2] Ibid (p. 10).
[3] Yourdictionary.com. Definition of Wicked Problem. Accessed February 27, 2025.
[4] Simpleandclever.com. 10 Characteristics of Wicked Problems. Accessed February 27, 2025.
[5] Experienced researcher and facilitator, MIT Center of Biomedical Innovation and The Center for Highet Ambition Leadership. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookmanville/2016/05/15/six-leadership-practices-for-wicked-problem-solving/. Accessed February 27, 2025.
[6] Nelson Mandela. https://www.biography.com/political-figures/nelson-mandela.
[7] Winston Churchill. https://www.history.com/topics/european-history/winston-churchill.
[8] Eleanor Roosevelt. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/eleanor-roosevelt
About the Author
Noel Liemam
7 responses to “Though Wicked, A leader Can be Effective!”
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Hi Noel, Thank you for your post. I am curious which of Dr. Isaac’s practices for leaders most resonates with you? Which of them have you found to be difficult to apply?
Hi, Kari, thank you for your comment. I am willing to try all of them, however, number is the resonate with me the most. Especially when dealing with problems that is complicated and also involves others, it would be wise to involve those with stakes in it. Thank you.
Hi Noel,
I noticed that one of the six practices is to build ongoing and adaptive learning into the process. How can you see this in action when you tackle problems in your leadership context?
Hi, Julie, thanks for your question. Since ‘wicked problems’ always yield another, it would be a good practice to always adapt and be flexible in dealing with the problem at hand. Thanks, Julie.
Hey Noel! You mentioned Dr Kate Issac’s. Have you applied any of her recommendations in your handling of wicked problems?
Thanks, Daren, for your question. Well, I have never heard of this term, ‘wicked problem,’ till this book. However, when involved in situations that involves others, I am always firm believer on having the stakeholders to be part of the solution finding. Thank you.
Noel, you mentioned how great leaders have tackled wicked problems by employing specific strategies. Given that wicked problems are never fully solved, how can leaders measure success in their efforts? Is it through tangible policy changes, shifts in societal attitudes, or the resilience they instill in their teams and communities?