Wicked Problems
What are wicked problems?
Ordinary or so-called “tame” problems reliably yield to the systematic application of well-understood techniques. Wicked problems, by contrast, are irreducibly and intractably complex, messy, variable, and uncertain. Examples include:
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“Planning our work on climate change threw up plenty of difficult, open questions that needed a new, better process. Tim van Gelder facilitated us through a dialogue mapping process that created rich new ideas and a shared understanding on my team. Tim’s facilitation on the day was excellent, with solid and efficient prep work and follow up. I’d recommend Tim and the process to anyone facing difficult questions. “ |
Tackling Wicked Problems
Wicked problems generally cannot be “solved” in the standard sense. Rather, they must be handled or managed. Significant progress can often be made when the problem is tackled well.
Wicked problems are usually socially complex – i.e., they involve many stakeholders, with diverse perspectives on the problem and distinct, perhaps competing interests. Tackling these sorts of wicked problems requires building shared understanding among the stakeholders. This is because the various perspectives contain pieces of the larger puzzle, pieces which must be taken into account in developing responses. Also, the success of any responses will depend on the cooperation of the stakeholders. That cooperation will be more easily obtained when the stakeholders properly appreciate the dimensions of the problem and feel that they have participated in crafting an appropriate response.
Shared understanding is achieved through dialogue among stakeholders. It is not sufficient for stakeholders to submit their views, as in a traditional public consultation. Rather they must meet to share perspectives, explore the problem together, and collaboratively craft a common understanding.
Mapping for Shared Understanding
This dialogue can be greatly facilitated by mapping techniques. Mapping helps sort out the complex tangle of issues, ideas, arguments and evidence involved in any wicked problem dialogue, and presents the elements and their relationships in simple visual format. A map forms an anchor or focus for discussion and articulates the shared understanding as it emerges.
In its most effective form, mapping is conducted “live” in a meeting of stakeholders. A map is displayed on a large screen, and evolves in real time as contributions are made. Mapping experts act as facilitators, driving the software generating the map, but also helping to guide the discussion.
How we can help
van Gelder & Monk can provide the services required for successful mapping for shared understanding. We can help in:
Why van Gelder & Monk?
Mapping for shared understanding requires distinctive expertise. van Gelder & Monk have that expertise:
Wicked problems generally cannot be “solved” in the standard sense. Rather, they must be handled or managed. Significant progress can often be made when the problem is tackled well.
Wicked problems are usually socially complex – i.e., they involve many stakeholders, with diverse perspectives on the problem and distinct, perhaps competing interests. Tackling these sorts of wicked problems requires building shared understanding among the stakeholders. This is because the various perspectives contain pieces of the larger puzzle, pieces which must be taken into account in developing responses. Also, the success of any responses will depend on the cooperation of the stakeholders. That cooperation will be more easily obtained when the stakeholders properly appreciate the dimensions of the problem and feel that they have participated in crafting an appropriate response.
Shared understanding is achieved through dialogue among stakeholders. It is not sufficient for stakeholders to submit their views, as in a traditional public consultation. Rather they must meet to share perspectives, explore the problem together, and collaboratively craft a common understanding.
Mapping for Shared Understanding
This dialogue can be greatly facilitated by mapping techniques. Mapping helps sort out the complex tangle of issues, ideas, arguments and evidence involved in any wicked problem dialogue, and presents the elements and their relationships in simple visual format. A map forms an anchor or focus for discussion and articulates the shared understanding as it emerges.
In its most effective form, mapping is conducted “live” in a meeting of stakeholders. A map is displayed on a large screen, and evolves in real time as contributions are made. Mapping experts act as facilitators, driving the software generating the map, but also helping to guide the discussion.
How we can help
van Gelder & Monk can provide the services required for successful mapping for shared understanding. We can help in:
- Designing and setting up the mapping sessions
- Facilitation dialogue with live mapping
- Producing high-quality maps displaying shared understanding
- Distributing maps
- Consulting on the larger wicked problem solving process
Why van Gelder & Monk?
Mapping for shared understanding requires distinctive expertise. van Gelder & Monk have that expertise:
- We have been providing mapping facilitation services to organisations large and small for a decade
- We have developed software specifically for mapping complex issues and arguments
- We have pioneered some of the mapping techniques, particularly argument mapping
- Our network includes other world leaders in this area.
Tim's facilitation was excellent. Not only did the meeting run well in the traditional sense, but the tools Tim employed enabled us to think better. There was less contention than usual and we walked out with a good appreciation of each other's views & ideas. Tim helped us forget about process and get to the crux of the issue. |
Discuss with us...We would be very happy to have a conversation with you about how wicked problems might be addressed in your organisation.
Just contact Tim van Gelder at tvg@vangeldermonk.com or +61 3 9016 9089 |