Working With A Wicked Problem During Hard Times

During the last six months of executive coaching sessions, I have been asked the same two questions over and over again: 

- What do I do about the on-going problem of not finding the right people, or, for that matter, finding anyone to apply for an open position?

- And what do I do about not being able to keep our people because someone is willing to pay them more and/or offer them a different configuration of hours or benefits plus a signing bonus?

Numerous leaders and HR professionals are frustrated and stumped by this situation. Staff are troubled by the constant turnover and lack of new people being hired into these open positions. In short, the problem is getting worse and there is no end in sight. 

Initially, I struggled with these questions as an executive coach. I had no quick and easy answers. From my vantage point, the questions reflected not a singular problem but, instead, a multitude of problems. Upon much reflection, I began to comprehend what was going on and a unique pathway through these numerous problems. 

The Role of Accelerated Convergence

There is a term in the world of consulting called “accelerated convergence.” This happens when two or more problems come together to form a larger and more complex problem. One can also frame up accelerated convergence when a mix of solutions come together to form a better solution. For example, in the world of technology, a positive example of accelerated convergence happened when the cell phone, a camera, and some form of digital organizer all became part of the same mobile device. Think the iPhone. But right now in the area of recruitment and retention, accelerated convergence has a created a problem that is very difficult to solve. 

First, recognizing that accelerated convergence around the problem of recruitment and retention has and is taking place, I think we need to give this problem a name. To me, this problem is more than just an adaptive challenge, a technical problem, or a crisis. I would call it a “wicked problem.”

FYI: To be continued on Tuesday. 

Geery Howe, M.A. Executive Coach in Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257