Adaptive challenges vs. technical problems

In Robert Kegan & Lisa Lahey’s 2012 book “Immunity to Change: How to overcome it and unlock potential in yourself and your organization” Lahey shares  “The single biggest failure of leadership is to treat adaptive challenges like technical problems.” 


Adaptive challenges and technical problems are two different types of problems that require different approaches to solve. Technical problems have known solutions that can be applied using established procedures and expertise. On the other hand, adaptive challenges require an organization to adapt and change its behaviors, attitudes, and values to address a complex and ambiguous problem. Adaptive challenges often involve changing the organization's culture, beliefs, and practices to solve a problem.

The failure of leadership comes when leaders treat adaptive challenges like technical problems. By doing so, they assume that there is a known solution that can be implemented without changing the underlying culture and practices of the organization. This approach often leads to short-term fixes that do not address the root causes of the problem, and the problem will likely reappear in the future.

Instead, leaders need to recognize the complexity of adaptive challenges and approach them with a willingness to learn and adapt. They should encourage experimentation, trial and error, and collaboration to identify and test potential solutions. Leaders should also be willing to challenge their assumptions and beliefs and be open to new ways of thinking.
In conclusion, treating adaptive challenges like technical problems is a significant failure of leadership that can lead to short-term fixes and long-term problems. Leaders must recognize the complexity of adaptive challenges and approach them with a willingness to learn and adapt to ensure long-term success.

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