We face many wicked problems in the world today – problems so extensive and intertangled and deep that every attempt to solve them seems to make them worse. Cancer and dementia. Unimaginable national debts and propped-up currencies. Authoritarianism. Institutional trust evaporating. Probably a half-billion people dying from addictions. Extensive failures of father and mother role models.
These are the ten characteristics of wicked problems:
- No clear definition
- “One shot” solutions have consequences
- No immediate or ultimate test for a solution
- No final end to solutions
- Unique
- Every problem is a symptom of another
- Solution space is limited by worldview
- No “right to be wrong”
- Solutions are not right/wrong but better/worse
- Can’t stop the problems to solve them
There is no lack of commentary on these problems. There are endless rounds of proposed solutions. The inherent flaws of human nature are the unique threads running through all wicked problems – especially selfishness and lies. Another common thread: the “Rubik’s Cube Solution” applies, meaning things will have to get much worse before they can be better, because wicked problems are always about systems of systems.
So what are you and I to do? Not the mass of humanity, not “the government” or “the leadership,” but you and me? I suggest a tripartite plan of action:
First, pursue what is necessary to constrain your weaknesses.
Second, know your calling. It may take time to know this, and our calling evolves as we grow. Your calling defines your lane.
Third, work on the problems in your lane. Stay in your lane. Work within your strengths and circle of influence. Trust that others will be called to tackle other areas.
Maybe a fourth part of the plan is to resolve to put your trust where it belongs.
