How Coaching Really Beats Standard Problem-Solving for Wicked Business Problems
Standard Problem-Solving Methods Do Not Solve Wicked Business Problems
Standard problem-solving techniques may not be effective in solving wicked business problems for several reasons:
Complexity: Wicked business problems are typically complex, multi-faceted, and interrelated, which makes them challenging to understand and solve. Standard problem-solving techniques are often designed for more specific, well-defined problems. As a result, they may not be effective in solving complex, wicked problems.
Lack of clear solutions: Wicked business problems often lack clear answers. There may be multiple potential solutions, each with its own trade-offs and limitations. Standard problem-solving techniques may not be effective in these situations because they rely on finding a single, optimal solution.
Dynamic nature: Wicked business problems can be highly dynamic and may change over time, making it difficult to find a lasting solution. Standard problem-solving techniques are often designed for static situations. They may not be effective for solving problems that are constantly evolving.
Stakeholder conflicts: Wicked business problems often involve conflicting interests and priorities among multiple stakeholders, making it challenging to find a solution acceptable to everyone. Standard problem-solving techniques may not be effective in these situations because they may not address the underlying stakeholder conflicts.
Root cause analysis: Normal problem-solving techniques may not address the root cause of wicked business problems and may instead focus on treating the symptoms. This can lead to short-term fixes that do not address the underlying cause of the problem, making it more likely to reappear in the future.
Overall, standard problem-solving techniques may not be effective in solving wicked business problems because of their complexity, lack of clear solutions, dynamic nature, stakeholder conflicts, and failure to address root causes. Alternative approaches, such as coaching, may be more effective in these situations.
Coaching is Key
Coaching can be more effective than traditional problem-solving methods for wicked problems for several reasons:
Emphasizes personal growth and development: Coaching focuses on personal growth and development and helps individuals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to tackle wicked problems.
Encourages reflection: Coaching provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to reflect on their thoughts and experiences, which can help them to better understand and address wicked problems.
Focuses on solutions rather than problems: Coaching focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on issues, which can help individuals to find creative and innovative solutions to wicked problems.
Promotes collaboration: Coaching often involves collaboration between the coach and the individual, which can help to build the skills and knowledge needed to collaborate effectively on wicked problems.
Builds resilience: Coaching can help individuals to build resilience, which is essential for addressing wicked problems, which are often complex, challenging, and can generate opposition.
Encourages experimentation and innovation: Coaching often promotes experimentation and innovation, which can help individuals to find new and innovative solutions to wicked problems.
In conclusion, coaching can be a valuable tool for addressing wicked problems as it focuses on personal growth and development, encourages collaboration, and promotes experimentation and innovation.
Deloitte Coaches
An example of a company that uses coaching to solve wicked business problems is Deloitte, a multinational professional services firm. Deloitte provides a range of services, including audit and consulting, and has a strong focus on developing the skills and capabilities of its employees.
One of the ways Deloitte uses coaching is through its leadership development programs. The company partners with external coaching firms to provide leadership coaching to its senior executives and high-potential employees. This coaching helps these individuals to identify their leadership strengths and weaknesses, develop new skills, and overcome personal and professional challenges.
In addition to leadership coaching, Deloitte also uses coaching to solve specific business problems. For example, the company has used coaching to help teams improve their collaboration and communication skills. This has helped enhance teamwork and decision-making, positively impacting business results.
Deloitte's use of coaching is part of a broader focus on developing the skills and capabilities of its employees. The company recognizes that coaching is a powerful tool for driving individual and organizational performance. As a result, it has significantly invested in coaching programs to support this goal.
Overall, Deloitte is an excellent example of a company that uses coaching to solve wicked business problems. By investing in coaching, Deloitte develops its employees' skills and capabilities, improves teamwork and collaboration, and drives better business results.
How Can You Start Using Coaching to Solve Wicked Problems?
To start using coaching to solve wicked business problems, you can follow these steps:
Identify the problem: The first step is identifying the wicked business problem you want to solve. This will help you to focus your coaching efforts and ensure that you are working on the right issue.
Assess the situation: Once you have identified the problem, you should assess the situation to better understand the underlying causes and contributing factors. This will help you to determine what kind of coaching is needed and who should be involved.
Choose a coach: Choose a coach with experience and expertise in solving wicked business problems. Depending on your needs and resources, this can be an internal or external coach.
Develop a coaching plan: Work with your coach to develop a plan that addresses your wicked business problem. This plan should clearly describe the issue, the coaching objectives, the process, and the expected outcomes.
Begin coaching: Once you have a coaching plan, you can begin the coaching process. This may involve individual coaching sessions, group coaching sessions, or a combination of both.
Monitor progress: Regularly monitor progress and assess the impact of the coaching on the wicked business problem. This will help you to determine if the coaching has the desired effect and if any adjustments are needed.
Evaluate results: After the coaching has been completed, evaluate the results to determine its impact on the wicked business problem. This will help you understand what worked well and could be improved and make informed decisions about future coaching efforts.
Using coaching to solve wicked business problems requires careful planning and a structured approach. However, by working with a coach and following these steps, you can develop a coaching program tailored to your specific needs and deliver meaningful results.
Why Should You Use Coaching to Solve Wicked Business Problems?
There are several objections that some businesses may have to use coaching to solve wicked business problems, including:
Lack of understanding: Some businesses may not fully understand the role of coaching in solving complex business problems and may view it as a soft or less rigorous approach.
Cost: Coaching can be expensive, especially for large organizations, and some businesses may be concerned about the cost involved.
Time commitment: Coaching can be a time-intensive process. Some businesses may be concerned about the time required to implement a coaching program.
Resistance to change: Some businesses may resist change and prefer to stick with traditional approaches to problem-solving, even if they are ineffective.
Resistance from employees: Some employees may resist coaching because they view it as an unnecessary or intrusive process or resist change.
Difficulty in measuring impact: Measuring the effects of coaching on wicked business problems can be challenging. Consequently, some businesses may be concerned about the difficulty in evaluating coaching effectiveness.
To overcome these objections, it is vital to be clear about the benefits of coaching and to provide clear, data-driven evidence of its effectiveness. Additionally, involving employees in the coaching process is essential to ensure they understand its value and can fully participate. Finally, it may be helpful to compare traditional and coaching approaches to demonstrate the value of coaching and to help businesses see the benefits for themselves.
How Coaching Really Beats Normal Problem-Solving for Wicked Business Problems
Standard problem-solving techniques may not effectively solve wicked business problems because of their complexity, lack of clear solutions, dynamic nature, stakeholder conflicts, and failure to address root causes. Alternative approaches, such as coaching, may be more effective in these situations.
Coaching is valuable for addressing wicked problems as it focuses on personal growth and development, encourages collaboration, and promotes experimentation and innovation. For example, Deloitte uses coaching as the foundation of its professional development.
To overcome objections to using coaching to solve wicked business problems, it is essential to:
· Be clear about the benefits of coaching; and
· Provide clear, data-driven evidence of its effectiveness.