Problems

Goals

1. Describe problems.
2. Skillfully recognize problems.

Problem (What)

A problem is a gap between:

• the way things are
  
• the way things could be

More formally, a problem is a gap between the present state (conditions as they exist right now) and the goal state (conditions as they could exist in the future).

Problems can be recognized or hidden.

Recognized problem

One where the gap provokes enough positive or negative affect for the actor (person or group) to want a solution.

Hidden problem

One where the gap does not provoke enough affect for the actor to pursue a solution, because they do not see the personal payoffs of closing the gap.

Analysis (Main Ideas)

Actor

A person or group (family, team, company, university, government, etc.). Actors have roles, and one of these is “problem solver.” Problem solving can be done alone or collaboratively, and it becomes more powerful when it is part of a group’s culture.

Present State

The conditions that exist now for the actor affected by the problem.

Goal State

The best achievable future conditions for the actor, given their context (circumstances).

Affect

Feelings and emotions taken together.
- Positive affect example: Feeling motivated to start a company.
- Negative affect example: Feeling frustrated when a computer program isn’t working.
Affect is often the trigger for recognizing problems — when an actor feels strong positive or negative affect, it may be due to a gap between the present state and a more desirable future state.

Payoff

The rewards minus the drawbacks taken holistically that arise from taking one or more actions.

Examples of Problems

Problems That Tend to Promote Negative Affect

• A company struggling financially.
  
• A person who is overweight and unhappy with their health.
  
• A team falling behind on a critical project.
  
• A couple frequently arguing about money.

Problems That Tend to Promote Positive Affect

• A person sees someone playing the cello and wants to learn.
  
• A couple sees a beautiful new house and imagines owning one.
  
• A coder learns about a new type of database and is excited to use it.
  
• A company develops an idea for a new product.

Hidden Problems

• When computers were first invented, very few recognized their benefits.
  
• A person understands healthy eating but doesn’t see it as worthwhile.
  
• A student sees chemistry as “jumping through a hoop” rather than essential for their career.
  
• A company ignores cybersecurity because it’s never had a data breach.
  
• A community overlooks water conservation because reservoirs have always been full.
  
• An athlete skips flexibility training, not realizing it could prevent injuries.
  
• A team resists project management tools, unaware of potential time savings.
  
• A student’s inefficient study habits go unnoticed because grades are high.
  
• A manager is unaware poor meeting structure is slowing the team.
  
• A person doesn’t realize posture issues are causing back problems.
  
• A family is unaware their water is contaminated because there are no symptoms.

Recognizing Problems (How To)

1. Notice affect
   Pay attention to strong positive or negative feelings.

2. Check for a gap
   Ask if a difference between the present and goal state is driving the affect.

3. Describe the gap
   Clearly state the gap so it can be examined and addressed.

4. Scan for hidden problems
   Regularly look for important gaps in key areas, even if affect is low.

5. Verify with evidence
   Confirm the gap is real using reliable observations or measurements.

6. Check value and priority
   Decide if solving the problem is worth the effort compared to other issues.
   Write the problem down and link it to the role(s) it affects.