Watch the Adaptive vs Technical video
Technical problems live in people’s heads and logic systems. They have clear-cut solutions—like how to get from your cubicle to the vending machine. Adaptive challenges live in people’s hearts and stomachs. (We hope nothing else lives in people’s stomachs, by the way.) These challenges are about values, loyalties and beliefs. To make progress on these challenges, those who have the challenges must do the work. Usually, this work involves restructuring those deeply held beliefs.
After watching this video, note some of the characteristic differences of technical problems and adaptive challenges. Progress on your leadership challenge may require more than just your current leadership muscles—you may have to learn a new exercise or two.