Three ways people respond to a problem (other than solving it)

11 days ago

The consultant often gets hired after problems become severe enough that the cost of hiring is justified.
Beyond solving problems, common responses include pushing problems around, preserving problems, and promoting new problems.
Pushing problems around involves local optimization where solving one problem worsens another; blame should be on incentives, not individuals.
Preserving problems occurs when institutions rely on problems for existence, so solving them threatens their purpose.
Promoting new problems means that solving one problem can create another, requiring awareness of unintended consequences.
Consultants must accept that problem-solving is ongoing and give up the illusion of finishing; balancing solving and ignoring problems is key.

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