The importance of correctly diagnosing the type of problem
Our tendency is to look at all problems or challenges the same way. But, taking the time to develop a more nuanced and useful perspective on problems will really up-level our effectiveness.
Today, I want you to think about your thinking about problems. We’re going to talk about the way to differentiate and diagnose two types of challenges: process challenges and content challenges. I want to help you understand why it’s crucial to diagnose a situation correctly, and the pitfalls of treating process challenges as though they are content challenges.
Let's start with some definitions. Process challenges are issues or barriers that exist among members of a group, community, or organization. They are about how people work (or don’t) together. Content challenges, on the other hand, are the problems that are usually easier to see. They are about what needs to be done, such as developing new technology, building a highway, or creating a new product.
Process challenges are the problems behind the problems, or even the problems behind those. They exist regardless of the content challenges facing the group. Good politicians understand this instinctively. They know that the issue isn’t how to build the project, but rather how to create the community support for it.
Let me give you an example from my life to help illustrate this point. Suppose a start-up company is developing a new product to make our lives better, but the founders of the company are perpetually in conflict, each having a different vision for the company. In this case, the content challenge is developing the new product, while the process challenge is reconciling two different visions.
Now, here’s where things get tricky. It takes time and discernment to identify the process challenges. Content challenges are usually easier to see. In our quest for a quick fix, we get satisfied by working on the content challenges. We want to quickly jump to a solution. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we don’t want to uncover the real problem. It just might be too much to deal with.
But here’s the thing. If you want to lead, you must understand the process challenges connected to your organization, issue, or community. If you can identify and understand the process challenges at play, you or your group have a better chance at implementing changes and understanding the adaptive elements of an issue. Understanding the process challenges will also help you to focus more on “how” to get things done instead of focusing just on “what” has to be done.
So remember, it’s essential to diagnose a situation correctly by understanding the difference between process challenges and content challenges. Process challenges are people challenges. They are about how people work (or don’t) together. They exist regardless of the content challenges facing the group. Content challenges, on the other hand, are the problems that are usually easier to see. So, take the time to identify the process challenges, even if it’s a messy process. It’s worth it.