So, how will we respond to the environmental/social/global challenges of today? Let’s look at the work of Ron Heifetz, a widely known and accepted authority in leadership studies. He makes the critical distinction between technical problems and adaptive challenges (I am indebted to Anthony Robinson’s book Leadership for Vital Congregations for my understanding of Heifetz’ work.)

With a technical problem, the problem is completely known, totally understood (I know this may not be our experience with computer tech service departments, but bear with me). The solution to the technical problem involves using existing technology and accepted methods. Then experts or professionals apply the technology and methods.

Take the call for more offshore drilling in response to $4/gallon gasoline prices. Viewed as a technical problem, the situation is simply a matter of supply and demand: if we just increase the supply, prices will go down. To increase the supply we can use the existing technology of the oil companies, who after all are the experts in this field. So, we have a situation that is completely understood, that has a solution that existing technology can provide, and that can be handled by experts, so that the rest of us don’t have to change a thing we’re doing.

Adaptive challenges are different. They recognize that our understanding of the situation is incomplete, that this is not business-as-usual, and we must learn new things. It follows that the tried-and-true methods of the past or present aren’t up to the challenge, and that risk will be involved. Finally, these challenges require something of us all, not just experts or professionals. The solution includes our collective efforts and, yes, sacrifices.

So, $4/gallon gasoline is not viewed in terms of supply and demand, but in terms of the sustainability of an oil-based economy (remember how Diamond included ‘trading partners’ in his list of survival factors?). Alternative sources of energy must be explored. We recognize that weaning our society off of an energy source that has become problematical requires taking risks, especially the financing of new infrastructure and the transitioning of industries. Finally, the way we think about and use energy needs a major overhaul.

To recap, with a technical problem we have complete understanding; with an adaptive challenge we are required to learn new things. With a technical problem we can use existing technology; with an adaptive challenge we will need to explore new technologies and risk will be involved. Finally, with a technical problem we turn to experts or professionals to do all the work, while an adaptive challenge requires something of us all, namely change in behavior and attitude. We may even have to question our traditions and practices in light of the new circumstances (see Diamond again).

Next, we’ll explore categories of change and which ones won’t work here.

Never the last word,

Pastor Lee