The bigger and more persistent a problem, the more likely that we’re dealing with a combination of Technical Challenges and Adaptive Challenges.

A technical challenge requires a shift in tactic. Just learn a new skill and carry on as usual.

However, an adaptive challenge requires a shift in the assumptions, beliefs, and values that shape our interpretation of data, and our assessments of a situation.

A technical challenge is a lateral development move. Adaptive challenges are vertical development move. They go deep, right to the perceived core of our identities, and invite us into a kind of change that may cost us something we value, and that makes them harder to tackle.

Adaptive challenges tend to be the ones we work hardest to avoid. They’re also the ones that have the greatest impact on generating lasting change.

For more on adaptive challenges read anything by Ron Heifetz.