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Problems to Solve vs Problems to Manage
Leadership / Dualities
Not every problem has a solution. Some need ongoing management.
Problems to Solve
- Have a clear end state.
- Can be fixed permanently.
- Examples: a bug, a missing feature, a broken deployment pipeline.
Problems to Manage
- Have no permanent solution.
- Require ongoing attention and balancing.
- Examples: technical debt, team morale, work-life balance, hiring.
The Mistake
Treating a manage-problem like a solve-problem. Leaders launch a "fix morale" initiative, declare victory, and stop paying attention. Morale drops again.
How to Tell the Difference
Ask: "If we fix this, will it stay fixed?" If yes, solve it. If no, manage it.
What Managing Looks Like
- Regular check-ins and adjustments.
- Accepting that "good enough" is the goal, not "fixed."
- Building systems and habits, not one-time projects.
- Being honest that some things will always need work.
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