Squiggly Careers

#577 How to solve tame, critical and wicked work problems

July 21, 2026Ā·28 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Not all problems are created equal, and trying to solve them all the same way is likely to result in frustration. In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how to identify whether you are facing a tame, critical, or wicked problem and the specific approach needed to make progress on each. Drawing on the work of Keith Grint, they explore what it means to develop this skill, and what your default response to it reveals about you. šŸŽÆ What You'll Learn – Identify the three distinct types of problems you encounter at work – Apply the right process to clear up recurring tame problems – Manage high-stakes critical problems without losing control – Reframe wicked problems to move from stuck to progress – Use 'What if' and 'What would' questions to unlock new perspectives – Prioritize actions to stop overthinking complex challenges For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email: helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com Need some more squiggly career support? 1. Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/ 2. Sign up for our Skills Sprints: https://www.amazingif.com/squigglysprints/ 3. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Newsletter, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/squigglynewsletter_pod 4. Order our new book Learn Like a Lobster: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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