![]() Oftentimes, discovering and implementing a fundamental solution uncovers deeper problems. Multiple Fundamental SolutionsĪn alternative picture that is much more in line with organizational reality is shown in “‘Shifting the Burden:’ An Expanded View.” As this diagram shows, it is more accurate to think of the “Shifting the Burden” structure as an endless series of alternating symptomatic and fundamental solutions layered on top of each other-it’s balancing loops all the way down! But even though we may acknowledge the importance of different perspectives, we may still believe that if we could only identify the fundamental solution, we could be done with the problem once and for all. For example, a manufacturing team would probably see the fundamental solution to a delivery delay problem very differently than a sales and marketing staff would. In past articles, we have pointed out that what is considered “fundamental” may differ depending on one’s point of view. ![]() When using the “Shifting the Burden” archetype, it is tempting to believe that whatever is put in the fundamental solution box is actually the fundamental solution. Furthermore, the symptomatic solution often produces a reinforcing side-effect that further reduces the ability to invest in more fundamental solutions. But by reducing the problem symptom, the symptomatic solution actually diverts attention away from more fundamental solutions. In the basic storyline of the archetype, a “problem” is addressed by applying a symptomatic solution that quickly alleviates the symptom. The “Shifting the Burden” archetype helps us distinguish between solutions that address the symptoms of a problem from ones that focus on the fundamental structures or assumptions underlying the problem (see “Shifting the Burden: The ‘Helen Keller’ Loops,” September 1990). But each time we search for the cause of a problem, we uncover layers of new meanings that lead us to discover new problems. Like the student searching for a definitive answer about the foundation of reality, we search for “the root cause” as if we could find one if only we dug deeply enough. We all have a tendency to believe that somewhere out there lies the answer to all of our problems. He paused ever so briefly before leaning over to the student and whispering, “It’s turtles all the way down.” Looking for the Silver Bullet “Ahhh, the whale is held up by a giant turtle!”īy now, the student was getting a bit perturbed and he blurted out, “But then what holds up the turtle?!” But then he asked, “Teacher, what holds up the whale?” The teacher gave this question equal consideration, and then replied, “The elephant is held up by a great big whale.” The student nodded his head and reflected on the answer in silence. The teacher paused for a moment before replying, “The world is held up by a giant elephant.” There is an old story about a student who asked his master, “Teacher, what holds up the world?”
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