Transformation in Trials

Nechama Katan: Psychological safety as a prerequisite for solving wicked problems in life sciences

October 03, 2022 Season 2 Episode 7
Transformation in Trials
Nechama Katan: Psychological safety as a prerequisite for solving wicked problems in life sciences
Show Notes

In this episode Sam and Ivanna dive into the topic of wicked problem solving in life sciences with wicked problem wizard Nechama Katan. 

To understand wicked problems we explore complex problems as a contrast. Examples of complex problems are a game of chess or a clinical trial data submission to authorities. Both have a lot of steps involved, but in the end you know whether you succeeded or not.

Unlike complex problems the rules and outcomes of wicked problems are ambiguous. The problem itself may not be agreed upon or can be seen from multiple diverging perspectives, and the problem does not end - it ends once no more resolutions are attempted.

We speak about how the breakthrough speed of modern trials is not translatable to other clinical studies. The teams working on the recent trials were achieved by people working long hours with clear focus and direction to save the world.

Transitioning to a model where we can conduct trials in 1/100th of the time it takes today requires that we pull the common model apart, and put it back together in a radically different way. This is hard, since the “right way” of solving problems that most leaders have been taught are fit for complex problems - and many are at a loss of what to do when a problem is wicked. 

We speak about how language and psychological safety are key to being able to solve wicked problems - but that it is hard to achieve when innovation moves at the speed of meetings in life sciences. We explore which maneuvers can be taken for wicked problems and how solutions may emerge. 


Guest: 

Nechama Katan: linkedin.com/in/nechama

Blog: https://nechamakatan.wordpress.com/ 


References: 

Wicked Problems & Social Complexity: http://www.cognexus.org/wpf/wickedproblems.pdf 

PMI Wicked Problem Solving Certification: https://www.pmi.org/wicked-problem-solving 

Cynefin model: https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-framework/ 

Amy Edmondsen on Psychological Safety: https://amycedmondson.com/psychological-safety/ 

Living your best year ever: https://store.darrenhardy.com/products/living-your-best-year-ever 

Innovation at the speed of trust: https://www.speedoftrust.com/ 




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