I suggest that many of the challenges associated with solving complex issues by a leader and their coach can best be met by acknowledging that there are three domains that dwell within all issues. Each of these domains must be entered and the components of a complex issue that residing in them must be addressed if we are to be successful in moving toward resolution of this complex issue.

The Three Domains

The three domains consist of information, intentions and ideas. They can be represented in three circles.

Domain of Information

This domain is entered whenever an attempt is made to find out more about the current condition in which we find ourselves.  We act as researchers, asking questions that can be answered by a systematic collection of information. For example, if a college wants to know which of four academic programs are potentially most attractive to a particular group of prospective students, then a sample of these students might be asked to indicate under what conditions they would be likely to enroll in each of these four programs. The information obtained is valid if the students have been honest, if the right questions were asked and if the sample used was representative of the entire pool of potential students. If the information is valid, then the college should be able to state with some confidence which of the academic programs is most attractive to this population of potential students.