Moods, Wicked Problems, and Learning

Wicked problems and learning environments present tough mood challenges for leaders and teachers. Telepresence and sensory gadgets unable to replace physical presence in these areas. Positive moods enhance individual and team performance while negative moods detract and can render teams and groups dysfunctional. Skilled managers, facilitators, and teachers are keenly aware of moods and emotions. They know how to guide their teams through the moods necessary for a successful project, problem resolution, or learning. Many modern social and technology challenges can be classified as wicked problems. A wicked problem is a very messy social tangle. All prior attempts at solving it have failed due to lack of power or resources to impose a solution. The term 'wicked problem' is also used for problems in complex systems.