The gap between an existing state and a desired state is referred to as what?

• A. An opportunity
• B. A plan
• C. A problem
• D. A solution

Answer: (C)

When you compare where things are now with where you want them to be, the difference you see is a problem that needs to be addressed. This gap signals a shortfall or mismatch that prompts analysis and action to get from the current state toward the desired state. An opportunity would be a favorable condition to take advantage of, not the mismatch itself. A plan is the specific steps you decide to take to close the gap, and a solution is the fix you implement once you’ve diagnosed the problem.