Leaders Solve Problems:
7 Steps to Becoming a Solution Finder
Today, I want to talk to you about something that separates good leaders from great leaders. It’s not just vision, charisma, or intelligence—it’s the ability to solve problems.
The marketplace is full of challenges. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or trying to advance in your career, problems are everywhere. The key to success isn’t avoiding them—it’s learning how to solve them effectively.
Today, I want to help lift your leadership by teaching you 7 steps to becoming a solution finder—because the people who solve problems are the ones who get promoted, earn trust, and make the biggest impact.
1. Stop and Get Calm
The first thing you need to do when facing a challenge is stop, take a breath, and get control of your emotions.
We don’t think clearly when we’re stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Worry shuts down creativity. But when you take a moment to calm yourself—maybe by going on a walk, praying, or just stepping away for a moment—you allow your mind to find solutions instead of just reacting to the problem.
One of the best ways to reset your mind is through gratitude. Studies show that gratitude is the healthiest emotion we can have—it lifts our spirits, increases creativity, and helps us see solutions we might have missed. I recently watched a talk by Brian Tracy, and he said the one thing highly successful people do every day is practice gratitude. It changes everything!
Try this: The next time a big challenge comes up, don’t react immediately. Take a deep breath, say a quick prayer of gratitude, and remind yourself that God is for you and there’s always a solution. Then move forward with clarity.
2. Take Ownership—No Excuses
If you’re going to lead, you can’t have a victim mentality. Too many people today blame circumstances, other people, or bad luck for their problems. But as leaders, we don’t have that luxury.
When you take full ownership of a problem, you position yourself to find the solution. You stop waiting for someone else to fix it and start asking, “What can I do right now with what I have?”
The truth is, challenges will either bring out the best in us or the worst in us. Some people shrink back, get discouraged, and make excuses. But great leaders rise to the occasion and use challenges as a way to grow stronger, wiser, and better.
Challenge for you: The next time something goes wrong, instead of blaming or making excuses, take full ownership. See what happens when you shift from problem-focused to solution-focused.
3. Step Back and Get Perspective
One of the most powerful things you can do as a leader is to step back and look at the big picture.
It’s easy to get tunnel vision when we’re in the middle of a challenge. But great leaders take a moment to zoom out and ask:
- What’s really happening here?
- What’s in my control?
- How does this challenge fit into the bigger purpose?
Pro Tip: A great way to reset your perspective is to practice gratitude. When we focus on what’s going right, we put ourselves in a better position to fix what’s going wrong.
4. Define the Real Problem
After 40 years of leading, I’ve learned something powerful—the problem you think you have is often NOT the real problem.
Too often, people react to surface-level symptoms instead of digging deeper to find the root issue. That’s why it’s so important to write it down. Clarity comes when you take the time to put your thoughts on paper and ask, “Is this the real problem, or is there something deeper?”
Practical Step: The next time you face a challenge, write it down. Then ask, “Is this the real issue, or is something underneath causing this problem?”
5. Get the Right Perspective
Perspective changes everything. Years ago, when I moved to St. Louis to start Church on the Rock, people told me it couldn’t be done. They said a church like ours couldn’t grow in this area. If I had adopted their perspective, I would have quit.
But I didn’t listen to the doubters. I had God’s vision for my life, and I chose to see the opportunity instead of the obstacle. What about you? Are you seeing challenges through the right perspective?
Remember: Your outlook determines your outcome. The way you see your problems will determine whether you rise above them or stay stuck.
6. Involve the Right People
Leaders don’t solve problems alone. You need the right people in the room—people with a can-do attitude, creative minds, and faith in the vision.
Too often, we involve the wrong people—negative voices who tell us why something can’t be done. Instead, surround yourself with people who think solutions, not excuses.
Practical Step: Before you make a big decision, ask yourself, “Who am I allowing to speak into this situation?”Make sure they’re the right people.
7. Solve It—Take Action!
At some point, you have to stop analyzing and start moving. The best leaders take focused, intentional action toward solving the problem.
Fear and indecision are dream killers. If you wait until you have all the answers, you’ll never move forward. Once you’ve prayed, planned, and prepared, it’s time to take action.
Final Challenge: This week, take action on a challenge you’ve been avoiding. Put these steps into practice, and watch how your leadership grows!
Final Thoughts: Leaders Solve Problems
Leaders in the marketplace—this is your time. The world doesn’t need more complainers; it needs more problem solvers. If you want to lift your leadership and make an impact, train yourself to see challenges as opportunities and take action to find solutions.
God has placed you where you are for a reason. He’s given you the ability to lead, influence, and make a difference. So step up, own the challenge, and move forward with confidence—because God is for you!