Stop Bringing Problems and Start Presenting Solutions at Work

We've all been there: something goes wrong, and our instinct is to alert our manager immediately. But here's the truth about workplace problem-solving—when you bring a problem without a plan, you create a bottleneck. The better approach? Present the issue alongside a clear recommendation and be ready to act. This simple shift transforms how work flows and builds genuine trust with your team.

Why Solution-Focused Thinking Matters

Think about the last time someone dropped a problem on your desk with no suggestions. Frustrating, wasn't it? That's exactly how escalations without recommendations feel to decision-makers. They're already juggling multiple priorities, and now they must stop everything to solve your puzzle from scratch.

When you bring a problem with a solution attached, you're offering something concrete to respond to. You're saying, 'I've thought this through, here's my recommendation, and I'm ready to move forward.' This approach keeps momentum alive and ownership exactly where it should be—with the person closest to the work.

The Recommend Then Act Framework

Here's how to make this habit stick. When you encounter an obstacle, take a moment to write a brief recommendation. Keep it simple:

• State the problem clearly in one sentence
• Share your proposed solution and why it makes sense
• Outline the first concrete action you'll take once it's approved

For example, instead of saying 'The supplier hasn't responded,' try: 'The supplier hasn't responded. I recommend we contact their backup and confirm delivery by Friday. If you agree, I'll reach out to them this afternoon.'

This gives your manager something tangible to evaluate. They can say yes, suggest adjustments, or raise concerns—but the conversation starts with forward momentum, not a blank slate.

Building Momentum Through Clear Ownership

To make this work consistently, build in a few practical habits. Define each task clearly before you begin, so everyone knows what success looks like. Agree on checkpoints where you'll update progress and flag any new obstacles. After you take action, note what you're 'Waiting For' from others—this keeps accountability visible.

Watch out for reverse delegation. If you bring a problem and someone else ends up doing your work, the system breaks down. Use check-ins to clear obstacles and get guidance, not to hand tasks back up the chain. Keep ownership with the person best positioned to execute.

This approach does something powerful: it creates a culture where problems still surface (as they should), but they arrive with solutions and momentum already built in. Delays shrink. Trust grows. Progress becomes the default, not the exception.

If you find it challenging to maintain this level of clarity and forward thinking throughout your day, you're not alone. Staying solution-focused requires consistent mental energy and sharp attention. That's where support makes all the difference.

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