“Leaders think and talk about the solutions. Followers think and talk about the problems.” – Brian Tracy
It’s a simple quote—but it carries a lot of truth for anyone aspiring to lead.
In every organization, challenges are inevitable. We all know this to be true. But what separates real leaders from the crowd is where they focus their time and energy. While followers dwell on obstacles—why something won’t work, who’s to blame, or what’s broken—leaders shift the conversation toward progress. “How can this be fixed? What’s the next step forward?”
This mindset shift changes everything. Leaders who focus on solutions inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and create momentum. Now, they don’t ignore problems, they acknowledge them, but they refuse to be defined by them. Instead, they turn problems into opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. How many times have you struggled to find a solution and in the process discovered new and better ways to do something? It happens a lot, doesn’t it?
If you’re aiming to lead—at work, in your community, or in life—train yourself to be solution-oriented. Listen to the problems, yes. But don’t stop there. Think beyond them. Talk about what can be done. Stroll down roads that are covered in dirt and weeds – roads that aren’t traveled down often. That’s where innovation and learning meets solutions. That’s where leadership lives.
So the next time you’re in a meeting or facing a setback, pause and ask yourself: Am I focused on the problem… or the solution?
That answer just might define your path as a leader.
It’s up to you!
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