Not All Problems Are Created Equal
H ere’s a leadership secret that most people overlook: not all problems are created equal. Every issue deserves attention eventually, but not every issue deserves it first.
In organizations, it’s easy to get pulled into solving the small, day-to-day irritations – the messy process, the confusing policy, the clunky tool. They’re annoying, yes, but fixing them rarely moves the needle. The real work lies in tackling the core strategic problems – the ones that require clarity, collaboration, and courage. Those are the problems that unlock transformation.
But addressing them isn’t easy. They often demand deep thinking, honest conversations, and alignment across departments and leadership levels.
That’s why, after identifying a problem, I always follow up with two essential questions:
- Why do you think this is a problem for your organization?
- Who needs to be part of the solution?
Understanding the why connects people to purpose – it reminds them what’s at stake and why the effort matters. Identifying the who ensures the right mix of voices, expertise, and influence are in the room from the beginning. Together, these questions build accountability, trust, and momentum- the ingredients for sustainable change.
In my experience with leadership development and organizational strategy, this clarity transforms problem solving from a reactive exercise into a proactive leadership practice. It keeps teams focused on the work that truly drives impact.
When the path gets difficult- and it will- you can return to these anchors: the why and the who. They’ll help your team stay grounded in purpose and connected to progress.
Who is someone you always want on your team when driving meaningful change?
