How to Build Credibility by Pairing Problems with Solutions
Have you ever brought up an issue at work and felt like it didn’t lead anywhere? It’s easy to point out problems—things that aren’t working or could be better—but what happens next?
Think back to the last time you raised a concern with your team. Did you also suggest a potential solution?
Bringing up issues is important, but pairing them with solutions sets you apart. It shows initiative, builds trust, and positions you as a problem-solver—a critical skill for leaders.
Why You Need To Provide Solutions
We all encounter problems at work—but how you handle them makes all the difference. Simply flagging issues without offering solutions shifts the burden to someone else, creating unnecessary work for your team. In contrast, presenting a potential solution shows initiative, respect for others’ time, and a willingness to take responsibility.
Here’s why pairing problems with solutions is essential:
- It demonstrates ownership. By proposing a solution, you show that you care about the outcome and are willing to work to fix it.
- It saves time. Teams operate more efficiently when problems come with suggested fixes. Even if your idea isn’t perfect, it provides a starting point, reducing back-and-forth and decision-making delays.
- It fosters collaboration. Sharing a potential solution invites discussion and opens the door to refining the idea with others.
- It’s a growth mindset in action. Every time you take the step to think through solutions, you strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills—two traits that will accelerate your career in tech.
How to Shift from Problems to Solutions
Transitioning from simply identifying problems to suggesting solutions isn’t as complex as it sounds. It’s a skill you can practice with a few simple steps:
- Clarify the problem. Before rushing to suggest fixes, ensure you fully understand the issue. What’s not working? Why is it a problem? Be specific so you can tackle the right thing.
Example: “The code review process is slowing down our release schedule because PRs are sitting in the queue for days.”
- Consider possible solutions. Take a moment to brainstorm ideas. They don’t have to be perfect—just thoughtful and practical. Think about what you can do to address the issue or improve the situation.
Example: “Could we assign rotating review duties to ensure PRs are addressed daily?”
- Frame it as a partnership. When bringing up the problem, share your idea as a starting point for discussion. Make it clear that you’re open to feedback or other ideas.
Example: “I’ve noticed this bottleneck with code reviews. One idea I have is rotating review duties. What do you think? Do you see a better way to solve this?”
This week, challenge yourself to go beyond identifying problems—bring solutions, too.
The next time you notice something not working correctly, pause before speaking up. Ask yourself:
- What’s the root of this issue?
- What’s one potential way to fix it?
You don’t need to have all the answers or the perfect idea. The goal is to show initiative and start the conversation proactively.
Try it out, and see how your team responds. You might be surprised how much more productive—and rewarding—these discussions become when you come prepared with a potential solution.