Run Towards the Problem: Why Leaders Must Embrace Challenges for Growth and Excellence

Leadership is often viewed as guiding teams toward success, delivering results, and driving organizational growth. However, one of the most crucial skills a leader can develop is the ability to embrace problems. Challenges and roadblocks may seem like obstacles, but for leaders who approach them with the right mindset, they become stepping stones for both personal and organizational growth.

Throughout history, humans have faced challenges. Often, it is in the face of adversity that they discover their greatest strengths. A leader who runs toward problems, rather than avoiding them, and views challenges as opportunities for innovation, learning, and resilience, will inspire their teams and organizations to excel.

In this article, we will explore why leaders must adopt a mindset that not only tolerates problems but actively seeks them, how this approach unlocks untapped potential, and how running toward problems helps leaders become true catalysts for positive change.

The Power of a Problem-Solving Mindset

When faced with a challenge, there are two common reactions: to shrink from it or rise to the occasion. A leader who avoids problems often fosters a culture of fear, complacency, and stagnation. In contrast, a leader who actively embraces problems encourages a culture of resilience, learning, and proactive thinking.

The key to the "run towards the problem" mindset is developing a problem-solving orientation. In this framework, problems aren’t seen as setbacks but as invitations to innovate. This shift in perspective can transform how a leader views adversity. Rather than fearing failure, they see challenges as a natural and necessary part of growth and leadership.

Elon Musk, for example, embodies the "run towards the problem" mindset. As the leader of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk views problems as opportunities for innovation rather than setbacks. When SpaceX faced challenges launching rockets, Musk and his team didn't shy away from the high-risk space industry. Instead, they worked tirelessly to develop reusable rocket technology, which many experts thought impossible. They saw frequent failures as valuable lessons in the innovation process.

Similarly, at Tesla, Musk faced skepticism about electric vehicles. Despite numerous technical challenges, he focused on solving them and pushing the boundaries of what electric cars could achieve. Musk’s problem-solving approach, where adversity drives innovation, has been key to his companies' success.

The Nature of Leadership and Problem-Solving

At its core, leadership is about solving problems. Whether leading a team, a department, or an entire organization, leadership involves navigating challenges, finding solutions, and guiding others through uncertainty. Successful leaders understand that problems are inevitable and see them as opportunities to innovate and create lasting impact.

Effective leaders understand that the more complex the problem, the greater the potential for growth. By facing difficult situations head-on, they model courage, resilience, and determination, inspiring their teams to adopt the same approach. The problems that challenge leaders the most often offer the greatest opportunities for learning, development, and success.

Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and author of Lean In, exemplifies this mindset. Sandberg has said, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." She emphasized that leadership involves guiding teams through challenges and uncertainty. Sandberg’s career shows that leaders need to step forward during crises, using their problem-solving skills to create stability, drive innovation, and build resilient teams.

Cultivating Resilience Through Challenges

One of the most significant benefits of embracing problems is the development of resilience. Resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity—it’s about growing stronger because of it. Every challenge a leader faces builds their mental and emotional fortitude.

Leaders who face problems head-on develop resilience, which becomes contagious within their teams. When teams see their leader dealing with challenges calmly, with focus and determination, they are more likely to adopt the same attitude. Resilience becomes a shared trait, strengthening the entire organization.

Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan, is a modern example of resilience. Abe led Japan through numerous challenges, from the aftermath of WWII to the 2011 Fukushima disaster and the country's economic struggles. His leadership during these crises showcased his ability to lead Japan through adversity, building national resilience.

Abe said, "Japan can only succeed if we face challenges head-on." His leadership inspired the nation to persevere, showing that resilience is not only about surviving but thriving through adversity.

Innovating Through Adversity

Challenges often prompt innovation. When problems arise, they push teams to think creatively and find new solutions. Leaders who embrace challenges create environments where innovation thrives. They know that innovation doesn’t happen in comfort zones—it arises when people are forced to adapt, think differently, and overcome obstacles.

Leaders who tackle challenges understand that failure is often a part of the innovation process. Each failure provides valuable lessons that lead to eventual success. By running toward problems, leaders send a clear message: failure is not to be feared but learned from.

Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk are examples of leaders who turned adversity into opportunity. They didn't avoid problems but faced them with determination, reshaping industries in the process. Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or Satyagraha, was a radical approach to political problems. Despite facing immense adversity under British colonial rule, Gandhi’s leadership created a path to independence, showing that innovative solutions can emerge from difficult circumstances.

Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." His leadership demonstrated that adversity can spark innovative solutions that change the world.

Building Stronger Teams

A leader who runs toward problems doesn’t tackle challenges alone. They involve their teams in finding solutions. When leaders admit that problems exist and work collaboratively toward solutions, it builds trust and unity within the team.

Effective problem-solving requires collective intelligence. Leaders who trust their teams to help solve problems foster an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute. This collaboration strengthens the team’s cohesion and increases the likelihood of success.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, transformed the company’s culture by fostering collaboration and openness. Under his leadership, Microsoft embraced teamwork and innovation. Nadella emphasizes the importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership. His willingness to acknowledge challenges and work collaboratively toward solutions has helped Microsoft thrive.

Nadella’s quote, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge," reflects his focus on collaboration and empowering teams.

Turning Problems into Opportunities for Development

Every problem represents an opportunity for development—both for leaders and their teams. When leaders embrace problems with an open mind, they demonstrate a desire to grow and learn. Challenges become opportunities to develop new skills, broaden knowledge, and enhance leadership capacity.

Leaders who run toward problems continuously expand their toolkit, gaining new experiences and competencies. These skills can be shared with their teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This growth benefits both the leader and the entire organization.

Oprah Winfrey’s career exemplifies this mindset. She has faced numerous personal and professional challenges, but instead of being hindered by them, she used her struggles as opportunities for growth. Oprah’s quote, "Turn your wounds into wisdom," encapsulates her approach to challenges—viewing them as opportunities to learn and inspire others.

Strengthening the Leader’s Credibility

Running toward problems also enhances a leader’s credibility. Leaders who avoid challenges lose the respect of their teams. People want to follow leaders who are decisive, confident, and willing to confront difficulties head-on.

Leaders who show courage and remain calm under pressure earn their teams' admiration. Credibility is built when leaders take ownership of problems, display vulnerability, and show resilience in the face of setbacks. This builds trust and respect from both team members and peers.

Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, showed her credibility during crises like the Christchurch Mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her empathetic, transparent, and decisive leadership earned her widespread respect. Ardern’s quote, "I think leadership is about being real and being authentic. People need to know you have the courage to make tough decisions," exemplifies her approach.

The Role of Vision in Problem-Solving

A leader with a clear vision is better equipped to tackle challenges. Leaders with a strong sense of purpose can frame problems in the context of long-term goals, helping their teams see the bigger picture. This sense of purpose motivates the team to overcome obstacles and work toward a common goal.

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was known for his ability to stay focused on long-term objectives. Despite facing short-term challenges, Jobs’ vision for Apple remained clear. He viewed every setback as part of a larger story that would lead to revolutionary products. Jobs said, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work."

The Ripple Effect: Leadership at Scale

A leader who embraces problems creates a ripple effect that extends beyond their immediate team or organization. Leadership is about influence, and leaders who tackle challenges head-on shape the culture, mindset, and behavior of those they lead.

When leaders take ownership of problems, they foster a culture where challenges are expected, tackled, and solved. This mentality drives a proactive organizational culture where everyone takes responsibility for addressing issues. The result is increased problem-solving capacity, creativity, and adaptability.

Jack Welch’s leadership at General Electric is a prime example. His focus on solving problems and fostering talent created a culture of accountability and innovation, influencing a generation of leaders across industries.

Welch said, "Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others."

Before we conclude

In leadership, problems are not to be feared—they are the essence of leadership itself. Leaders who run toward problems build resilient, innovative teams. They turn adversity into opportunity, cultivating a culture where challenges are seen as stepping stones to growth and excellence. By embracing problems with confidence, vision, and resilience, leaders transform their organizations and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Leadership is not about avoiding difficulties; it is about running toward them with purpose and determination. The challenges you face today are the opportunities that will define your success tomorrow. Embrace them, solve them, and let them guide you and your team toward greatness.