Problem finder or problem solver?

Do you know a problem finder? The person who shows up and says, “Look at all these problems I found you.”

As much as the person believes they create value in surfacing problems, the true value comes when problems are accompanied by a recommendation.

The next time someone brings you a problem, ask them to restate it in terms of “What? So What? Now What?” It’s a simple way to concisely frame the problem, articulate why it matters, and lay out the path forward.

And, the best part, it turns problem finders into problem solvers.