How Top CEOs Solve Problems Differently To The Rest

In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, challenges are not just inevitable, they are essential. For global organizations, challenges push leaders to unlock creativity, develop resilience, and pursue excellence.

The key to overcoming these challenges lies in a clear, adaptable strategy paired with curiosity, persistence, and a proactive mindset.

The Link Between Strategy and Problem Solving

To steer their organizations toward sustainable success, strategists and senior leaders must first become exceptional problem solvers.

That starts with developing two distinct but complementary strategies: a static strategy for internal challenges and a dynamic strategy for external ones.

Every organization moves through the product life cycle: introduction, growth, saturation, and decline. Challenges arise both from within (e.g., culture, communication, operations) and without (e.g., competition, market shifts, technological disruption).

A static strategy helps manage internal threats like inefficiencies or declining morale, while a dynamic strategy responds to external threats like market volatility or industry disruption.

Leaders play a pivotal role especially at the saturation stage, where innovation becomes essential to avoid decline. They must keep the growth curve moving upward by embracing transformation, staying ahead of competitors, and preparing for technological shifts.

When problems come in clusters, as they often do, resist the urge to panic or overanalyze. Instead, adopt a positive, action-oriented mindset. Don’t dwell on what’s wrong; focus on what’s possible.

Persistence, patience, and curiosity are your best tools for progress. As the saying goes, if you want to change your future, start by acting today.

The Rise of the Troubleshooter

Troubleshooters are the unsung heroes of modern business. They thrive under pressure, solve complex problems with clarity, and continuously adapt until they reach their goal. What sets them apart?

• They focus on solutions, not excuses.

• They leverage curiosity and creativity to explore options.

• They work with limited resources yet deliver high-impact outcomes.

• They see both the big picture and the tiny details.

In short, troubleshooters possess a unique mindset, skillset, and toolset. They are comfortable in ambiguity, resilient in chaos, and determined when the path forward is unclear. And in the age of artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0, demand for these people is skyrocketing.

If you want to fast-track your career and add exponential value to any organization, become a troubleshooter.

A Proven Strategy to Solve Complex Problems

In their bestselling book Bulletproof Problem Solving, authors Charles Conn and Robert McLean reveal that great problem solvers are made, not born. They outline six key traits of effective problem solvers:

1. Insatiable curiosity about every element of a problem

2. Comfort with ambiguity, embracing imperfection

3. A “dragonfly eye” view, the ability to see from multiple perspectives

4. Experimental thinking, constantly testing and adapting

5. Collaboration, knowing the smartest ideas often come from outside the room

6. Storytelling, because clear communication drives action

Here’s a simplified step-by-step strategy based on their insights:

1. Clearly define the problem.

2. Gather relevant data.

3. Analyze and identify root causes.

4. Brainstorm with experts and stakeholders.

5. Generate multiple solutions and shortlist the best one.

6. Implement, monitor, and seek feedback.

7. If it doesn’t work, reassess and adapt.

Problem-solving is not linear. It’s a process of iteration, reflection, and continuous improvement. As Einstein said, “Failure is success in progress.”

A Final Takeaway

To foster a culture of effective problem-solving, organizations must first differentiate between productive and destructive mindsets. Eliminate toxic behavior that hinders growth. Shift from an inward, siloed mindset to an outward, collaborative one.

In a VUCA world, agility, strategy, and persistence are non-negotiable. Invest in the right tools, systems, and people who can turn roadblocks into stepping stones.

Because ultimately, progress is built on solving problems. The bigger the problem you solve, the greater your influence, income, and impact. There is no such thing as an unsolvable problem, only the need for a better approach.

Be the person who brings solutions, not just questions. Leaders who master the art of problem-solving are the ones who drive organizational excellence and lasting effectiveness.