Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  November 06, 2025

What My Clients Taught Me About Smart Problem Solving

I just wrapped up a project with cool clients this year who taught me a valuable lesson in problem solving.

When we started, they described a challenge that had lingered for 15 years. They’d tried everything to no avail and brought me in as a last-ditch effort. The good news: We resolved it within 90 days. Whew!

This situation raises a bigger question: Why do we wait so long before seeking outside help? Why do we bang our head against the wall or worse, give up?

My take: It feels too risky to pay an outsider without the guarantee that the problem can be solved. The big fear we could invest a lot of effort, time and money only to walk away without a solution. And that fear often outweighs our desire to fix the problem.

Many experts will tell you to overcome the fear. I suggest embracing it instead and using it to evaluate the problem. Ask yourself: What am I willing to risk to solve this problem? What price is too high, not just financially, but emotionally or strategically?

Those answers can help us reframe the issue. Instead of thinking, “Dang, we gotta do something about this,” and creating solutions with a fear mindset, our story could shift to, “Yeah, this is not great, but the solution is worse.” That new perspective opens the door to pivots and other possibilities that could make the problem fade away on its own.

As we head into the strategic planning for next year, let’s revisit the stories we tell ourselves about problem solving.

Now Read This:

• When to Turn to an Outsider for Help
• Strategic Sounding Boards Give Real-World Advice for When the Rubber Meets the Road