There are two kinds of people, problem-spotters and problem solvers. While problem-spotters are valuable, it's the problem-solvers that get my attention. As I often told my colleagues, "There's only one way to find out how dog food tastes, and it doesn't involve talking dogs*."
In most organizations, you'll find no shortage of people who can articulate what's wrong. Meetings often become forums for sophisticated problem analysis, with participants competing to demonstrate their diagnostic prowess. After the meeting? Nothing happens.
But, you can be the person that says, "Let me take care of that." These simple words signal a mindset that creates real value. When everyone else is pointing at fires, the person who grabs the extinguisher becomes indispensable. (run to the fire!)
Countless times, I have seen the individual who tries things, does stuff, and gets results get rewarded. Some grumble, the schedule was wrong, or it took too long, or it's not exactly what was needed. But, they did something and got results. That was the difference.
The lesson is clear: in a world of problem-spotters, be a problem-solver. Don't just name the challenge – own it.
There's something magnetic about people who approach challenges with the conviction that they can handle whatever comes their way. This isn't about blind optimism or reckless confidence – it's about a grounded belief in your capacity to find solutions even when the path isn't immediately clear.
Organizations naturally gravitate toward team members who approach obstacles with "How can we?" rather than "Why can't we?" This attitude becomes self-reinforcing: leaders entrust these individuals with increasingly complex challenges, providing growth opportunities that further enhance their capabilities.
Returning to my dog food analogy – when everyone else is theorizing about palatability, be the person willing to take a taste. This doesn't mean you need to have all the answers upfront. It means you're willing to dive in, experiment, and figure things out through direct engagement rather than endless speculation.
Developing this mindset starts with small commitments. Begin by volunteering for manageable challenges, then build your way toward bigger ones. Each successful resolution strengthens your confidence and others' perception of your capabilities. Before long, "I can handle it" becomes not just your mantra but your reputation.
The Swedish saying "dig where you're standing" captures a profound truth often overlooked in our advancement-focused culture. Many professionals make the mistake of mentally checking out of their current role while awaiting their "real opportunity." They perform adequately but reserve their true excellence for some imagined future position they deem more worthy of their talents.
This approach is fundamentally flawed. Excellence is not a switch you flip when the "right opportunity" arrives – it's a habit cultivated through consistent practice. The person who masterfully executes seemingly mundane tasks builds the very skills and reputation needed for more significant responsibilities.
Consider how organizational trust develops. Leaders don't typically entrust major initiatives to those who've merely expressed interest in them. They look for individuals with proven track records of execution – people who have consistently delivered results regardless of the assignment's perceived prestige.
A junior analyst I once managed embodied this principle perfectly. While her peers complained about basic data entry tasks, she approached them with extraordinary attention to detail. She didn't just complete the assignment – she improved the process, documented her approach, and trained others. Within a year, her methodical excellence earned her management's confidence for leading a critical system migration. She didn't need to chase opportunities – her performance made opportunities chase her.
The combination of solution focus, can-do attitude, and excellence in your current position creates a powerful professional reputation. You become known as someone who makes things happen – who turns ideas into reality through direct action rather than endless deliberation.
Remember: talk doesn't reveal how the dog food tastes, and opportunities rarely come from digging elsewhere. Start solving problems, project confidence in your ability to handle challenges, and excel right where you stand. Your reputation for execution will open doors that no amount of potential or promise ever could.
*Hodgman, A. (n.d.). No wonder they call me a bitch. Spy Magazine.