You Can Come To Me With Any Problem, Just Always Come With A Solution

“Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems.”

                                                                                            -  Anthony J. D’Angelo

Today, I was sitting and reflecting on the many people who have crossed my path who have made a positive impact on my life. 

Some of these people have been with me my entire life and other times for a relatively brief period of time. 

Interestingly enough, there is no correlation between time and the impact made.  Even those who are in our lives for brief periods can have lasting impact.

One such person for me was Frank Jeffrey. 

Immediately after graduating from college, I began my career with the Procter & Gamble Distributing Company and Frank was my first District Manager.  Although I did not report directly to Frank, his presence in my career was very impactful as he served as a wise, kind and guiding mentor.

On my first day with the P&G Beauty Care Division Sales Division in Chicago, Frank had me come into his office for the customary on-boarding discussion.  The conversation consisted of the regular setting of company expectations, my role on the sales team, my career path opportunities and the values of the organization.

 Then Frank said something to me that I have never forgotten, when he kindly but firmly stated,

"You can come to me with any problem, just always come with a solution."

Over three decades later (geesh, am I really that old?) those words still ring true in my consciousness and have impacted me greatly throughout my life. 

In my many roles from sales rep to corporate executive and then to business owner, martial arts instructor, speaker, coach, father and friend, the idea thinking through solutions to a challenging situation before seeking advice or guidance has served me well. 

Taking this step allowed me to be part of the solution to a challenge and take ownership of it. 

To be clear, it did not mean never asking for help.  On the contrary, it simply meant asking for help from a reflective and empowered position that was solution-based versus problem-based.

Were there times where the "solution" I created was not the best option and very different from the one I eventually took? 

Absolutely! 

However, more times than not, I discovered the answer was already inside of me and this led to trusting myself more and showing up more confidently in my work.

I have shared this concept with the many people who I have had the honor to lead and coach throughout the years and have found the results have always been the same. 

Even in the most challenging times, coaching or leading someone who has given their own personal thought to a challenge before coming to me, brings an energy and positivity to the discussion, that when working together, can overcome any challenge.

In my last installment of the Mind of a Champion Tip of the Week, “Are You Being a Victim or an Owner?”, I highlighted master coach Steve Chandler’s brilliant distinction for positively dealing with the challenges we encounter. 

In it, I shared three questions we can ask ourselves when confronted with challenges that can move us from victimhood to an empowered sense of ownership when confronted with difficulties.  These same questions can be applied here.  CLICK HERE to check out three questions.

In our roles as leaders, I believe one of our greatest responsibilities is to guide and instill in those we lead how to think for themselves, and as a result, become leaders in their own lives. 

As author and leader of excellence in business, Tom Peters, so wonderfully stated,

“Leaders don’t create followers; they create more leaders.”

This week, I challenge all of us, whether it is in the course of dealing with our own challenges, or coaching, guiding and inspiring those we lead, to remember the power and expansion that occurs when we allow ourselves to be proactive and solution-based in our problem solving. 

Maybe one day you will be the person remembered in someone’s life because you took the time to share the simple yet impactful words of advice….

“You can come to me with any problem, just always come with a solution.”

Chris Natzke

Black Belt Leadership Speaking & Coaching

PS:  If you are looking to move from victimhood to ownership and experience a breakthrough in your life, check out my #1 Amazon best-selling book, BREAKING THROUGH: How to Create Breakthrough Results in your Life, Business and Relationships .