Six Reasons Why Bring Problems Without Solutions Is Not a Good Idea

Early in my coaching career, while onboarding a new client in the IT support business, I asked what frustrated him about his business. He replied that he was frustrated by clients who did not follow through when he told them there was an issue with their computer/server systems. When I pressed for an example, he told me that he often found his that clients were running out of disk space but didn’t do anything about it. When I asked if he gave them a proposal with a solution, he shockingly replied “NO.” He was good at identifying client issues but was fearful of presenting any solutions because they would require the clients to invest money to solve the problems.

Dumping problems in someone’s lap without any solutions creates friction, delays solutions and is just a terrible strategy. Following are six more reasons why “problem dumping” is not good for your career, department, boss/client/customer, or organization:

1. It Shifts Responsibility Instead of Sharing It

1. Bringing only the problem “offloads” the issue onto the other person.
2. Leaders and peers may perceive this as avoidance or a lack of engagement with your organization.
3. Approaching with a proposed solution signals ownership and collaboration.

2. It Signals a Fixed Mindset Instead of a Growth Mindset

1. Problems without solutions can imply “I can’t,” rather than “How might we…?”
2. Solution-oriented thinking demonstrates resilience, adaptability, engagement, and initiative.
3. Solution-oriented thinking cultivates team cultures that encourage learning, experimentation, risk taking, and continuous improvement.

3. It Slows Decision Making and Workflow

1. Every problem becomes a bottleneck when it requires someone else to stop, diagnose, and solve.
2. When a leader devotes time to troubleshooting rather than strategizing it prevents them from leading.
3. Even an imperfect suggestion accelerates the development of a solution to the problem.

4. It Undercuts Your Credibility and Influence

1. People who consistently identify problems can be perceived as complainers rather than contributors.
2. Solution-bringers build trust, executive presence, and a reputation for thoughtful leadership.
3. Over time, this significantly impacts who your ability to earn promotions and be invited into strategic conversations.

5. It Limits Your Own Growth and Problem-Solving Skills

1. Continually asking others to solve problems for you prevents you from developing your decision-making “muscle.”
2. Leaders grow by not avoiding challenges, pressure-testing ideas, and taking informed risks.
3. Practicing solution-finding increases your confidence and creativity.

6. It Misses an Opportunity to Demonstrate Leadership at Any Level

1. You don’t need a title to lead—you need a mindset and desire.
2. Offering solutions shows initiative, ownership, and strategic thinking.
3. Leaders consistently look for people who bring answers, not just questions.

I touched on “problem dumping” in my previous blog post about the engineering issues that William LeMessurier identified after the NYC Citibank Tower was completed. When LeMessurier told Citibank’s management that there were issues with the structure, he also presented workable solutions. His forthright presentation of the issues and the solutions earned him industry accolades, making him a prime example of how not to be a “problem dumper”.

If you wish to learn even more about this or any other subject, please Book a complementary consultation with me.

As we always say at ActionCOACH,

“If you want to earn more, you need to learn more.”