"Be the person who sees the solutions, not the one who only identifies the problems!" - Futurist Jim Carroll
You never read a LinkedIn profile that starts out boasting someone is just a problem-identifier - but you do see people boasting that they are a problem-solver! You never see a resume that lists a key skill as problem identification without solution generation. You'll never find someone proud of the fact that they spend their time whining about all the problems they've found, rather than speaking about the solutions they've identified.
Solve problems, don't stop at just finding them!
How can you do this if it doesn't come naturally to you? It involves your mindset, habits, and skills.
Start by sharing your perspective - it's all about opportunities, not barriers. Be proactive instead of reactive - so that you are always trying to move forward, not back. Changing your tone helps - replace “we can’t” with “how can we?” Stop being the victim - don't say “Why is this happening to me?" but rather "What should we do about it?"
And spend more time thinking about trends, not barriers. All of the individuals I have met who have an innovative mindset seem to have a better understanding of where we are going tomorrow than those who do not. They spend time thinking about and studying the things that will matter tomorrow, rather than obsessing over the things that are getting in the way today.
Confidence matters too - confidence in yourself, your team, and your ability to smash through the barriers that might get in your way. With that comes the necessity for perseverance - don't give up so easily!
What's the difference? I asked ChatGPT to write two different LinkedIn profiles - one for the person who only identifies problems and the other one who does that but offers up solutions. Check it out!
Headline: Expert in Spotting Issues | Master of Finding What's Wrong | Challenge Identifier
About:
I’m someone who truly excels at identifying problems—if there's a flaw, a risk, or an obstacle, you can count on me to find it. My talent lies in pointing out what's not working, highlighting potential pitfalls, and ensuring everyone is aware of every possible challenge.
With a knack for uncovering issues, I keep projects realistic by making sure no problem goes unnoticed. Whether it's detecting inefficiencies in a process, pinpointing weaknesses in a plan, or outlining every potential barrier, I’m there to make sure we're aware of what could go wrong. After all, recognizing the problems is the first step... maybe someday I’ll get around to solving them too.
Skills:
- Problem Identification
- Risk Awareness
- Obstacle Spotting
- Weakness Highlighting
- Detail-Oriented Complaint Management
Experience:
- Professional Issue Finder, Various Projects
Helped teams recognize what could go wrong in every situation, ensuring no one was left feeling too comfortable with any given plan.
Contrast that with this:
Headline: Turning Challenges into Opportunities | Solution Finder | Strategic Problem Solver
About:
I thrive on identifying problems—but I don’t stop there. My true passion lies in transforming challenges into solutions and finding opportunities where others see obstacles. I excel at analyzing issues, developing creative strategies, and implementing effective solutions that drive progress.
Whether it’s troubleshooting inefficiencies, tackling complex problems, or anticipating potential roadblocks, I bring a proactive approach that doesn’t just point out what’s wrong but moves us forward. I believe that every problem holds growth potential, and I’m committed to making the path smoother for everyone involved.
Skills:
- Problem Analysis & Resolution
- Strategic Thinking
- Risk Management & Mitigation
- Solution Development
- Creative & Critical Thinking
Experience:
- Problem Solver, Various Projects
Identified core challenges, developed actionable solutions, and led teams to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals with greater efficiency and innovation.
Which person do you want to be?
Futurist Jim Carroll is a problem-solver solutions-identifier kind of guy.