The Care and Feeding of Monkeys

Leaders Solve Problems, Not Complain About Them

One of my favorite leadership books is Jim Collins' "One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey."  In this book, he uses the idea of a "monkey on your back" to illustrate problems in an office.  Oftentimes, our team members bring their monkeys to the leader (and want to give you their monkey).  Don't let this happen.  Bring solutions, not just monkeys (problems). 

If you have a monkey that is yours, stop complaining about it...and SOLVE it.  Leaders solve problems.

If you've had the same problem in sales for the past six months...or ongoing team drama...or a lingering issue with customer satisfaction...or you're constantly losing your best employees, ask yourself if you have the right leader (most problems like this are either a "person" problem or a "process" problem).

Let’s unpack what it means to lead with a problem-solving mindset—and why this is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

1. Leaders Take Ownership

Leadership begins with accountability. Leaders don’t point fingers or shift blame when things go wrong. Instead, they ask, What can I do to address this issue? This mindset transforms them from passive observers into active participants.

Taking ownership also inspires trust and confidence in their teams. When a leader steps up and says, “I’m working on this, and here’s the plan,” it sets the tone for everyone else to do the same.

2. Leaders Are Solution-Oriented

Complaining is easy; solving problems is hard. Leaders understand that venting about issues does little to create change. Instead, they focus their energy on finding solutions. This doesn’t mean they have to come up with the answers alone—great leaders collaborate and leverage the strengths of their team to find the best path forward.

Being solution-oriented is also about mindset. Leaders approach problems with curiosity, asking:

• What’s the root cause of this issue?
• What options do we have to address it?
• What resources do we need to implement a solution?

By maintaining this approach, they turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

3. Leaders Don’t Let Problems Fester

Unresolved problems are like weeds in a garden—they grow and spread if not dealt with. True leaders don’t let the same issue persist for months without action. They prioritize tackling challenges swiftly and decisively.

This doesn’t mean rushing to a quick fix. Instead, effective leaders:

• Identify the core problem (not just the symptoms).
• Develop a thoughtful plan of action.
• Execute and follow through.

By addressing issues promptly, they prevent small problems from snowballing into larger, more costly crises.

4. Leaders Model the Behavior They Want to See

Leadership is about setting the example. When leaders show up with solutions rather than complaints, they set the tone for their entire organization. They encourage their teams to approach challenges proactively and empower them to think critically about solutions.

If a leader consistently solves problems and moves forward, their team will follow suit. This creates a culture of accountability where challenges are seen as opportunities rather than roadblocks.

5. Leaders Learn and Adapt

Not every solution will work perfectly on the first try, and that’s okay. Leaders understand that problem-solving is an iterative process. They reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and how they can improve it next time.

By learning from their experiences, leaders ensure they’re not stuck dealing with the same issue repeatedly. Instead, they evolve their strategies and foster continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations.

Conclusion: Leadership Is a Choice

Every day, leaders face a choice: Will they complain about challenges or confront them with a solution-oriented mindset? Will they let problems linger or take action to resolve them?

True leaders understand that their role is not to dwell on what’s wrong but to create what’s right. They show up with solutions, tackle issues head-on, and inspire their teams to do the same.

If you want to lead effectively, start by asking yourself this simple question: Am I showing up with complaints, or am I showing up with answers? The answer to that question will define the type of leader you are—and the legacy you leave behind.

Ryan Giles