How often have we heard a manager say this? The intention seems positive: encourage critical thinking, initiative and responsibility for finding alternatives.
But the phrase may also signal that leadership is unavailable to explore causes, ambiguities or problems without immediate answers. When a problem is complex and depends on several factors, fear of having no solution can stop the team discussing it.
When the solution is not simple
Pedro managed an employee with excellent results but frequent conflicts with customers and colleagues. He tried addressing the behaviour several times; conversations became confrontational and the employee always blamed others.
Knowing his manager did not want problems without solutions, Pedro proposed transferring the employee. The proposal was refused. Without another ready answer, he began avoiding the topic and reassuring meetings that everything was under control.
The problem stopped being visible, but it did not stop existing. The organisation had less information precisely because it demanded too much certainty from those expected to provide it.
From ready-made solutions to guided discovery
Someone raising a problem has probably already tried to solve it. Instead of requiring a complete answer, a manager can begin by asking: “What have you already tried?”
From there, leader and employee can distinguish facts, interpretations, constraints and alternatives. This approach does not resolve every problem quickly. It does make discussion possible before problems worsen.
Perhaps the real principle is: 'Bring me the problem. Let us understand it and think together about the next step.'
