Leaders Are Problem Solvers, Not Problem Makers

Every leader eventually faces the crossroads of pressure, conflict, and decision-making. In those moments, one of two things happens—you either solve problems, or you create them. The difference between great leadership and poor leadership often comes down to how you respond when the pressure is on.

The Apostle Paul provides one of the clearest pictures of this reality. His ministry was marked by relentless challenges: persecution, church conflict, false teachers, financial struggles, and cultural opposition. Yet time and again, Paul chose to be a problem solver. Instead of fuelling division, he brought clarity. Instead of escalating conflict, he sought peace. Instead of shrinking back, he pressed forward with vision.

Paul the Problem Solver

Consider the church at Corinth. By the time Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, the congregation was a mess. There were divisions, lawsuits among believers, immorality, and confusion about spiritual gifts. Paul could have thrown up his hands and declared, “This is impossible.” Instead, he leaned in. He wrote with clarity, truth, and love.

• He confronted immorality directly (1 Corinthians 5:1–2 NLT).

• He encouraged unity in a divided church (1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT).

• He gave practical instruction on spiritual gifts to build order and strength (1 Corinthians 14:26, 33 NLT).

Paul didn’t create more chaos by ignoring the issues or by choosing harsh authoritarianism. He solved problems by pointing people back to Christ, by teaching them how to live differently, and by equipping them with wisdom.

Biblical Foundation

Proverbs reminds us:

• “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” (Proverbs 11:14 NLT)

• “The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.” (Proverbs 12:26 NLT)

Leaders don’t exist to stir up trouble but to bring solutions rooted in wisdom, prayer, and godly counsel. Paul embodied this by consistently guiding the early church through storms.

Solvers vs. Makers

Here’s the difference:

• Problem Makers escalate issues with gossip, passivity, blame-shifting, or ego. They make things harder for everyone around them.

• Problem Solvers acknowledge the issue, seek God’s wisdom, and pursue solutions that bring peace, growth, and health to the team.

When Paul faced imprisonment in Philippi (Acts 16), he could have wallowed in despair. Instead, he worshiped, leading to a supernatural breakthrough that not only freed him but also brought salvation to the jailer’s entire household. His response turned a crisis into revival.

Leadership Takeaway

Leaders: your role is not to avoid problems, nor to create them—it’s to solve them. Every problem is an opportunity to:

1. Model trust in God.

2. Develop wisdom and discernment.

3. Advance the mission instead of being stalled by conflict.

Like Paul, you are called to bring clarity where there is confusion, hope where there is despair, and solutions where others only see obstacles.

Action Step

Think about a problem you are facing right now. Ask yourself: Am I solving this, or am I making it worse? Bring it before God in prayer, seek wise counsel, and move forward with courage.

Remember—leaders are problem solvers, not problem makers.

As leaders, we’re called to rise above the noise and bring solutions that glorify God and strengthen His people. If you’ve ever felt the weight of those challenges pressing down, you’re not alone.

Even Paul needed encouragement, wisdom, and partnership along the way. That’s why I walk with leaders through coaching—helping you navigate the tough problems, clarify your next steps, and step into your God-given potential with confidence.

If you sense it’s time for someone to come alongside you in this season, I’d love to journey with you.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A COACHING CALL

Cheering You On!