Problem-Solving Under Pressure
How to Slow Down and Find Clarity
Why do so many leaders thrive on problem-solving—until they suddenly don't?
Faced with countless big and small decisions daily, as leaders we spend an inordinate amount of time tackling and triaging problems. The ability to solve problems - and support others in solving problems - is both a key skill that enables individuals to rise into the ranks of leadership and a mutually reinforcing requirement of the job. In fact, according to Tony Gambill writing for Forbes, problem solving key issues is one of four key tasks of a leadership team. People who like solving problems and want to solve more complex ones look for opportunities to tackle harder and harder ones.
For many leaders solving problems is like catnip–a highly enjoyable and even addictive part of the job.
We recently surveyed the leadership team at the telehealth startup I work for to better understand the major challenges our staff are facing as well as where they are experiencing the most energy and resilience. While personal wellness and burnout and cross functional collaboration by far topped the chart of challenges, it was problem-solving that leaders reported as the area where they felt most energized and resilient.
This is notable for a few reasons.
As leadership scope increases so does the speed, volume, and complexity of the problems we are confronted with as we provide strategic direction and allocate resources. As we gain experience we are better at solving problems faster because we’ve seen them before or received formal and informal training. Our toolbox of “process I implemented at my last job”, “made that mistake before”, and “frameworks from business school/online”, grows larger and more nuanced. This enables us to move faster with fewer mistakes and clearer shorthand.
This toolbox is incredibly effective, until we hit that moment when it isn’t.
We are living through a time of immense political and social stress. From the fight for trans rights, which face constant legislative attacks in states across the country, to racial equity efforts stymied by systemic racism and backlash against DEI initiatives, to economic justice amid widening inequality exacerbated by corporate lobbying and regressive tax policies, leaders across progressive organizations are tackling problems that feel existential because, in many cases, they are. Political polarization, legislative attacks on marginalized communities, and relentless misinformation campaigns from bad actors aiming to sow division and discredit social justice movements all create conditions that make effective problem-solving increasingly difficult.
What happens when the problem (or problems) are so complex that the tools we need aren’t in our toolbox? What happens when the conditions change and our shorthand isn’t doing the trick? And what happens when the trauma we’re experiencing makes it hard to even know where to begin?
Over the last few weeks, these are the challenges I’ve been seeing in my 1:1s and from my peers on LinkedIn. I wanted to take the time to break it down.
How is trauma impacting our ability to solve problems?
Our bodies are responding in all sorts of natural ways to the stress we’re experiencing in our professional and personal lives.
Let’s break this down. Over the last several weeks, top stress responses we’ve been noticing on our team include:
Difficulty focusing due to the emotional toll of seeing basic rights being debated or stripped away
Disengaging or checking out as a coping mechanism for overwhelming systemic attacks on justice and equality
Searching for a savior or Hail Mary solution when wins feel scarce and fleeting
Creating unnecessary urgency in response to the constant barrage of harmful policies and rhetoric
Snowballing problems and catastrophizing due to the sheer scale and complexity of the injustices being confronted
With our minds constantly being triggered into a “fight or flight” response, problem-solving for ourselves and others becomes a challenge.
Solving problems in times of stress.
While these responses are certainly understandable, they can be counterproductive to our goals. I’ve been working on a simple process to slow myself and others down enough to tackle big and small problems during moments of overwhelm.
Here’s my process. I hope it helps you too.
Slow down. When our brains are triggered, methodical problem-solving is difficult. In moments of heightened stress, our brains default to survival mode, limiting our ability to think critically. Faced with a problem when our minds are racing and our anxiety is up is a surefire recipe for poor outcomes. Take a breath and if you can’t find equilibrium do what you can to delay the problem solving process. Setting it aside for even 5 minutes, or an hour or a day and then coming back to it, will make a world of difference. When you’re in the right mental space, move to step two.
Identify the most important problem to solve. Often, when we feel overwhelmed, we see multiple issues as equally urgent. Take a step back and ask: "What problem, if solved, would have the greatest positive impact?" Be as specific as possible and make the problem as narrow in scope as possible. If you find yourself unable to pinpoint a single problem to focus on, go back to step one.
Look for what is right. Find aspects of the situation that are working and build from there. It’s easy to focus only on what’s broken, but recognizing strengths can provide direction and momentum. Identifying what is functioning well allows you to leverage existing resources and solutions. This reframing also helps prevent spiraling into negativity, and general positive sources of momentum and creativity from which to begin.
Focus on your locus of control. Identify what is within your control and concentrate your energy there. Many problems feel overwhelming because they involve factors beyond our direct influence. Instead of getting stuck on what you can’t change, shift your attention to actionable steps within your power. This could mean adjusting expectations, refining a strategy, or communicating more effectively. Staying within your locus of control helps you avoid feeling powerless and keeps progress within reach.
Determine the immediate next step. Progress doesn’t require solving everything at once; identify a single step you can take right now. Overwhelm often stems from seeing a problem as too big to tackle. Break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Ask yourself, "What is one thing I can do today to move forward?" Taking action, even in a small way, builds momentum and reduces feelings of paralysis.
Ask for help and accountability. Seek support and accountability from others to stay on track. Problem-solving doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Whether it’s consulting a mentor, delegating parts of the solution, or simply venting to a trusted colleague, engaging others can provide fresh perspectives and encouragement. Establishing accountability measures, such as check-ins or deadlines, also helps maintain focus and ensure follow-through.
Learning to solve problems under pressure is a critical skill for every leader.
The tools you’ve built throughout your career are valuable, but knowing when to adapt and approach challenges differently is where real growth and resilience lie. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing how to find them, especially when the pressure is on.