Stop Bringing Problems: Bring 1-3-1 Solutions

Leaders are expected to solve problems quickly—yet many unintentionally create a culture where every issue flows upward. Team members bring problems to the leader’s desk, the leader provides answers, and the cycle repeats. Over time, this drains leaders, weakens teams, and slows innovation.

But there’s a better way.

The 1-3-1 Framework is a simple, practical system that builds stronger thinkers, more confident employees, and a more empowered culture. It's a method used by high-performing teams across industries because it shifts conversations from “Here’s the problem—what should we do?” to “Here’s the problem—and here’s how I propose we solve it.”

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Identify One Clear Problem

Every great solution starts with clarity. Most problems feel complex, but when teams learn to distill the issue down to a single, concise problem statement, everything becomes easier.

Instead of vague complaints like:

• “The process is confusing,”
• “Customers keep calling,”
• “This isn’t working,”

the 1-3-1 Framework trains people to get specific:

• “Our customer intake form takes 15 minutes and is causing long wait times.”

A clear problem definition prevents emotional discussions, eliminates finger-pointing, and focuses everyone’s energy on what truly matters.

Step 2: Create Three Possible Solutions

This step is the real growth engine.

When employees only identify the problem, they build dependency. When they bring solutions, they build capability. By generating three possible solutions, the team member is encouraged to brainstorm, compare options, and think several steps ahead.

Three solutions force creative thinking:

• If the first idea is obvious…
• And the second idea is comfortable…
• The third idea often reveals new possibilities.

This step builds confidence, strengthens critical thinking, and teaches people to examine trade-offs rather than wait for someone else to make the decision.

Step 3: Make One Recommendation

Here’s where accountability is built.

After identifying the problem and exploring options, the team member chooses the one solution they believe is best. They must justify why it’s the strongest choice and how it addresses the issue.

This step teaches ownership.
It also gives you, the leader, an opportunity to coach—not by handing out answers, but by helping the employee refine their thinking.

Even if the recommendation isn’t perfect, the growth is in the process.

Why the 1-3-1 Framework Works

The magic of the 1-3-1 Framework is that it shifts the culture from problem-presenting to solution-driven. It reduces the leader’s cognitive load while elevating the team’s ability to think strategically. Over time, you get:

• Faster decision-making
• More confident employees
• Fewer “drop it on your desk” problems
• A team that feels trusted and empowered
• A leadership bench filled with future problem-solvers

Most importantly, you’re not just solving today’s problems—you’re teaching your team how to solve tomorrow’s.