When you drop the issue, who does it land on?

If you face a problem at work, avoid immediately passing it to your manager and asking, “What should I do?” Instead, take about ten minutes to think of two possible solutions. Your suggestions don’t need to be perfect. When you say, “I noticed this issue, and I think we could try X or Y,” you show initiative and that you’re not just waiting for instructions.

When you practice looking at a situation and suggesting what to do next, you build your decision-making skills. As you move forward in your career, you’ll shift from simply following directions to making important choices, even when things get stressful.

This method works because it builds trust and helps your team save time. When you offer options, you make things easier for your manager, who can quickly respond and keep work moving. Over time, this habit shows you’re a reliable problem-solver who can handle challenges on your own. Rather than just pointing out problems, you’re helping the business run smoothly. That’s what leaders look for when deciding who to promote or give more responsibility.

Put these approaches into practice.

Let’s look at practical ways to do the "mental heavy lifting" before seeking guidance.