Leaders solve problems.
That’s the job.
But exceptional leaders?
They don’t just solve problems, they innovate solutions.
They don’t wait for a perfect, packaged answer to drop into their laps.
They go out, explore, dig deeper, ask questions, and find a way.
An exceptional leader isn’t just a reactive problem solver, they are a proactive innovator.
They understand that every obstacle holds a lesson, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
They make it their mission to not only address problems but to reframe them in a way that opens up new avenues for success.
The Car Key Debacle: A Crash Course in Boxless Thinking
Let me tell you a story that illustrates what it means to be an exceptional leader.
This past weekend, I was at a CEO and Leadership convention, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in business, talking about innovation, leadership, and the future.
We were brainstorming, strategizing, and exchanging ideas about how to create sustainable growth, build thriving teams, and drive innovation in a rapidly changing world.
In the middle of all this high level thinking… I lost my car keys.
Annoying? Yes.
Fixable? Absolutely.
Except it was Sunday.
And Ford? Closed.
The first locksmith I called had the standard response: “We’ll have to get your key code on Monday.”
There I was, four hours away from home, facing The Boxed Solution: wait, accept the problem, and deal with it.
The options?
A) Sleep in my car
B) Get a hotel
C) Spend more money, deal with Ubers, lose a whole day, and simply accept the inconvenience.
At that moment, I had to make a decision.
Do I succumb to the limitations of conventional thinking? Or do I think outside the box, or better yet, boxless?
But that’s not how exceptional leaders operate.
(And Ford, if you need a one on one problem solving session to make your customer service more sustainable, feel free to book a call with me.)
The Power of Unconventional Problem Solving
I had two choices:
- Accept the situation and sleep in my car.
- Problem solve.
When we face problems, we often feel stuck.
The “boxed” solution presents itself as the only way out.
It’s easy to accept what’s being handed to us because it feels like the path of least resistance.
But as leaders, it’s our job to reject the standard response and challenge ourselves to find innovative solutions.
So, I did what any Boxless Leader would do.
I started researching.
Where else could I find the key code?
Was there a workaround?
Could someone else solve this problem for me?
I kept digging.
And then… Bingo!
I found a solution.
Not just any locksmith, but one who could create a new key without needing Ford’s “Monday business hours.”
A few hours later?
Problem solved.
I was driving home.
The power of unconventional thinking lies in questioning what we’re told and finding alternative solutions that others may overlook.
In this case, my curiosity and persistence led me to a solution that saved me time and money.
This is the essence of boxless thinking, refusing to be constrained by traditional approaches and finding a way to innovate and adapt in the face of challenges.
That’s the point: Never let a “boxed” solution be your only option.
The Abundance Banking Asset of Curiosity
Here’s the secret to being a truly innovative leader: Questions are breadcrumbs.
They lead you from problem to solution, if you keep following them.
The key to being an exceptional problem solver is maintaining a mindset of curiosity.
When faced with a challenge, the first step is to ask yourself,
“What if there’s another way?”
This simple question opens the door to infinite possibilities.
The answers you seek may not always be obvious, but by following the trail of your questions, you will uncover creative solutions that others might miss.
If someone tells you, “There’s no way,” ask: “What if there was?”
If you don’t understand the answer, ask: “What does that really mean?”
If a door is locked, ask: “Where’s another entrance?”
The moment you stop questioning, you stop leading.
When you stop asking questions, you cease to be a true leader.
It’s the leaders who never stop asking questions, even when the answers aren’t clear, that create environments where growth, innovation, and transformation happen.
As a leader, it’s your job to ask questions that challenge the status quo, even if it means going against conventional wisdom.
Questions force us to think critically and creatively.
They push us to see problems from different angles and, in doing so, help us uncover new solutions.
The more questions you ask, the more solutions you will uncover.
And the more solutions you uncover, the more problems you’ll be able to solve.
Be the Boxless Leader Your Team Needs
The best leaders, the ones who drive innovation, create cultural transformation, and build sustainable success… are the ones who refuse to settle for the obvious answer.
They push, they dig, they challenge the status quo.
In doing so, they find solutions others might miss.
Exceptional leaders are more than just problem solvers, they are solution innovators.
They look beyond the immediate problem and search for ways to turn obstacles into stepping stones for greater success.
They refuse to accept “good enough” and always strive for excellence.
And in doing so, they create environments where their teams feel empowered to think creatively, challenge assumptions, and push boundaries.
As a Boxless Leader, you must embrace the idea that your role isn’t just to direct, it’s to guide your team through uncharted territory.
This requires constant questioning, a relentless pursuit of better ways, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.
Your Challenge Today: Embrace Curiosity and Innovate
Your challenge today: Next time you hit a wall, don’t stop at the first “No.”
Follow the breadcrumbs.
Stay curious.
Innovate.
The world of business is filled with problems, some big, some small.
But the leaders who succeed are the ones who don’t stop when they hit an obstacle.
They keep digging, they keep asking questions, and they keep finding solutions.
By doing this, they not only solve problems, they create new opportunities and drive change in ways others can’t even imagine.
So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember: The answer isn’t always the obvious one.
Ask the hard questions.
Push beyond the “boxed” solutions.
Be the leader who doesn’t just solve problems, be the leader who innovates solutions.
Take Your Leadership to The Next Level!
Want more strategies on how to be an exceptional Boxless Leader?
Schedule your Boxless Strategy Call with me today, and let’s break out of the box together.
Take action.