TRUTH Is the Missing Piece to Solving Problems

Most problems persist in this world because we only attempt them at the surface, not the source.

We tend to try and solve problems we encounter without trying to discover the core issues because doing so is uncomfortable. Facing TRUTH is uncomfortable. But when we bypass discomfort, we bypass the cure. We are unable to see everything we need to see to get at the core issues of the problem.

TRUTH is the one force that cuts through emotion, ego, and assumption. As Simon Sinek says, "Great leaders are willing to sacrifice the numbers to save the people. Poor leaders sacrifice the people to save the numbers." But how do we know what or who to sacrifice unless we know the TRUTH?

Effective leaders view problems through the lens of TRUTH. A problem is simply the gap between where we are and where we want to be, and TRUTH is what reveals that gap. In fact, as Mark van Delaak observes, “Problem solving is the most critical tool for commercial leaders and their team members. It’s up to leaders to enable their teams to solve the problems they encounter”.

This means asking hard questions and being honest about the real issues. General Colin Powell famously said, “leadership is solving problems,” and he warned that once “people stop bringing you their problems…you have stopped leading them.” OneTRUTH Leaders embrace problems as opportunities and digs into the facts, evidence, and testimony of those closest to the problems to discern the TRUTH.

Great minds teach us that how we think about problems is key. Einstein reminded us, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them”. In practice, that means using TRUTH to break out of old assumptions. We must seek out the right problem — not just by treating symptoms but by getting to the root cause. As systems thinker Russell Ackoff warned, “We fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem”. A OneTRUTH approach therefore insists on getting the facts straight: identify causes, admit mistakes, and be willing to revise our understanding. This bold honesty often uncovers smarter solutions faster.

Leaders who solve core problems with TRUTH create more value. Instead of sugarcoating setbacks, they confront them directly. They involve their teams in honest diagnosis, encourage questioning, and reward learning from failure. By shining light on the real obstacles, leaders turn problems into innovation. When Steve Jobs faced “ill-designed technology” that frustrated users, he didn’t just tweak it – he imagined a radically new approach (the iPhone) from first principles. The OneTRUTH Leader asks “Why?” again and again to peel away layers of lies and confusion.

Ultimately, solving problems with TRUTH means building trust and momentum. Teams that see honesty modeled learn to own problems themselves. Together they iterate on solutions, test them against reality, and improve continuously. In other words, problems aren’t roadblocks but guides, pushing the organization to higher ground. A leader grounded in TRUTH doesn’t fear problems; they welcome them as TRUTH tests that strengthen the team and sharpen the mission.

Reflection: When faced with a challenge, ask yourself: Am I tackling the real problem? How can I bring more honesty and curiosity to uncover the TRUTH behind issues in my work?

Psychology Today suggests that most interpersonal or organizational conflict is rooted not in disagreement but in misunderstanding. We think we know what's going on—but do we really? Seeking TRUTH requires us to slow down, ask uncomfortable questions, and resist any temptation to jump to unsubstantiated conclusions.

Leaders who apply a OneTRUTH Leadership method understand that effective problem solving begins by stripping away falsehoods, outdated narratives, and untested assumptions. They focus instead on what is real, what is verifiable, and what is aligned with purpose. It takes real humility to admit: "I might be wrong." But from that humility springs true wisdom—and better results. Solving problems at their core saves time, money, relationships, and morale.

Call to Action: Where are you solving symptoms instead of causes? Let OneTRUTH Leadership help you ask the hard questions that lead to real change.