There’s something our Chief Marketing & Product Officer said in a recent meeting that I can’t stop thinking about:
“I’ve asked the team to start coming to us with the problem, not the solve.”
And honestly? It stuck with me because it’s the opposite of how most of us operate. Myself included.
In fast-paced environments like marketing, product, and dealership life, we feel pressure to have the answer. To walk in with a plan, a proposal, a fix. But when we do that, we often short-circuit the most powerful part of the process: collaboration.
When you come in hot with “Here’s what we need,” you might be solving the wrong problem. You might be skipping the conversation that would’ve led to a better outcome. And even worse, you’ve shut the door on the kind of team engagement that makes solutions stick.
Bringing the problem invites more minds to the table.
It sounds simple, but it changes everything:
- Instead of saying, “We need a new ad campaign,” you say, “Our audience isn’t converting. Why do we think that is?”
- Instead of, “We need a new report,” you say, “I can’t easily see which units are turning the fastest. What are my options?”
- Instead of, “We need more techs,” you say, “Jobs are piling up. What’s really clogging the service lane?”
This isn’t about indecision. It’s about alignment. It’s about taking a beat to make sure we’re not just acting fast. We’re acting smart.
This mindset shift works in every aspect of life.
Whether it’s parenting a teenager, troubleshooting a campaign, or running a service department, it creates space for better thinking, clearer communication, and stronger solutions. It tells your team: I trust you enough to build this with me.
In a dealership setting, this is a game-changer.
We’ve seen this firsthand. The dealers who get the most out of Lightspeed are the ones who come to us with real problems and not just a wishlist. “We’re double-entering data across systems.” “Parts are going out the door without being billed.” “Service jobs are falling through the cracks.”
When we hear the actual pain points, we can help fix the actual process. Whether it’s with an integration, a new workflow, or simply better training; we can get to the right solution, together.
So, if you’re leading a team (or part of one), here’s your nudge:
Don’t bring the solve. Bring the problem.
That’s where better ideas and better outcomes start.
Kristin Johnson
Kristin Johnson is the Digital Marketing & Content Manager at Lightspeed, where she leverages her extensive experience in communication, marketing, and planning to drive the company's digital presence. Kristin began her career in information technology, quickly mastering time management and problem-solving skills. Although she transitioned away from the technical side, she found her true passion in supporting leaders and organizations across various sectors. Kristin's diverse background includes significant contributions to non-profits and government agencies, where she helped these entities navigate growth and change. Her exceptional skills in communication and marketing have consistently enabled her to find creative and efficient solutions. One of her standout achievements was managing the brand development and event planning for a historic county building that housed unique non-profits and public spaces, leaving a lasting impact on the community. This work earned her an Emmy nomination for the creative content developed to promote the building. Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kristin is happily married and the proud mother of a successful college-aged son and a dynamic almost 13-year-old daughter. At Lightspeed, she continues to grow and embrace new challenges, using her insights to support her team and customers while exploring new adventures in the digital marketing landscape.
