Clear thinking helps leaders pinpoint the real problem, own it, and ask for help, turning obstacles like a cash shortage at an airport into quick solutions.
When a leader arrives at a small East African airport only to discover the immigration officer will accept only U.S. cash, the obstacle looks like a bureaucratic nightmare. The author faced exactly that situation, needing $200 to enter, and used a simple mental reset to move forward. The story shows that the first move in any leadership challenge is to clear the fog of emotion and focus on the concrete need.
The process breaks down into three steps. First, identify the actual problem-not the frustration or the person causing it-but the specific thing that is missing, in this case cash. Second, own the problem fully; the leader must accept responsibility so they can act without waiting for permission. Third, humility opens the path to a solution: by swallowing pride and asking strangers for help, the author secured the cash instantly. Each step is a practical habit that any leader can apply the moment a puzzle appears.
Leaders constantly face ambiguous hurdles that can stall projects or demoralize teams. By practicing crystal-clear problem definition, personal ownership, and humble outreach, they cut through indecision and keep momentum. The article argues that clarity of thought is a reusable tool in a leader's toolbox, turning seemingly insurmountable obstacles into quick, actionable fixes.
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