When he took over the department, he insisted that we strike that word from our everyday language because he firmly believed that a problem was really an opportunity in disguise. An opportunity to improve, to streamline, or to see what didn't work so you could chunk it and try again. In fact, when anyone came to him with an opportunity, he insisted that they have a solution thought about and ready to implement before they even approached him. By doing this, he forced people to think for themselves, which not only empowered them, but freed him and his subordinate managers from getting involved in the day to day speed bumps that routinely surfaced. It's the same tactic Melissa employed with Abby and a skill I've come to appreciate in the years since working for that man.
Problem solving takes thought, effort, and ingenuity.
It's why people who excel it are often paid so well. It's easy to ignore, dismiss, or point blame when problems arise anyone can do that. But if you start to view problems as opportunities, you could find yourself on a fast track to success. Clothes get wet in the rain. Small opportunities abound.