Problems in business are as common as the sun rising and setting every day. As an entrepreneur, how you view problems will determine how successful you are; you either want them to go away or you embrace them and see them as opportunities to improve.
I love problems. Specifically new ones, not repeated ones. Loving problems has helped me immensely!
When I was operating my Father’s business, I taught my managers and supervisors to learn to love problems. I’d tell them to bring me problems because I wanted them to not get comfortable when everything went according to plan; there’s always something that could be improved.
Danny Meyer, the renowned restaurateur, uses mantras to guide decisions in his restaurants. One of his most powerful and transformative mantras is “Love problems.”
“Love problems” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a guiding philosophy that encourages a positive, proactive approach to challenges. Instead of seeing problems as burdens, Meyer and his team view them as opportunities for improvement and growth. This mantra reshapes the way they operate, turning setbacks into stepping stones for a better customer experience.
So, what does “Love problems” really mean for a business? It means cultivating a mindset where challenges are embraced, dissected, and transformed into opportunities for growth. In the hospitality industry, this mindset ensures that no problem is wasted—each one is leveraged to create a more memorable experience for guests. Let’s break down how this concept works in action:
Examples of “Love Problems” in practice:
- A guest complains about a long wait time: Instead of becoming defensive or brushing it off, staff see this as an opportunity to improve their reservation system or streamline seating efficiency. Every complaint becomes a chance to make the experience better for everyone.
- A popular menu item runs out: Rather than panicking, the team views this situation as a chance to introduce guests to other delicious dishes, using the scarcity as a moment to delight diners with something unexpected.
- A negative review appears online: Rather than ignoring it, the restaurant uses the feedback to identify areas for improvement and even reaches out to the reviewer to make amends, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and customer care.
These are examples from the hospitality industry, but the same pattern applies to any type of business.
How to apply “Love Problems” in your own business:
- Encourage open communication: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable raising issues without fear of backlash. Open communication is key to finding solutions.
- Reframe your language: Instead of saying “We have a problem,” say “We have an opportunity to improve.” This subtle shift in language helps change the mindset of your entire team.
- Hold regular problem-solving sessions: Create a rhythm of gathering your team to discuss challenges and brainstorm solutions. This helps solve the problems and builds a culture of collaboration.
- Celebrate problem-solving efforts: Recognize and reward those who effectively solve problems or develop innovative solutions. Celebrating problem-solving shows your team that these efforts are valued.
- Train for adaptability: Equip your team with skills that help them be adaptable in the face of changing circumstances, emphasizing flexibility and creative thinking.
- Use problems as learning tools: After resolving an issue, discuss what was learned and how to prevent similar problems in the future. Use every issue as an educational moment.
- Seek feedback actively: Regularly ask for input from your customers and your team. Treat every suggestion as a valuable opportunity to improve, rather than a complaint to dismiss.
By embracing the “Love problems” mantra, you can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. It turns challenges into fuel for innovation, helping you make better decisions and ultimately creating a better experience for your customers. The mindset shift from “problems” to “opportunities” can have transformative effects on your business—guiding not just what decisions you make, but how you make them.
Bottom line: Wasted problems are wasted opportunities. “Love problems” means embracing challenges as opportunities for improvement and growth rather than viewing them as burdens. It’s about cultivating a mindset that sees problems as chances to innovate, learn, and enhance your business.