How to turn setbacks into opportunity

Problems don’t exactly inspire celebration. Even when handled calmly, most of us would rather they didn’t exist. Unexpected issues can trigger self-blame, anxiety about schedules, or worry about explaining delays to clients.

Take the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. Only the third crewed mission intended to land on the Moon, it quickly turned into a life-or-death challenge when an oxygen tank exploded in space, putting the crew and mission control in Houston under immense pressure. While most workplaces don’t involve lunar modules or zero gravity, the story illustrates a universal truth: even the most ambitious, carefully planned projects can go off course.

Yet the NASA team didn’t freeze. They improvised and found creative solutions under intense pressure. As well as bringing the crew home safely, the mission became a goldmine of lessons for future space travel, showing that even crises can spark innovation and uncover hidden opportunities.

The real challenge with problems

Problems carry a brand problem. The word itself feels negative, and encountering one often triggers disappointment, frustration, fear, or stress. Many people respond by pushing the problem aside. They intend to address it later, when it’s convenient or when they feel better prepared.

This avoidance can become a trap. Deadlines drift and risks accumulate. Eventually, the problem threatens the entire plan. Leaders may attempt to maintain appearances, telling themselves and their teams, “I’ve got it.” But the longer a problem is hidden, the greater the likelihood of underperformance, missed opportunities, or even demoralisation.

In short: avoidance is costly, and over time it can make people feel disempowered and cautious about taking risks.

Shifting the approach: seeing problems differently

Problems don’t have to derail performance. By reframing how they’re approached, leaders and teams can feel empowered and respond more effectively. Three key practices help:

1. 1. Plan from the future state

Before starting a project, imagine having already achieved the goal. Work backward to identify what had to happen to reach that point. This “future-back” thinking highlights potential problems early, allowing proactive solutions rather than reactive scrambling.

2. 2. Treat problems as breakdowns

Instead of seeing problems as personal failures, view them as inevitable breakdowns in a complex system. Breakdowns are not about blame; they’re mechanical challenges to be understood and addressed. Approaching issues this way reduces stress and encourages collaborative problem-solving.

3. 3. Call out breakdowns early

Don’t try to fix everything alone. Acknowledging setbacks openly allows others to contribute their expertise. Teams that embrace breakdowns as learning opportunities can aim higher and move faster. Ambition thrives in environments where challenges are tackled collectively, rather than hidden individually.

Embracing the non-linear path to success

Success rarely follows a straight line. Problems and breakdowns are part of the journey, not signals of incompetence. By planning from future goals, reframing setbacks as breakdowns, and openly addressing issues, teams can short-circuit fear-based responses and unlock creative, effective solutions.

When problems are approached with this mindset, they cease to feel threatening. Instead, they become opportunities for learning, collaboration, and innovation.

In practice, this means: Seeing potential issues before they appear. Reacting calmly and constructively when they arise. Leveraging team support to overcome obstacles.

Leading through setbacks

Problems aren’t signs of failure. They’re inevitable features of ambitious work. Adopting an empowering approach transforms how teams experience and respond to problems, turning fear into foresight, and setbacks into stepping stones. With the right mindset, the challenges you face at work don’t have to feel like “big problems” at all.

Get in touch to explore how we can help your organisation make problems work for you.