Leadership is about solving problems.

Doug Burgum, a man who rose from the world of business into the realm of governance, distilled the essence of command into a single phrase: “Leadership is about solving problems.” In these words lies a truth so simple, yet so profound, that it echoes through the ages. For a leader is not chosen to bask in honor, nor to rest upon titles, but to stand before the storms of life and to clear the path where others falter. Leadership is not ornament, but burden. It is the art of facing chaos and bringing order, of wrestling with difficulty until a way forward appears.

The ancients, too, bore witness to this truth. When famine struck Egypt, it was Joseph who, by foresight and wisdom, stored grain and saved countless lives. His greatness did not lie in wealth or pride, but in his ability to solve problems that threatened the very survival of his people. In Greece, Pericles led Athens through war and plague, not because he was spared the hardships of his time, but because he strove to confront them with reason and resilience. So it has always been: the mark of the leader is revealed not in peace, but in trial.

To say that leadership is about solving problems is to remind us that leadership is not abstract, but practical. It is not the luxury of endless speeches, but the responsibility to act. A leader must listen, discern, and then move, knowing that hesitation in the face of crisis can cost lives. History remembers Winston Churchill in the Second World War not merely for his stirring words, but because behind them was a relentless determination to solve the gravest problem humanity had yet faced: the advance of tyranny and the survival of freedom.

Yet Burgum’s words also carry humility. For problems are not solved by the leader alone—they are solved through cooperation, vision, and persistence. A true leader does not pretend to carry all wisdom, but gathers the talents of others, forging unity out of diversity. Just as a general relies on his captains, and a ship’s captain trusts his crew, so must every leader draw strength from those around him. In this sense, the act of problem-solving becomes not a solitary pursuit, but a shared triumph of human effort.

The lesson is radiant and clear: do not seek leadership for its honors, but for its service. To lead is to stand before the endless tide of problems—small and great—and to devote yourself to their resolution. This requires courage when the problems seem insurmountable, patience when solutions are slow, and humility when the answers come from others. A leader’s greatness lies not in avoiding problems, but in embracing them as the proving ground of purpose.

Practical action flows from this truth. In your own life, whether you lead a family, a team, or a nation, ask yourself: What problem am I here to solve? Do not shrink from difficulty, but face it head-on. When others complain of obstacles, be the one who seeks a path forward. When fear grips those around you, be the one who steadies them by working toward solutions. Let your words inspire, but let your deeds bring relief, for leadership is measured not by promises, but by outcomes.

Thus, children of the future, remember Burgum’s teaching: leadership is about solving problems. It is not about titles, fame, or privilege, but about service, courage, and resolve. When the road is blocked, the leader clears it. When the night is dark, the leader lights a torch. When despair sets in, the leader lifts the burden by seeking answers. Live this truth in your own life, and you will not only lead—you will heal, build, and leave behind a legacy of strength for those who follow.