Problem Solvers Wanted: Why Titles Don’t Matter

Author

Ashish Kumar
January 19, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Hey Readers,

Happy Sunday! ☀️

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Sundays often feel like a fresh start, a chance to reflect on the week past and plan for the one ahead.

Let's use this opportunity to recharge and come back to the week feeling refreshed and motivated.

Let’s move to our today’s lesson.

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Problem Solvers Wanted: Why Titles Don’t Matter


In the chaotic world of startups, fancy titles won’t save the day — problem solvers will.


Every startup is a daily firefight. You need people who thrive in uncertainty, see challenges as opportunities, and jump in to find solutions.

For instance, instead of hiring someone focused on their title, like “Senior Marketing Director,” look for someone who says, “I’ll bring in our first 1,000 customers.” These are the doers, the ones who drive real results.

Startups are dynamic and often unpredictable. Team members must be flexible, resourceful, and proactive.

Titles and rigid roles might work in large corporations, but in startups, it’s about rolling up your sleeves and figuring things out together.

Real-World Example:
In its early days, Airbnb needed scrappy problem solvers. Instead of rigidly sticking to job descriptions, its team members went above and beyond, sometimes even photographing properties themselves. This hands-on attitude helped the company scale.

Action Points:

  1. During interviews, ask candidates about specific problems they’ve solved. Look for tangible examples of resourcefulness.

  2. Use role-play scenarios to assess how they approach challenges. For example, present a hypothetical startup crisis and evaluate their response.

  3. Look for “doer” language like “I’ll figure it out” or “Let’s solve this.” Avoid candidates overly focused on titles.

WHAT I AM READING

How to Finish Everything You Start by Jan Yager

👉Today’s Takeaway:

Your workspace plays a big role in how productive you are. Create a setup that helps you stay focused and cuts down on distractions. Whether it’s a tidy desk, a comfy chair, or a quiet corner, make your environment work for you!

YOUTUBE TREASURE

👉My Pick: How to startup an agency in 2025

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