The common management phrase "Don't come to me with problems, come to me with solutions" unintentionally discourages employees from speaking up. This can lead to problems escalating unnoticed because individuals fear appearing incompetent or negative by bringing up issues. In reality, complex modern organizations require collaboration to solve problems. Employees are often skilled at spotting issues but lack the resources or authority to fix them alone. This outdated management advice creates a culture of silence, hindering early detection and resolution of problems.Leaders should instead encourage employees to bring problems forward early, framing problem-raising as a valuable contribution. Phrases like "Bring problems early, so we can approach them productively" or "You don't have to have the solution, but come ready to think with me" foster a more open and collaborative environment. Escalating a problem should be seen as an act of leadership, not disloyalty, promoting psychological safety. High-performing teams are characterized by their speed and candor in surfacing and addressing issues.Leaders who respond to problem-raising with curiosity and appreciation, rather than irritation or blame, build more resilient and innovative organizations. When people stop bringing you their problems, it signifies a failure in leadership, as they may have lost confidence or feel uncared for. Therefore, embracing problem-sharing as a collaborative effort is crucial for effective leadership and organizational success. It is time to abandon the unhelpful aphorism and adopt approaches that encourage open communication and collective problem-solving.