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Leadership Quality #14
Problem Solving: Those who can solve problems gain influence.
3 min read7 sectionsSituationLink to the quality
Contents
The film "Argo" (2012), based on true events, tells the story of a high-risk rescue mission in which a CIA agent smuggles six American diplomats out of Iran by pretending to shoot a Canadian science-fiction film. This story is an impressive example of the quality of problem-solving. Problem-solving is the ability to find creative, strategic, and courageous solutions to complex challenges — exactly what the film's protagonist, Tony Mendez, demonstrates. "Argo" (2012) is a political thriller directed by Ben Affleck, based on true events from the Iran hostage crisis (1979–1981).
Six dots follow a golden path through a gap in a wall of blocks up into open sky – like the rescue in “Argo”.
Plot
CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) devises a plan to rescue six US diplomats from Iran. He disguises them as a film crew for the fake sci-fi movie "Argo" in order to enable their escape.
Themes
espionage, diplomacy, international crises, and the courage of covert operations.
Achievements
3 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Grossed $232 million against a $44 million production budget.
Reviews
highly suspenseful, though not always historically accurate.
"Argo" is a gripping thriller about a secret CIA rescue operation that combines suspense with political history.
01
Creativity as the key to problem-solving
Situation
the classic approach — a direct rescue mission — would have been too dangerous. So Tony Mendez invents a completely unconventional plan: the hostages will pose as a Canadian film crew.
Link to the quality
effective problem-solvers use creative thinking. Tony Mendez shows this quality by choosing a solution that lies outside standard strategy.
02
Making use of available resources
Situation
Mendez knows that the CIA has experience with fake identities, that Hollywood connections exist, and that a film production could be used as cover. He skillfully deploys all these resources to make his plan credible.
Link to the quality
successful problem-solvers make clever use of their existing resources. Mendez shows this by combining various elements — from Hollywood insiders to forged documents.
03
Strategic and forward-looking thinking
Situation
the rescue plan not only had to look realistic but also had to be prepared for any unforeseen situation. Mendez develops a detailed backstory, trains the diplomats, and makes sure every detail is correct.
Link to the quality
problem-solvers must think ahead. Mendez proves this quality by anticipating every risk and planning the escape down to the last detail.
04
Adaptability under pressure
Situation
several unexpected problems arise — from the mission's sudden cancellation to tightened controls at the airport. Mendez stays calm, adapts his plan, and still carries out the mission successfully.
Link to the quality
problem-solvers stay flexible and must improvise under pressure. Mendez shows this ability by remaining focused despite setbacks.
05
The courage to decide
Situation
when the CIA wants to abort the mission because of political risk, Mendez decides to carry out the operation anyway — a risky but courageous decision that saves the hostages' lives.
Link to the quality
solving problems often requires courageous decisions. Mendez demonstrates this quality by taking on responsibility and acting despite political uncertainty.
06
Collaboration as a success factor
Situation
Mendez works closely with the Canadian embassy, Hollywood contacts, and CIA colleagues. Without this cooperation, the mission would not have been possible.
Link to the quality
big problems often require teamwork. Mendez shows this by bringing in various experts and assembling a strong team around him.
07
Confidence in one's own solution
Situation
to carry out the plan successfully, Mendez has to present it with absolute confidence so that it appears credible — both to the hostages and to Iranian authorities.
Link to the quality
successful problem-solvers must have confidence in their own solutions. Mendez proves this by seeing his plan through to the end and carrying it out with conviction.
Key takeaways
Key lessons from "Argo" in relation to the quality of problem-solving
01
Creativity mattersgood problem-solvers think outside the usual patterns.
02
Use available resourceseffective problem-solvers work with what they have.
03
Strategic thinking is essentiala good solution accounts for every risk.
04
Flexibility under pressuresuccessful problem-solvers adapt to new situations.
05
Making courageous decisionsproblem-solvers sometimes have to take risks.
Confidence in the solutionconvincing execution is essential.
Summary
The film "Argo" is a perfect example of the quality of problem-solving. Tony Mendez demonstrates outstanding problem-solving skills by acting creatively, strategically, and courageously. The story shows that effective problem-solving means finding innovative ways forward, making optimal use of resources, and staying in control even under extreme pressure. "Argo" inspires us to see problems not as obstacles but as opportunities for creative and strategic solutions.
Back to the basics
Find out what is behind Problem Solving – with explanation, animation and the result from the study.
