"Is there a difference?", you might wonder.
I have always considered myself a problem solver. I see that something is wrong and fix it. Then I came across career advisers who have conveyed the idea that people shouldn't use negative language. So, I started labeling myself as a solution finder. I have never been entirely convinced by that choice of language.
Push or pull
Is it maybe all about what motivates us? A push motivation is driven by the urge to get away from something negative. It's reactive. A pull is something great that we want to achieve or acquire. It's proactive. For example, a job hunter might be looking for a new job because they hate their current job; or they might be driven by the desire to move up on their career path.
Both types can be strong motivators and have us achieve results and satisfaction.
In that sense, a problem solver wants to move away from something bad. A solution finder is drawn towards something good. Why is it, that we often seem to think more of the latter? - The word is more upbeat, right? It doesn't mention that there is a problem, that something is wrong.
Imagination
Or is it all about imaginative thinking? A problem solver does not spring into action until a problem presents itself. They cannot come up with an idea until there is a problem to inspire them. In contrast, a solution finder is full of imagination. They picture success (whatever this might be) in their mind; imagine the future before a problem even manifests itself.
A solution without a problem?
Listening to some entrepreneurial thinkers, it occurred to me that a solution finder might lead their business astray. They might fall in love with their solution so much that they overlook one crucial fact. - It doesn't solve a problem for the customer. Hence, nobody will want to pay for that "solution". At best, it's a nice-to-have.
I am still not quite sure where I am on the scale from problem solver to solution finder. A mix of both is certainly useful. I probably lean more towards the left.