best books on complex problem solving

Business & Money
Management & Leadership

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Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything

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Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything Paperback – March 6, 2019

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Complex problem solving is the core skill for 21 st Century Teams

Complex problem solving is at the very top of the list of essential skills for career progression in the modern world. But how problem solving is taught in our schools, universities, businesses and organizations comes up short. In Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything you’ll learn the seven-step systematic approach to creative problem solving developed in top consulting firms that will work in any field or industry, turning you into a highly sought-after bulletproof problem solver who can tackle challenges that others balk at.

The problem-solving technique outlined in this book is based on a highly visual, logic-tree method that can be applied to everything from everyday decisions to strategic issues in business to global social challenges. The authors, with decades of experience at McKinsey and Company, provide 30 detailed, real-world examples, so you can see exactly how the technique works in action. With this bulletproof approach to defining, unpacking, understanding, and ultimately solving problems, you’ll have a personal superpower for developing compelling solutions in your workplace.

Discover the time-tested 7-step technique to problem solving that top consulting professionals employ
Learn how a simple visual system can help you break down and understand the component parts of even the most complex problems
Build team brainstorming techniques that fight cognitive bias, streamline workplanning, and speed solutions
Know when and how to employ modern analytic tools and techniques from machine learning to game theory
Learn how to structure and communicate your findings to convince audiences and compel action

The secrets revealed in Bulletproof Problem Solving will transform the way you approach problems and take you to the next level of business and personal success.

Print length 320 pages
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Publication date March 6, 2019
Dimensions 7.3 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
ISBN-10 1119553024
ISBN-13 978-1119553021
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Editorial Reviews

From the inside flap.

Problem solving is the core skill for the twenty-first century. Now, finally, we have a guide to doing it right that any of us can follow. --Dominic Barton, Global Managing Partner Emeritus, McKinsey & Company

PRAISE FOR BULLETPROOF PROBLEM SOLVING

We always hired for creative problem solving talent above all else; these guys have cracked the code on a replicable approach for problems large and small. Learn it, practice it! -- Eric Schmidt, Former Chairman and CEO, Google; Visiting Innovation Fellow, MIT

Together Charles and Rob have taken problem solving out of the business school classroom and into real life, where it belongs. Utilizing 30 cases, these masters of the art have something to teach all of us. -- James Gorman, Chairman and CEO, Morgan Stanley

As a former policymaker who argues for moving beyond policy to the broader enterprise of public problem solving, I welcome this volume! The techniques and insights apply, with various modifications, to problems everywhere: personal, professional, public and private, local, national and global. -- Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO, New America, Former Director of Policy Planning, U.S. Department of State

Disruption in today's business environment puts problem solving at the top of every leader's challenges. But how? This engaging book puts together a McKinsey team's scientific seven-step approach. From taking a problem apart to rearranging its pieces, to framing it so its solution can be seen, the book presents a must-read analysis for executives and social sector leaders. It excites both the reader's mind and the possibilities for project teams. --Glenn Hubbard, Dean and Russell L. Carson Professor of Finance and Economics, Columbia Business School

7 straightforward steps to solving any problem with creativity and rigor

Complex problem solving is the core skill for twenty-first century teams. It's the only way to keep up with rapid change. Winning organizations now rely on nimble, iterative problem solving, rather than traditional planning processes. In this book you'll learn the seven-step systematic approach to creative problem solving that will work in any field or industry. It employs a highly visual, logic-tree method that can be applied to any problem, from strategic business decisions to global social challenges. Charles and Rob, with decades of experience at McKinsey & Company and other institutions, provide a toolkit with 30 detailed real-world examples, so you can see exactly how the technique works in action.

From the Back Cover

"Problem solving is the core skill for the twenty-first century. Now, finally, we have a guide to doing it right that any of us can follow." ―Dominic Barton, Global Managing Partner Emeritus, McKinsey & Company

"We always hired for creative problem solving talent above all else; these guys have cracked the code on a replicable approach for problems large and small. Learn it, practice it!" ― Eric Schmidt, Former Chairman and CEO, Google; Visiting Innovation Fellow, MIT

"Together Charles and Rob have taken problem solving out of the business school classroom and into real life, where it belongs. Utilizing 30 cases, these masters of the art have something to teach all of us." ― James Gorman, Chairman and CEO, Morgan Stanley

"As a former policymaker who argues for moving beyond policy to the broader enterprise of public problem solving, I welcome this volume! The techniques and insights apply, with various modifications, to problems everywhere: personal, professional, public and private, local, national and global." ― Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO, New America, Former Director of Policy Planning, U.S. Department of State

"Disruption in today's business environment puts problem solving at the top of every leader's challenges. But how? This engaging book puts together a McKinsey team's scientific seven-step approach. From taking a problem apart to rearranging its pieces, to framing it so its solution can be seen, the book presents a must-read analysis for executives and social sector leaders. It excites both the reader's mind and the possibilities for project teams. ―Glenn Hubbard, Dean and Russell L. Carson Professor of Finance and Economics, Columbia Business School

About the Author

Charles Conn is CEO of the Rhodes Scholarships in Oxford. Previously, he was a Partner at McKinsey & Company, led a technology start-up to its IPO, and was an early team lead at the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation in San Francisco.

Robert McLean is Director Emeritus at McKinsey and Company. He led the Australian and New Zealand McKinsey practice for eight years and served on the firm's global Director's Committee.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wiley; 1st edition (March 6, 2019)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1119553024
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1119553021
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.42 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.3 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
#77 in Business Decision Making
#128 in Decision-Making & Problem Solving
#148 in Cognitive Psychology (Books)

About the authors

Charles conn.

Charles Conn is a seasoned cross-sector leader, entrepreneur and best-selling author. Charles is an experienced investor, and is co-founder of Monograph Capital, a life sciences venture firm. Before that, he was CEO of Oxford Sciences Innovation, a £600m venture firm formed in partnership with Oxford to develop the University’s advanced science ideas. Charles has been a technology entrepreneur, and as founding CEO of Ticketmaster-Citysearch led the company through its IPO (NASDAQ TMCS) and acquisitions of Match.com, Evite, and other companies. He is co-author of Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything, published with John Wiley & Sons in 2019, a best seller which also earned a Top 10 reader ranking on McKinsey.com for 2019. It has been taught at Harvard and Oxford, and to the Schmidt Science Fellows, World Economic Forum Global Shapers, Kauffman Fellows, and Rhodes Scholars. He is also a nonprofit education and conservation leader, including a five year term as CEO of the Rhodes Trust, the organization that delivers the Rhodes Scholarships in Oxford. Prior to his Oxford roles, Charles was senior advisor to the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, where he led conservation projects including the wild salmon ecosystems initiative and the Palmyra atoll research station. He sits or has sat on many company and nonprofit boards, including Patagonia, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation in South Africa, and Arcadia Foundation in London. He began his career at McKinsey & Company, where he was a Partner and leader in the strategy and energy practices. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School, Boston University, and Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

Robert McLean

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

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Customers say

Customers find the content quality well-structured, analytical, and full of case studies. They describe the book as an exceptional read, a great manual for their business, and a must-read. Readers appreciate the simple, clear steps in problem solving and decision making. They also appreciate the easy-to-follow graphs and decision trees. Overall, customers say the book is very clear and readable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book's content well-structured, analytical, and chock-full of case studies. They say it provides frameworks and ways of phrasing problems so the solution both arises naturally and is easy to understand. Readers also mention the book is full of ideas and tools to apply directly in their work. They say it offers a robust problem-solving process and encapsulates a vital education.

"... Extremely important skills , that not everyone has mastered." Read more

"...presented book with compelling graphics, which convey the structured and sequential approach , which is the hall-mark of this book...." Read more

" Well structured problem solving and analytical project management approach. Very easy to apply." Read more

"...This book offers a robust problem solving process though you still want to read a book on public relations...." Read more

Customers find the book exceptional and a great manual for their businesses. They also say it's required reading.

"...A great read and manual for our business . Well done Rob and Charles!" Read more

"I love the way the metrology is played here on problem solving. Good read " Read more

" Outstanding book !..." Read more

" Great Book !..." Read more

Customers find the book provides simple and clear steps in problem solving and decision making. They appreciate the case study, tools, and techniques for them to try. Readers also mention that the graphs and decision trees are easy to follow.

"... Very easy to apply ." Read more

"...is chock-full of case study after case study, as well as a bevy of tools and techniques for you to try...." Read more

"...Using easy to follow graphs and decision trees the very experienced authors take us through typical life and lifestyle choice examples...." Read more

"Simple, step by step approach . Easily understood examples. But, likely requires lots of practice to get good at it. Think 1000 hours." Read more

Customers find the book very clear and readable. They also say it lays out a robust 7-stage process to solve problems.

"...First, it lays out a very clear and robust 7-stage process to solve almost any kind of problem...." Read more

"Valid points. For a "work" book its quite readable ." Read more

"Superb Book. Clear . Smart. Important Right Now...." Read more

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The 10 Best Problem Solving Books for Leaders

Are you in search of the best problem solving books ?

Solving problems, especially in the workplace, can be a daunting task. If you are a leader, you might be faced with new challenges every day that demand innovative solutions. So, it is important to develop your critical thinking skills to effectively tackle these challenges.

In this article, let’s see the top 10 problem solving books that will help you become a more effective and efficient leader. These books offer valuable insights, strategies, and perspectives to help you tackle any challenge head-on.

Here are some of the helpful books that we recommend for leaders looking to improve their problem solving abilities. These books are available on Amazon. If you want to get them, their respective links are given below each description. Alright?

So, let’s go!

(Note: I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you.)

#1. “Thinking, Fast and Slow”

By: Daniel Kahneman

Who’s it for: Leaders and decision-makers seeking to understand the intricacies of human behavior.

Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences, explores the dual process of thinking that shapes our judgments and decisions. This book dissects the contrast between intuitive, rapid-fire decisions and deliberate, calculated reasoning. It offers profound insights into how we make choices, both in our personal and professional lives. Also, it provides strategies for guarding against the mental glitches that can lead to poor decision-making.

Get it on Amazon

#2. “The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking”

By: Edward B. Burger and Michael Starbird

Who’s it for: Individuals looking to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

This book provides a straightforward yet powerful framework for improving your thought process and problem-solving abilities. Through engaging examples and practical advice, the authors outline five fundamental principles that can be applied to any challenge. “The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking” encourages readers to adopt a growth mindset, fostering continuous improvement and innovation.

#3. “Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All”

By: Tom Kelley and David Kelley

Who’s it for: Anyone looking to unlock and expand their creative abilities.

Authored by the founders of IDEO, this book is a clarion call to dispel the myths surrounding creativity – that it’s only for the “creatively inclined”. Here the Kelley brothers illustrate how creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and not an innate talent reserved for the few. This book guides readers towards realizing their full potential for innovation in their professional and personal endeavors.

#4. “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High”

By: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

Who’s it for: Those seeking to improve their communication skills in high-stakes situations.

“Crucial Conversations” offers readers invaluable tools for navigating high-pressure discussions with grace and persuasiveness. The authors share insights on how to approach disagreements constructively and transform confrontations into opportunities for problem-solving. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal effectiveness and maintain poise in challenging conversations.

#5. “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead”

By: Sheryl Sandberg

Who’s it for: Women aspiring to leadership roles and those interested in gender equality in the workplace.

In “Lean In,” Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, shares her personal experiences and insights on the challenges women face in achieving leadership positions. She provides actionable advice on how women can achieve their full potential in their careers. Also, she encourages them to “lean in” to opportunities despite societal or self-doubt barriers. This book empowers readers to strive for equity and fulfillment in their professional lives.

#6. “The Art of Problem Solving 101: Improve Your Critical Thinking and Decision Making Skills and Learn How to Solve Problems Creatively”

By: Michael Sloan

Who’s it for: Individuals eager to enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.

This book equips readers with strategic methodologies to tackle problems efficiently and creatively. Michael Sloan emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to decision making that fosters critical thinking and innovative solutions. This guide is invaluable for anyone looking to sharpen their cognitive skills and approach challenges with confidence.

#7. “Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People”

By: Ken Watanabe

Who’s it for: Anyone seeking to improve their problem-solving skills from students to business leaders.

Originally written for Japanese schoolchildren, this book has gained international acclaim for its simplicity and effectiveness in teaching problem-solving skills. With engaging stories and clear visuals, Watanabe breaks down the complex processes of problem-solving into manageable steps. This book is a must-read for those who wish to tackle everyday challenges with ease and build a solid foundation in strategic planning.

#8. “The Decision Book: Fifty Models for Strategic Thinking”

By: Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschäppeler

Who’s it for: Anyone looking to enhance their decision-making and strategic thinking.

This book presents fifty models for strategic thinking in an engaging and accessible format. Here the authors have compiled a comprehensive guide that addresses various aspects of personal and professional decision-making. Whether it’s managing time effectively, assessing risks, or setting goals, this book offers valuable insights to think more clearly and make better decisions.

#9. “Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything”

By: Charles Conn and Robert McLean

Who’s it for: Anyone looking to develop or refine their problem-solving skills in both personal and professional contexts.

This book demystifies the complexities of problem-solving, making it approachable for everyone. The authors Charles Conn and Robert McLean draw from their vast experience to outline a concise, seven-step approach to solving any problem efficiently. This book is an invaluable resource for those aiming to cultivate a structured and effective problem-solving mindset.

#10. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”

By: Carol S. Dweck

Who’s it for: Perfect for anyone interested in understanding how mindset affects learning, teaching, and personal growth.

This book explores the profound impact our mindset has on our lives. It asserts the power of beliefs to shape our abilities and achieve our goals. Dweck introduces the concept of “fixed” versus “growth” mindsets, detailing how adopting a growth mindset can lead to personal and professional development. This groundbreaking book offers not just insights but practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset in ourselves and others.

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Final Words

Each of these books provides unique perspectives and tools to enhance your problem-solving capabilities. Whether you’re facing leadership challenges, team conflicts, or strategic dilemmas, these reads offer the guidance you need. Remember, problem-solving is a skill that can be developed and refined with practice. So, keep an open mind, embrace challenges, and use these resources to become a bulletproof problem solver in all aspects of your life.

FAQ: Problem Solving Books

You might have these questions in mind.

Q: Can these books really help me become a better problem solver?

A: Absolutely! Each book offers a unique perspective on problem-solving, equipped with practical advice and strategies. By understanding and applying the concepts discussed, you can significantly enhance your ability to tackle problems efficiently. However, it’s important to practice these strategies in real-life situations to fully harness their potential.

Q: Are these books suitable for team settings?

A: Yes, many of the principles and techniques covered can be applied in team settings. Books like “Bulletproof Problem Solving” particularly emphasize team collaboration and leadership in problem-solving scenarios. Applying these insights can foster a more innovative and cooperative team environment.

Q: How often should I practice these problem-solving strategies?

A: Regular practice is key to mastering problem-solving skills. Aim to apply these strategies in both everyday challenges and more complex scenarios you encounter. This will not only help you become more comfortable with the techniques but also improve your adaptability and creativity over time. Remember, problem-solving is a dynamic skill that grows more refined with experience.