Problem solving can often leave us terrified and with so many questions - where did the problem come from? How do we resolve this? How big is the problem? Who can help?
Having the ability to analyse a problem and come up with a workable solution is helpful in all job roles and aspects of our life. So let's delve into some of the books that might help us reduce the panic of a problem and take a strategic approach to working out the right solution going forward.
Here’s a list of must-read books on problem solving:
Dive into the detailed reviews below to discover how each book can help you develop your problem solving abilities.
Book: The Creative Problem Solver by Ian Atkinson
Read this book to help with:
Identify, understand and find opportunity with problems you face
Practical problem-solving tools
Ways to find success from uncertainty
About the book...
The book starts with some fantastic real life examples of how people have used problem solving to find opportunities, turning a negative into a positive.
The introduction really grabbed my attention with these stories and encouraged me to read on. The rest of the book is broken down into three sections – insights, innovation and inspiration.
Part one gives you an insight into problem solving and the way the brain works with this. Think of this as the theory behind problem solving. It looks at how we gravitate towards finding patterns and utilising past experiences and how this can hold us back.
Part two is the main section of the book. It gives you 12 creative thinking tools to help solve problems, find opportunities and innovate. Each of the 12 creative tools give you an introduction, visual, theory, action and summary. With handy problem-solving tips slotted in along the way.
Part three builds on these 12 tools you have gained and looks at how to now take action. It discusses how to successfully run a problem-solving workshop and how to get the most from the workshop and your team.
Quotes from the book
“successfully solving problems, seizing opportunities and innovating isn't about following a dry, dusty process. It's about being in the ‘right frame of mind’. It's about thinking creatively.”
“Random insertion is a useful tool when you want a very different answer; a solution far from iterative and which is unlikely to be arrived at with any other kind of problem solving.”
“having the problem visible at all times will help keep everyone on brief, looking at a standardised expression of the problem, not the version of it they keep in their own head.”
The Creative Problem Solver Conclusion
A great book to help solve problems and find opportunities. Turning a negative problem into a positive workable solution. Easy to read with great stories along the way and a good mixture of theory and practical advice.
Book: Solve It!: The Mindset and Tools of Smart Problem Solvers by Dietmar Sternad
Why read this book?
1. Holistic Approach - Sternad combines mindset and practical tools to provide a comprehensive framework for solving complex problems effectively.
2. Practical strategies - The book offers actionable techniques and real-world examples that can be applied immediately to improve problem-solving skills.
3. Expert guidance - Sternad’s extensive experience in management and education ensures valuable insights into the problem-solving process.
Book summary
"Solve It!: The Mindset and Tools of Smart Problem Solvers" by Dietmar Sternad is a comprehensive guide designed to enhance your problem-solving abilities. Sternad emphasises the importance of both mindset and practical tools in addressing and resolving challenges.
The book is structured around key principles of effective problem-solving, including understanding the problem, generating creative solutions, making informed decisions, and implementing solutions efficiently. Through a blend of theoretical insights, practical strategies, and real-world examples, Sternad equips readers with the skills needed to tackle complex problems in both personal and professional contexts. The book also includes exercises and case studies to help readers apply the concepts and techniques in their own lives.
Recommended for
This book is recommended for professionals, managers, students, and anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills. It is especially useful for individuals in leadership roles and those involved in strategic planning and decision-making.
Five key takeaways
1. Problem-Solving Mindset - Learn how to cultivate a proactive and resilient mindset essential for effective problem-solving.
2. Analytical Tools - Discover a variety of analytical tools and techniques to understand and dissect problems thoroughly.
3. Creative Solutions - Explore methods to generate innovative and creative solutions to complex challenges.
4. Decision-Making Strategies - Understand how to make well-informed decisions by evaluating options and anticipating potential outcomes.
5. Implementation Techniques - Gain insights into implementing solutions efficiently and effectively, ensuring successful problem resolution.
Book: Cracked It!: How to Solve Big Problems and Sell Solutions like Top Strategy Consultants by Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps, Olivier Sibony, and narrated by Daniel Henning
Why read this book?
1. Consultant-level insights - Gain access to the problem-solving techniques used by top strategy consultants from leading firms.
2. Comprehensive framework - Learn a structured, end-to-end approach to problem-solving that covers diagnosis, solution development, and effective communication.
3. Real-world applications - The book provides practical examples and case studies that illustrate how these strategies are applied in real business scenarios.
Book summary
"Cracked It!: How to Solve Big Problems and Sell Solutions like Top Strategy Consultants" offers a deep dive into the methodologies used by elite strategy consultants to tackle complex problems and sell their solutions. The book presents a comprehensive framework that guides readers through the entire problem-solving process, from accurately diagnosing the problem to developing effective solutions and communicating them persuasively.
Drawing on their extensive experience and research, the authors share practical tools, techniques, and real-world examples to help readers enhance their analytical and persuasive abilities. The book emphasises the importance of structured thinking, hypothesis-driven analysis, and clear communication in solving big problems and achieving business success.
Recommended for
This book is highly recommended for business professionals, consultants, managers, and students in business and management. It is particularly useful for those aspiring to work in strategy consulting or looking to improve their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Five key takeaways
1. Structured problem-solving - Learn a systematic approach to breaking down and tackling complex problems effectively.
2. Hypothesis-driven analysis - Discover how to use hypothesis-driven frameworks to test assumptions and identify the root causes of issues.
3. Solution development - Explore techniques for generating and evaluating potential solutions to ensure they are viable and impactful.
4. Persuasive communication - Understand the principles of selling your solutions convincingly to stakeholders and clients.
5. Real-world case studies - gain insights from practical examples and case studies that demonstrate how these strategies are applied in real business contexts.
Book: See, Solve, Scale: How Anyone Can Turn an Unsolved Problem into a Breakthrough Success by Danny Warshay
Why read this book?
1. Actionable framework - Warshay offers a clear and practical framework for identifying problems, developing solutions, and scaling successful ventures.
2. Entrepreneurial insights - Gain valuable insights from Warshay’s extensive experience in entrepreneurship and innovation.
3. Real-world examples - The book is filled with inspiring examples of how ordinary people have turned unsolved problems into breakthrough successes.
Book summary
"See, Solve, Scale: How Anyone Can Turn an Unsolved Problem into a Breakthrough Success" by Danny Warshay provides a step-by-step guide to entrepreneurial success. Warshay introduces the "See, Solve, Scale" framework, which involves identifying unsolved problems (See), developing effective solutions (Solve), and expanding those solutions into scalable ventures (Scale).
Drawing from his experience as an entrepreneur and educator, Warshay provides practical tools and strategies that anyone can use, regardless of their background or experience. The book is rich with real-world examples and case studies, illustrating how individuals have successfully applied this framework to create impactful and sustainable businesses. Warshay’s approach demystifies the process of entrepreneurship, making it accessible and achievable for everyone.
Recommended for
This book is recommended for aspiring entrepreneurs, business professionals, innovators, and anyone interested in turning problems into opportunities. It is especially valuable for those looking to start their own business or bring innovative solutions to their existing organisations.
Five key takeaways
1. Identifying problems - Learn how to observe and identify unsolved problems that present opportunities for innovation.
2. Developing solutions - Discover practical methods for creating effective and viable solutions to identified problems.
3. Scaling ventures - Understand the principles and strategies for expanding solutions into scalable and sustainable businesses.
4. Entrepreneurial mindset - Gain insights into cultivating a mindset that embraces problem-solving and innovation.
5. Real-world applications - Explore inspiring examples and case studies that demonstrate the successful application of the See, Solve, Scale framework in various contexts.
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