Bulletproof Problem Solving
The One Skill That Changes Everything
By: Charles Conn, Robert McLean
About This Book
Complex problem solving is the core skill for 21st 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.
AI Overview
"Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything" by Charles Conn and Robert McLean is a comprehensive guide to systematic problem-solving, emphasizing its critical role in the 21st century. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Importance of Problem-Solving: The book highlights the significance of problem-solving in today's complex and rapidly changing environment. It emphasizes that systematic problem-solving is not commonly taught in universities and graduate schools, making it a crucial skill for individuals and organizations to master.
Seven-Step Approach: The book presents a proven seven-step approach to creative problem-solving, which can be applied to various types of problems, from strategic business decisions to global social challenges. These steps include:
- Define: Clearly define the problem.
- Disaggregate: Break down the problem into manageable parts.
- Prioritize: Identify and prioritize key elements.
- Workplan: Develop a plan to tackle the problem.
- Analyze: Gather and analyze data.
- Synthesize: Combine insights to form a solution.
- Communicate: Effectively communicate the solution.
Highly Visual, Logic-Tree Method: The authors employ a highly visual, logic-tree method that helps in structuring and solving problems. This method is highly adaptable and can be used in both individual and organizational contexts.
Real-World Applications: The book provides detailed, real-world examples from the authors' extensive experience at McKinsey, start-up companies, and environment-focused foundations. These examples illustrate how the seven-step approach can be applied to various scenarios.
Plot Summary
The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured guide to problem-solving. It begins by emphasizing the importance of problem-solving in the modern workplace and introduces the seven-step approach. Each step is explained in detail, along with practical examples and case studies. The authors also discuss how this framework can be used iteratively to refine solutions over time.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book has been well-received for its practical and systematic approach to problem-solving. The World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs: Employment, Skills and Workforce Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution" (2016) highlights the significance of complex problem-solving skills, which aligns with the book's focus.
The book's comprehensive framework and real-world applications make it a valuable resource for individuals and organizations looking to enhance their problem-solving capabilities. The lack of systematic teaching of problem-solving in educational institutions underscores the relevance of this book in today's fast-paced environment.
Additional Information
Publication Details: The book was published in March 2019 by Wiley. It has 320 pages and is available in various formats, including paperback and e-book.
Target Audience: The book is aimed at professionals, managers, and anyone interested in improving their problem-solving skills. It is particularly useful for those working in complex, dynamic environments where traditional problem-solving methods may not suffice.
In summary, "Bulletproof Problem Solving" by Charles Conn and Robert McLean offers a structured, practical guide to solving complex problems. Its emphasis on a systematic seven-step approach, combined with real-world examples, makes it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills in the modern workplace.