Be a Great Problem Solver - Now!
 

By: Adrian Reed
May 2016
Pearson Education
Distributed by Trans-Atlantic Publications Inc.
ISBN: 9781292119625
272 Pages, Illustrated
$37.50 Paper Original


Description:

 

Discover how to Be a Great Problem Solver - Now!

This 2-in-1 guide is designed to help you solve problems in an instant, whilst giving you the deeper knowledge to ensure long-lasting results.

With the unique 2-in-1 approach, you can learn your way. Use the 7 Speed Read tips immediately, then take your time exploring the Big Picture chapters.

· Analyse business problems and opportunities objectively and effectively to generate a range of possible solutions

· Avoid falling into the trap of selecting the first solution that seems feasible

· Understand how to work collaboratively with co-workers and stakeholders

· Use a one-page ‘Problem Canvas’ to scope out and explore a problem

As an ambitious manager, you need the right information at the right time to help you advance in your career. ‘The 2-in-1 Manager’ will ensure you improve and succeed in business, right now and in the future.

Contents:

Introduction 
About the Author
Acknowledgements

Chapter 1. Avoid the Solution Trap

Speed Read 
1.1 What’s wrong with a knee-jerk solution? 
1.2 Think Holistically 
1.3 Structure your problem solving 
1.4 Scour the stakeholder landscape 
1.5 Slow down to speed up 
1.6 Uncover constraints 
1.7 Be concise yet precise: Introducing the one page Problem Canvas

Big Picture 
1.1 What’s wrong with a knee-jerk solution? 
1.2 Think Holistically 
1.3 Structure your problem solving approach 
1.4 Scour the stakeholder landscape 
1.5 Slow down to speed up : Be prepared for challenge 
1.6 Uncover Constraints 
1.7 Be concise yet precise: Introducing the one-page Problem Canvas

Chapter 2. Think Problem before Solution

Speed Read 
2.1 The importance of “Why”
2.2 Defining a problem or opportunity statement 
2.3 Encourage Divergent and Convergent Thinking 
2.4 Get to the root of the problem 
2.5 Consider the External Environment
2.6 Consider Multiple Perspectives on the Problem 
2.7 Gain Consensus and Move Forward

Big Picture 
2.1 The importance of “Why” 
2.2. Defining a problem or opportunity statement 
2.3 Encourage Divergent and Convergent Thinking 
2.4 Get to the root of the problem 
2.5 Consider the External Environment 
2.6 Consider Multiple Perspectives on the Problem 
2.7 Gain Consensus and Move Forward

Chapter 3. Defining the Outcomes: What Does Success Look Like?

Speed Read 
3.1 Encourage Outcome Based Thinking 
3.2 Start With the End in Mind: Define Critical Success Factor 
3.3 Make it measurable with Key Performance Indicators 
3.4 Attain Balance with the Balanced Business Scorecards 
3.5 Revisit and Consider Constraints 
3.6 Ensuring Organisational Alignment 
3.7 Assess different perspectives on outcomes

Big Picture
3.1 Encourage outcome-based thinking 
3.2 Start With the End in Mind: Define Critical Success Factors 
3.3 Make it measurable with Key Performance Indicators 
3.4 Attain Balance with the Balanced Business Scorecard 
3.5 Revisit and Consider Constraints 
3.6 Ensuring Organisational Alignment 
3.7 Assess different perspectives on outcomes

Chapter 4. Assessing Scope and Impact

Speed Read
4.1 The danger of “Scope Creep” 
4.2 Know the difference: Impacted, Interested and Involved 
4.3 Understand the problem situation 
4.4 Find the Roles & Goals 
4.5 Make it visual with a Business Use Case Model 
4.6 Set the priorities 
4.7 Set the boundaries of scope 

Big Picture 
4.1 The danger of “Scope Creep” 
4.2 Know the difference: Impacted, Interested and Involved 
4.3 Understand the problem situation 
4.4 Find the Roles & Goals 
4.5 Make it visual with a Business Use Case Model 
4.6 Set the priorities 
4.7 Set the boundaries of scope

Chapter 5. Solutioneering: Generating Solution Options

Speed Read 
5.1 Keep the outcomes clearly in mind 
5.2 Get Together and Imagine Multiple Solutions 
5.3 Start evaluating solutions: Create a “long list” 
5.4 Getting Specific: Short list the best 
5.5 Consider Doing Nothing 
5.6 Compare the short listed options 
5.7 Validate and make a recommendation

Big Picture 
5.1 Keep the outcomes clearly in mind 
5.2 Get Together and Imagine Multiple Solutions 
5.3 Start evaluating solutions: Create a “long list” 
5.4 Getting Specific: Short list the best 
5.5 Consider doing nothing 
5.6 Compare the short listed options 
5.7 Validate and make a recommendation

Chapter 6. Bringing It All Together: The 1-page “Problem Canvas"

Speed Read 
6.1 Being Concise & Precise: Building the canvas 
6.2 Gaining Consensus 
6.3 The Canvas as an internal Sales Tool 
6.4 Gain Commitment
6.5 Plan the next steps 
6.6 Beware Risks
6.7 A problem canvas is a great place to start (but the hard work is yet to come)

Big Picture 
6.1 Being Concise & Precise: Building the canvas 
6.2 Gaining Consensus 
6.3 The Canvas as an internal Sales Tool 
6.4 Gain Commitment 
6.5 Plan the next steps 
6.6 Beware Risks 
6.7 A problem canvas is a great place to start (but the hard work is yet to come)

Chapter 7. Making Sure Problems Stay Solved: Implementing, Measuring Success and Pivoting 

Speed Read 
7.1 What happens after the problem canvas is written? 
7.2 Compare and prioritise problems 
7.3 Inspire Action: Keeping up the momentum to implement a solution 
7.4 Get ready to measure success
7.5 Stay close to ensure problems don’t recur 
7.6 Seek further opportunities to tweak and pivot 
7.7 Embed the practice of continuous improvement

Big Picture 
7.1 What happens after the problem canvas is written? 
7.2 Compare and prioritise problems 
7.3 Inspire Action: Keeping up the momentum to implement a solution 
7.4 Get ready to measure success 
7.5 Stay close to ensure problems don’t recur 
7.6 Seek further opportunities to tweak and pivot 
7.7 Embed the practice of continuous improvement

Conclusions and Next Steps 
References and Further Reading