Problem Solving 101 started out as a simple guide to teach Japanese schoolchildren critical thinking skills. But it quickly became an adult bestseller, thanks to the powerful effectiveness of Ken Watanabe's problem solving methods.
The tools in this book come from the author's experience as an elite McKinsey consultant. But you don't need an MBA or complicated computer software to use them. You'll learn how to broaden and organize your thinking about a problem, so that more possible solutions become clear.
Best of all, you'll discover these tools through fun and accessible examples:
- The Mushroom Lovers are a rock band without an audience. They drive up attendance at their shows by figuring out the root cause of their problem and developing an effective solution.
- John the Octopus uses his problem solving skills to budget for a new computer and pursue his dream of becoming a famous CG animator.
- Kiwi is a soccer star who wants to take her game to the next level. She evaluates the pros and cons of two soccer schools to determine the best option for her needs.
Problem-solving oriented thinking can help us take control of our lives, deal with the challenges we encounter, and even change the world. Once you've mastered the skills in this book, you'll wonder how you ever got by without them.
Full of useful diagrams and quirky drawings, Problem Solving 101 is simple enough for a middle schooler to understand but sophisticated enough for business leaders to apply to their most challenging problems.
