Mastering Problem Solving: Strategies to Tackle Big Challenges

Solving complex problems and selling their solutions is critical for personal and organizational success. For most of us, however, it doesn’t come naturally and we haven’t been taught how to do it well. Research shows a host of pitfalls trips us up when we try: We’re quick to believe we understand a situation and jump to a flawed solution. We seek to confirm our hypotheses and ignore conflicting evidence. We view challenges incompletely through the frameworks we know instead of with a fresh pair of eyes. And when we communicate our recommendations, we forget our reasoning isn’t obvious to our audience.

How can we do it better?

In Cracked It!, seasoned strategy professors and consultants Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps and Olivier Sibony present a rigorous and practical four-step approach to overcome these pitfalls. Building on tried-and-tested (but rarely revealed) methods of top strategy consultants, research in cognitive psychology, and the latest advances in design thinking, they provide a step-by-step process and toolkit that will help readers tackle any challenging business problem. Using compelling stories and detailed case examples, the authors guide readers through each step in the process: from how to state, structure and then solve problems to how to sell the solutions.

Written in an engaging style by a trio of experts with decades of experience researching, teaching and consulting on complex business problems, this book will be an indispensable manual for anyone interested in creating value by helping their organizations crack the problems that matter most.

Understanding the Core of Problem Solving

Problem solving is a critical skill for anyone aiming to address complex challenges effectively. At its core, problem solving involves identifying the root cause of the issue rather than just treating symptoms. Top strategy consultants emphasize breaking down big problems into manageable parts to gain clarity. This approach helps in developing targeted solutions that address the underlying challenges. Understanding the problem in depth ultimately leads to better decision-making and more sustainable results, which is essential for selling solutions that clients value and trust.

Adopting a Structured Approach

A structured problem solving method is a hallmark of successful strategy consultants. By using frameworks such as the MECE principle (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive), consultants ensure no part of the problem is overlooked. A systematic approach involves defining the problem clearly, gathering relevant data, generating possible solutions, and testing them rigorously. This thoroughness creates confidence and clarity when presenting solutions to clients, making it easier to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of recommended strategies.

Communicating Solutions Effectively

Even the best problem solving efforts can fall short without clear communication. Strategy consultants excel at framing their solutions in a way that resonates with stakeholders. They translate technical or complex insights into straightforward, actionable recommendations. Effective communication also involves storytelling and visualization to make the solution tangible. Aligning the messaging with client goals and concerns helps sell the solution by highlighting benefits and anticipating objections, ensuring clients feel empowered to implement the recommendations confidently.