Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything

This is a really distinctive take on the critical issue of how to solve problems, big and small. Although I have spent much of my career in management consulting, I learned a great deal from the book, which is rooted in the author's own professional and personal experience. I was struck by a number of distinctive features of the book. First, it lays out a very clear and robust 7-stage process to solve almost any kind of problem. Second, it applies this approach both to big business problems like whether or not to make an acquisition or launch a new product; as well as to recognizable personal issues, like whether to have surgery - to fix "Rob's bad knee" - or what kind of diet to go on. Oh, and along the way, it addresses co-called "wicked problems" like climate change and obesity. The common theme is that problem-solving requires a rigorous and well-structured process, and a can-do mindset to go with it. All of this is contained in a beautifully presented book with compelling graphics, which convey the structured and sequential approach, which is the hall-mark of this book. I read it quickly to get the essence of the approach, and then re-read it for detail and nuance. Rob McLean and Charles Conn bring a ton of experience to this topic - and their shared wisdom and insight shine through. I've spent a lot of my own life in consulting, but I still learned a great deal from this book - indeed I only wish it had been available earlier in my own career.

This book should be read by students who consider working in management consultancy, describing the "McKinsey approved" 7-Step process of problem solving. Additionally, it will also be useful for readers who want to make an impact on complex organisations without getting distracted or caught in reiterative, philosophical loops. To escape such loops, I personally favour the Design Thinking process, because it puts more emphasis on innovations, therefore more in line with model building in science. However, I agree with the authors about both approaches being somewhat complementary in solving difficult problems systematically, perhaps not in quantum physics... Certainly the 7-Step process is quite in sync with my personal professional experience in trading and investments, even if followed intuitively and without drawings. Was it for traders' lack of communication that computers were quicker to be accepted as replacements in this programmable profession? Top managers and politicians increase their leverage, their efficiency by communicating, by mapping their decision-making, by sketching a line of progress and also by adding sometimes less modest attributes like "bulletproof" or claims like "changes everything". This problem solving and communication skill becomes essential in large organisations when addressing various stakeholders. You need to know what people expect to hear or to see before they respect your new proposals, your key decisions. This book offers a robust problem solving process though you still want to read a book on public relations. Influencing requires linguistically simple, sometimes sign language. Thanks to this book it won't be a secret anymore how to become successful without going deeply into details and you get an idea about McKinsey. Several pages left blank, for personal exercises of course, may in fact speak volumes.

Well structured problem solving and analytical project management approach. Very easy to apply.

Great book for both people "new" to problem solving (job, life) and people like myself who have spent their career solving problems. The author provided great practical examples to make the reader think. Definitely glad I purchased the book!

Move over Sherlock Holmes, because Bulletproof Problem Solving is here to turn you into a real-life superhero of complexities! This book promises to equip you with the skills to tackle any challenge, whether it's everyday decisions or global social issues – you name it, you solve it! The authors, with their McKinsey experience, spill the beans on a 7-step technique that top consulting pros swear by. And guess what? It's not just theory! They give you real-world examples to show off your newfound problem-solving superpowers. So get ready to unleash your personal superpower for cracking problems, impressing colleagues, and becoming the ultimate sought-after bulletproof problem solver. The world better watch out, 'cause you're about to change everything!

There are many books on problem solving methodology. The one piece that’s generally missing is using the methodology in real life; this book does just that. Having a structured approach to not just solving problems but to how you synthesize back your findings and recommendations into a good story that creates a bias to action is equally important. You do have to do some work here and try things out in real life but just like anything, the more you practice this and apply it, the better you will become at leading and guiding others through issues at work. Much of my upward mobility i would attribute is my ability to communicate structured ways to help people at work solve problems and I’m in no way perfect at this but I do get a little bit better at it each time. Mckinsey is not just one of the best consulting firms because of smart vertical based expertise but because they incorporate that expertise with communication and problem solving to help clients answer that question “what should I do?”.

The book is good overall but it came with black smudging all over the cover.

Se você é consultor (ou quer ser), mesmo trabalhando em uma das grandes casas, acho que esse livro é uma excelente referencia para um metodo "quase infalivel" de resolução de problemas. PEscrito de forma bastante objetiva. ara aqueles já com bastante experiencia, serve como lembrança do "back to basics", coaching de colaboradores mais juniores, etc. Além do uso como "self-education", pode ser livro texto ou complemento a treinamentos em "problem solving".

Gifted another one to my best friend, you'll love it!

Una forma diferente de ver el análisis de problemas y encontrar soluciones

Good book

Very well-structured book, practically a user manual