The New Rational Manager

by Charles Higgins Kepner, Benjamin B. Tregoe

A problem-solving and decision-making book.

Valuable insight into the art of managing people, information, and capital resources. The principles explained in this book represent the combined best thinking of two highly respected consultants whose contributions to their field have been applied successfully by them and their organization to enterprises throughout the world.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Management, Leadership, Reference, Self Help, Buisness

242 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1965

Reviews

[Yamato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on core problem solving and decision making tools. KT methods have been around for a long time but to take the time to re-read and gain a deeper appreciation was nice.

This will be a keeper on my bookshelf as a great reference tool. One area I have noticed is a problem at work is, we skip the problem solving step with a bunch of assumptions. We implement many things because it is quick and we can say we did something. But we actually haven’t solved the problem, so the symptoms continue to repeat. The IS and IS NOT was a reflection moment for sure.

Many great case examples for each teaching point. Very easy read.

[Paul Bard · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost, we need to acknowledge that this is a resume for the author’s consulting practice. The use of these resumes is commonplace and this is an impressive example.

P.54: “The structure of all problems is the same.” That structure is:

What’s going on?
Why did this happen?
Which course of action should we take?
What lies ahead?

The big takeaway for me is that a successful leader should install 4 unique checklists for finding the cause of problems, choosing the best course of action, for seeing future problems, and for rendering a complex situation simple. Neither leaving these decisions up to chance, nor letting personal impulse and feeling guide decision-making, allows for a rational problem-solving and decision-making process.

Another impressive insight is the distinction between problem-solving and decision-making. Problem solving organised and investigates. Decision making decides and foresees. Four checklists and four processes are involved.

But that’s pretty much it. There was a dearth of pragmatic ideas. Which is why I say it’s pretty much just the marketing materials for the author’s consulting practice.

It bears a strong resemblance to David Allen’s Getting Things Done work.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only read to page 77, as this is all that was required by my professor. I didn't have time to read the rest, though the Kepner-Tregoe method appears to be a great and effective way to get to the root of the problem. Even if the exact method is not applied to a problem, just keeping the method in mind will be quite handy.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent development of rational management, focusing on eliminating panicky decisions through the implementation of specific, calculated rational approaches to traditional decision-making. An absolute must read for any management student or manager in the field.

[Ashraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on Problem Solving, approaches the issue from a very systematic approach and devises a unique methodology to Case handling from observation through root cause defining to optimized resolution, Excellent Read.

[Paul Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent methods to structure an investigation into a problem, a decision to be made, and so on. More a logic class than anything else. Highly recommend finishing the book in order to best be able to apply the concepts to people and performance management.

[Brian Rast · Rating 4 out of 5]

A study in a technique for decision making. When you have a group that needs a thought out method, consider this one for reaching a good decision.

[Jimmacc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. It provides both theoretical part how to properly try solving the problems but also gives practical examples which makes it easier to image how to apply techniques provided

[Maram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good for referencing.
Great methods.