I recently finished Strategic Problem Solving: A Step-by-Step Guide to Solve Hard Problems, and I have mixed feelings about the experience.
On the positive side, the book is very accessible and easy to follow. It isn't bogged down by overly academic jargon, which makes it a smooth read. I also appreciated the collection of quotes scattered throughout; there are some excellent, memorable lines that really anchor the concepts of decision-making and leadership.
However, coming from a background where strategic troubleshooting is a daily necessity, I found the material to be a bit too basic. I was expecting more advanced methodologies and deeper dives into complex scenarios. Additionally, the book felt repetitive in several sections, circling back to the same points rather than expanding on them.
My biggest disappointment, though, was the lack of visual aids. When discussing "strategic problem solving," I expected to see diagrams, flowcharts, or visual techniques that map out the thinking process. For a topic that relies so heavily on structure, the text-heavy format felt like a missed opportunity.
Verdict: If you are just starting to implement structured problem solving in your life or career, this is a great, welcoming starting point. However, if you are looking for advanced techniques or visual frameworks, you might find this guide lacking.