What do you think?
Rate this book
Stop Guessing: The 9 Behaviors of Great Problem Solvers
We all face problems in our lives-most of them easy to solve--but the most important problems we face tend to stump us. Such problems often have hundreds or thousands of potential root causes, making them highly resistant to guesswork, brainstorming, and other common problem-solving methodologies. Great problem-solvers can and do solve them though. Armed with a set of behaviors that allows them to avoid those common methodologies altogether, these problem-solvers consistently solve difficult problems in ways that may seem magical. Stop Guessing aims to demystify that process. By explaining the nine behaviors that are critical to the success of great problem-solvers, Stop Guessing hopes to help you become a great problem-solver, too.
Audio CD
First published April 3, 2017
88 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Nat Greene
7 books6 followersNat is a business leader, author, and champion of great problem-solving. He helps smart people make radically better decisions and all his activities and interests are tied to this mission. Nat helped found and run Stroud international and is the author of two books. Wedged is a look into some of the drivers behind political dysfunction in the US and Stop Guessing explores the behaviors of great problem-solvers.
Nat's upbringing ingrained an intense drive to help people develop an Abundant Thinking mindset, understanding that more is always possible. Nat was born and raised in Hong Kong, during a period of immense growth in social mobility, influenced by not only dreamers but also by those looking to push educational and professional boundaries. His father, a professor of material science, taught him about problem-solving at a young age by taking him around the city and helping him to explore what was broken and why.
Nat remains inspired by the belief that anything is possible and has chosen to dedicate his life to productively challenging the conventional limits of the status quo. He takes an approach that is hands-on, data-driven, and follows a rigorous process to break constraints. He always delivers results; a model Stroud follows. Nat's curiosity, determination, and passion extends beyond his work to every corner of his life. He enjoys spending time with his family, and learns a great deal from his children, who are not bound by the same pre-conceived notions and experiences that constrain many adults. Nat, his wife, and four children reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts by the ocean, a symbol of infinite possibility that inspires him.
Nat has a Masters of Engineering from Oxford University and studied design, manufacturing and management at Cambridge University, in addition to executive education coursework in Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management program.
Nat's upbringing ingrained an intense drive to help people develop an Abundant Thinking mindset, understanding that more is always possible. Nat was born and raised in Hong Kong, during a period of immense growth in social mobility, influenced by not only dreamers but also by those looking to push educational and professional boundaries. His father, a professor of material science, taught him about problem-solving at a young age by taking him around the city and helping him to explore what was broken and why.
Nat remains inspired by the belief that anything is possible and has chosen to dedicate his life to productively challenging the conventional limits of the status quo. He takes an approach that is hands-on, data-driven, and follows a rigorous process to break constraints. He always delivers results; a model Stroud follows. Nat's curiosity, determination, and passion extends beyond his work to every corner of his life. He enjoys spending time with his family, and learns a great deal from his children, who are not bound by the same pre-conceived notions and experiences that constrain many adults. Nat, his wife, and four children reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts by the ocean, a symbol of infinite possibility that inspires him.
Nat has a Masters of Engineering from Oxford University and studied design, manufacturing and management at Cambridge University, in addition to executive education coursework in Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management program.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 15, 2018
I picked this book up together with a bunch of other books from a Humble Book Bundle, and decided to just try a random one based on how interesting it sounded. Why this book? Well, who doesn't want to get better at solving problems?
I can positively say that I didn't think I would learn as much as I did. This book is chock full of insights, and has honed the way I look at problems. It's immediately applicable to work situations, but also to anyone's personal life, which is what makes this book so useful to everyone. I fully realize how silly it is to talk about learning how to solve problems, especially as an adult. I mean, If I made it this far in life, and I still don't know how to solve a problem, I should probably go play on a runway.
However! Reading this made me realize that most people actually don't know how to solve problems, and that everyone's just guessing. Guessing happens to be efficient cognitively-speaking. And it's also efficient for simple problems, but it's totally the wrong way to go about solving harder problems. Part of this is because we don't even know how to state, or frame problems. For example, "there are too many people on the planet," vs. "there are over 7 billion people on the planet." Only one of those statements is even worth a damn. Or, something everyone might relate to: "the toilet is too old" vs. "the toilet is leaking water."
Once you know what you're solving, you can then look at the problem's variables, working to sniff the root cause out. Don't guess. Guessing is for chumps. Nat Greene goes over exactly how to do this, and provides equally valuable insights along the way.
I recommend this book to everyone looking to be more efficient in solving every day issues, and improving how they approach problems at work.
I can positively say that I didn't think I would learn as much as I did. This book is chock full of insights, and has honed the way I look at problems. It's immediately applicable to work situations, but also to anyone's personal life, which is what makes this book so useful to everyone. I fully realize how silly it is to talk about learning how to solve problems, especially as an adult. I mean, If I made it this far in life, and I still don't know how to solve a problem, I should probably go play on a runway.
However! Reading this made me realize that most people actually don't know how to solve problems, and that everyone's just guessing. Guessing happens to be efficient cognitively-speaking. And it's also efficient for simple problems, but it's totally the wrong way to go about solving harder problems. Part of this is because we don't even know how to state, or frame problems. For example, "there are too many people on the planet," vs. "there are over 7 billion people on the planet." Only one of those statements is even worth a damn. Or, something everyone might relate to: "the toilet is too old" vs. "the toilet is leaking water."
Once you know what you're solving, you can then look at the problem's variables, working to sniff the root cause out. Don't guess. Guessing is for chumps. Nat Greene goes over exactly how to do this, and provides equally valuable insights along the way.
I recommend this book to everyone looking to be more efficient in solving every day issues, and improving how they approach problems at work.
May 5, 2020
Nat isn't a very good writer, which is forgivable, but he also isn't a very good teacher, which is far less forgivable in the context of a book like this. The book is repetitive to the point of frustration, which I don't think he intended, but it also feels knowingly padded out, as if he did have an inkling that he didn't have a full book here, & tried to fluff it up to hide this. It doesn't work.
As far as the 'bad teacher' aspect of it, I found I could (usually) ultimately understand what he's trying to say, but only with a bit of effort, or when he gets out of his own way. He will occasionally hit a point right on the head, but typically this is confused by other jumbled attempts to say the same thing before & after this point.
Plus his whole "Stop Guessing" angle just doesn't make sense to me. Not when you read the book. For instance, in the penultimate chapter he says the following:
He's expounded this message a few dozen times leading up to this. But I just don't get it. To make sure I wasn't crazy, I went back in the book to this example he uses of grass growing too quickly (the examples are uniformly mundane, which is fine, because we all deal with mundane problems) & tried to determine exactly how he got anywhere without starting with some educated guesses. Obviously, I couldn't determine this, because every example/problem he gives starts with some educated guesses. I'm not trying to be pedantic or abuse the semantics here - the guy rails against 'guessing' the whole book, but I simply don't understand what the difference is between guessing & what he does. As far as I can tell, guessing is anytime someone else has a theory about a problem, or anything that doesn't lead to a final solution - like a confirmation bias. He hates committees. He distrusts experts. He loves Stephen King's On Writing. He's ambivalent towards guessing.
I did like the demystification of difficult/complex problems part. I feel like I haven't seen that exact message thrown around very often. Like I said earlier, occasionally he'll really get into something. Nothing profound, but you know, he'll make a good point, & you can tell it's a good & true point regardless of whether it feels like common sense. But they're too few & far between in an unnecessarily drawn-out book.
As an aside, it struck me while reading this that it just felt like the guy voted for Trump. Not that that would affect the book's rating or anything, but it was such an odd & persistent feeling that I didn't know what to do with it & felt it worth mentioning.
In short, if you honestly have no idea how to properly troubleshoot something in your own field - whether computers, cars, payroll, whatever - then maybe this book can steer you in the right direction. But I'll sum it up very simply: play the role of a (good) GP. Assume you know nothing, ask foundational questions, home in on pressure points with further questions, & discover the relevant variables. Congratulations, you just stopped guessing.
As far as the 'bad teacher' aspect of it, I found I could (usually) ultimately understand what he's trying to say, but only with a bit of effort, or when he gets out of his own way. He will occasionally hit a point right on the head, but typically this is confused by other jumbled attempts to say the same thing before & after this point.
Plus his whole "Stop Guessing" angle just doesn't make sense to me. Not when you read the book. For instance, in the penultimate chapter he says the following:
...Make sure the method you’re choosing does not encourage guessing during its root cause analysis phase. Almost all of them do, so this should eliminate most of your options right away. Unfortunately, most methods disguise the guessing stage in some fancy language, such as 'determine possible root causes.' This is making a list of guesses...
He's expounded this message a few dozen times leading up to this. But I just don't get it. To make sure I wasn't crazy, I went back in the book to this example he uses of grass growing too quickly (the examples are uniformly mundane, which is fine, because we all deal with mundane problems) & tried to determine exactly how he got anywhere without starting with some educated guesses. Obviously, I couldn't determine this, because every example/problem he gives starts with some educated guesses. I'm not trying to be pedantic or abuse the semantics here - the guy rails against 'guessing' the whole book, but I simply don't understand what the difference is between guessing & what he does. As far as I can tell, guessing is anytime someone else has a theory about a problem, or anything that doesn't lead to a final solution - like a confirmation bias. He hates committees. He distrusts experts. He loves Stephen King's On Writing. He's ambivalent towards guessing.
I did like the demystification of difficult/complex problems part. I feel like I haven't seen that exact message thrown around very often. Like I said earlier, occasionally he'll really get into something. Nothing profound, but you know, he'll make a good point, & you can tell it's a good & true point regardless of whether it feels like common sense. But they're too few & far between in an unnecessarily drawn-out book.
As an aside, it struck me while reading this that it just felt like the guy voted for Trump. Not that that would affect the book's rating or anything, but it was such an odd & persistent feeling that I didn't know what to do with it & felt it worth mentioning.
In short, if you honestly have no idea how to properly troubleshoot something in your own field - whether computers, cars, payroll, whatever - then maybe this book can steer you in the right direction. But I'll sum it up very simply: play the role of a (good) GP. Assume you know nothing, ask foundational questions, home in on pressure points with further questions, & discover the relevant variables. Congratulations, you just stopped guessing.
August 4, 2021
I listened to the audio book and I was hopeful at the beginning and quickly disappointed.
I was expecting more concrete examples and better examples and stories of how to solve problems.
The most memorable thing that I took away from the book is that relying on “experts” can sometimes be counter productive.
I have a hard time recommending this book.
I was expecting more concrete examples and better examples and stories of how to solve problems.
The most memorable thing that I took away from the book is that relying on “experts” can sometimes be counter productive.
I have a hard time recommending this book.
April 4, 2017
The most valuable piece of this book to me was the way this approach to problem solving distinguishes between guessing/opinions and facts. I hadn't really thought about all of the examples in the book and how they related to guessing in my everyday life.
It would have been great to have a bit more time spent in the beginning of the book explaining what a complex problem is. I got this by the end with the examples presented, but I was initially confused.
I also really liked the diagram at the end that defines the characteristics of different types of problem solving.
It would have been great to have a bit more time spent in the beginning of the book explaining what a complex problem is. I got this by the end with the examples presented, but I was initially confused.
I also really liked the diagram at the end that defines the characteristics of different types of problem solving.
April 14, 2017
One can tell after just a few pages that this book was written by someone with an engineering background, and I do not mean that to be derogatory it is just noticeable. With that said this book provides a problem solving primer for new ways to address problems. The title of the book is spot on and Mr. Greene provides concrete examples on how to do just that and stop guessing and solve the problem.
October 11, 2021
The book started out strong and I really liked the idea of focusing on behaviour rather than methods. The first couple of chapters were both enlightening and concrete.
However, as I made progress in the book I felt that to truly explain and teach the behaviours, which Nat tries to do, you need examples of both behaviours and methods. Here is where I wanted more.. the book subjectively talks about other methods and why they won’t work but rarely gives any good examples of others that do. And when he finally explains the other then, in my opinion, it is not detailed enough.
It’s a short book, it’s worth the read and I feel that I need to read up in the subject. This is perhaps that one time I feel that the book should have been longer…
However, as I made progress in the book I felt that to truly explain and teach the behaviours, which Nat tries to do, you need examples of both behaviours and methods. Here is where I wanted more.. the book subjectively talks about other methods and why they won’t work but rarely gives any good examples of others that do. And when he finally explains the other then, in my opinion, it is not detailed enough.
It’s a short book, it’s worth the read and I feel that I need to read up in the subject. This is perhaps that one time I feel that the book should have been longer…
May 11, 2017
I consider myself a mediocre problem-solver, and am always looking for ways to improve, so Greene's book caught my attention. It was a fast read, but chock-full of practical advice and helpful illustrations (his and other's) which demonstrate effective problem-solving skills in action. Greene starts out by laying the foundation for why many popular problem-solving methods are ineffective, and why it should matter to us. He makes a point of continually tying the more abstract ideas to very practical problems many of of us face: technical problems at home or work, organizational problems, health and behavior concerns, personal or relational conflict, and even societal problems in the community or across the globe. I found his emphasis on relating each method to particular "real-life" situations very helpful. Reading this book will give you a much greater ability to tackle the next challenge in work, home, or your community with confidence and effectiveness. Plus, it gets bonus points for including quotes from Yoda, Indiana Jones, and Sherlock Holmes!
May 13, 2017
I've been working in the field of quality and continuous improvement for a decade and this is hands down the best book on problem solving I have ever read!
It's made me look back on projects I've run or been involved in and think "well now it's obvious why we didn't succeed", hindsight is feeling a little painful right now.
I love that this book deals with behaviors rather than methods, different methods work for different problems/groups but behaviors work for everyone.
This book would be useful for anyone who ever has to solve problems (you know... everyone) because the behaviors will work for all sizes and types of problems.
Tom's narration is excellent, I fund it very engaging and the enthusiasm of the author really came through in the narration.
This book was supplied free by the author/narrator/publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
It's made me look back on projects I've run or been involved in and think "well now it's obvious why we didn't succeed", hindsight is feeling a little painful right now.
I love that this book deals with behaviors rather than methods, different methods work for different problems/groups but behaviors work for everyone.
This book would be useful for anyone who ever has to solve problems (you know... everyone) because the behaviors will work for all sizes and types of problems.
Tom's narration is excellent, I fund it very engaging and the enthusiasm of the author really came through in the narration.
This book was supplied free by the author/narrator/publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
June 20, 2024
This is a corporate self-help book that your boss gives you to read on your first day of work. Not only is it not well-written, it barely contains an ounce of useful information.
The author rails against common problem solving techniques like the scientific method for their reliance on guessing, but doesn’t even manage to define “guessing” in a satisfactory way. And in the end, he ends up suggesting something that smells an awful lot like guessing itself.
If you want to read more like this, I suggest trying some of those new AI-generated books that are dropping up on Amazon. You’ll never run out.
The author rails against common problem solving techniques like the scientific method for their reliance on guessing, but doesn’t even manage to define “guessing” in a satisfactory way. And in the end, he ends up suggesting something that smells an awful lot like guessing itself.
If you want to read more like this, I suggest trying some of those new AI-generated books that are dropping up on Amazon. You’ll never run out.
July 10, 2017
I wish this was written years ago.
I've had a couple success's solving problems before they ballooned into disasters. I realize after reading this book that if I would have taken a step back to smell the problem and identify what it was that I was trying to solve I might have saved some money and honed my skills.
No matter! I really enjoyed this book and I believe it will be on my list to reread in 6 months or so to pick out some more tidbits that I may have missed.
I've had a couple success's solving problems before they ballooned into disasters. I realize after reading this book that if I would have taken a step back to smell the problem and identify what it was that I was trying to solve I might have saved some money and honed my skills.
No matter! I really enjoyed this book and I believe it will be on my list to reread in 6 months or so to pick out some more tidbits that I may have missed.
June 28, 2022
In sum great book on problem solving in pocket size. Think this sums it up.
The author presents excelent ideas and techniques on how to be a problem solver, provides examples via stories in a very interesting and pleasent way, making the book a joy to read.
This is definitely a must read on problem solving.
Simply great, loved everything in this book.
The author presents excelent ideas and techniques on how to be a problem solver, provides examples via stories in a very interesting and pleasent way, making the book a joy to read.
This is definitely a must read on problem solving.
Simply great, loved everything in this book.
January 23, 2024
I thought this book was excellent. It is a great approach for solving problems and I took away several easily applicable ideas. The nine steps were easy to understand and with the explanation in the book it was clear that the approach would be effective. This really seems like something that would require practice. Thankfully there are a lot of problems.
November 19, 2017
This short book makes the main point, “Stop Guesing”, perfectly clear. If you need a detailed how-to, the author gives a few pointers on problem solving methods to consider. However, no hand-holding here — just remember to Stop Guessing and get the facts instead.
October 28, 2020
This short book on problem solving did not have conjure brand-new ideas for me, but the examples from the author's engineering career were interesting and provided useful insights. Definitely worth reading for anyone who has to solve technical problems for a living.
September 6, 2017
A quick read with some good stories and ideas to help you get better at approaching problems (of all kinds) and solving them.
June 17, 2018
Pointed out some behavior I would like to improve on when troubleshooting.
November 20, 2020
Good read, describing some common problems, easy and hard. I liked the method and steps he used. However, there was very little to take away with something to do. I think that was on purpose to.
February 6, 2021
Very practical guidance to problem solving: ask the right questions, analyze, use data, and keep it simple
April 28, 2023
Не убедил. "Не надо гадать" - главный посыл. Но, пока проблема не решится, мы так и не сможем понять правильное это решение или нет. Чем оно тогда отличается от догадки?
July 18, 2020
Generally, I stubbornly finish books even if I can't stand them. This is one that I put down. Maybe I'll take another look at it later, but I'm finding it dreadfully boring.
It's not that there isn't good advice in it, but up to page 110, I've found it all incredibly surface level stuff.
If you find you're frustrated that the solutions you try to implement never seem to work, maybe it's a good read to get you thinking about *how to think practically.* But to me it feels shallow and drawn out (even for a really short book).
It's not that there isn't good advice in it, but up to page 110, I've found it all incredibly surface level stuff.
If you find you're frustrated that the solutions you try to implement never seem to work, maybe it's a good read to get you thinking about *how to think practically.* But to me it feels shallow and drawn out (even for a really short book).
October 23, 2018
Energizing
April 3, 2017
Rarely does a business book make an immediate impact on one's life. Many give you something good to think about; many more are junk.
Every chapter of Stop Guessing gave me both a smile and a wince: a smile at seeing some part of the behavior I did well, and a wince at having been hit with _exactly_ what I'd done wrong in the past when my problem solving efforts failed.
Most importantly the book gave me confidence to go out and solve some problems in my life that I'd been intimidated by: fixed a few things around the house, confronted a tough relationship problem, and even made progress on trying to work out more. It's very directly actionable and approachable.
Every chapter of Stop Guessing gave me both a smile and a wince: a smile at seeing some part of the behavior I did well, and a wince at having been hit with _exactly_ what I'd done wrong in the past when my problem solving efforts failed.
Most importantly the book gave me confidence to go out and solve some problems in my life that I'd been intimidated by: fixed a few things around the house, confronted a tough relationship problem, and even made progress on trying to work out more. It's very directly actionable and approachable.
April 6, 2017
All leaders should read this book and put into practice the behaviors of sound problem solving. These behaviors are also transferable to all decision making. Particularly noteworthy is the knowledge this book provides regarding use of experts. Experts can also learn how to be more valuable by reading this book. The bevaviors for solving problems are easily implemented. By using the right data points and digging in recognizing all hard problems are solvable, we can stop guessing and make the right decisions.
~ Dr. Ernest
~ Dr. Ernest
April 3, 2017
Good quick read about how to effectively problem solve without guessing your way through it. I have always been mechanically inclined so I found that I have used many of these techniques I just never put terms to the steps I was using. I found many added benefits to what I was already doing and will be keeping the book around to reference from time to time. Nat Greene is a good writer and kept me interested throughout.
April 3, 2017
Over the years I have worked in numerous companies in the turbulent financial services industry. There were always special projects and consultants in and out the door trying to solve problems or force solutions. Inevitably, the result was reworking teams or systems and even layoffs. After several months the same problems would crop up, and another roller coaster ride began.
Not everyone has the skills to be a problem solver and look at an issue objectively to find root causes. Companies spend too much money and resources chasing down problems and often end up sticking in short term solutions or even worse, they guess what is causing problems or go with the traditional groupthink of the moment rather than going through a process. It becomes a headache for everyone.
Nat Greene’s new book Stop Guessing The 9 Behaviors of Great Problem Solvers is a read for anyone that faces problems at work or in their personal lives. We all need to change the way that we think of and approach problems. Nat has worked with companies for years to solve problems and change mindsets. He is frustrated that the biggest problem with problem-solving is problem-solving. Problem-solving for most has become just good old guessing. When the first guess fails, we move onto the next theory or as some like to call it, hypothesis. This can turn into an exhausting game of guessing which costs time, resources, money, and burns everyone out. Many problems consist of too many facets to even begin guessing at a problem, and nothing is solved.
Nat Greene shows us how we should approach problems differently. He offers numerous engaging real-life stories to illustrate how we can change our problem-solving mindset and provides tools that can be used by anyone for any problem. Stop Guessing is an easy read that seamlessly flows from chapter to chapter and Nat builds on the principles that he shares. His passion is assisting people to make more efficient decisions using behaviors that are immediately implemented.
The core of Stop Guessing is the 9 behaviors that Nat introduces us to so that we can jump on the path to become better problem solvers. It doesn’t matter if the production equipment is broke or your oven stopped working. The approach that he shares is the same and will save time, money, and hours of frustration. Ready to start solving real problems?
The 9 behaviors of great problem solvers
1. Stop guessing. Most of us default to guessing or brainstorming for solutions. We are pressured to make quick fixes and solve issues yesterday. Understanding why a problem exists and investigating it is the place to start. Nate suggests that when a problem crops up, have everyone write down their guesses as to what the problem and solution are and put it in a drawer. Look at it after the problem is solved. The remaining behaviors below should assist in measuring the problem, not guess.
2. Smell the problem. You need to get out of your office and roam around into the field to find the pulse of the problem to use your senses. Attempt to find some patterns that emerge by being out and about. Ask relevant questions and involve people, study details, sift out what is happening – no guessing.
3. Embrace your ignorance. What you don't know is what can solve a problem. Put aside any previous knowledge or assumptions. Start with the basics and work up from there. Proudly accept what you don’t know and don’t hide it. Ask dumb questions and don’t worry about how you look. Ditch the ego.
4. Know what problem you are solving. Sounds crazy but often people jump to conclusions and work on the wrong problem. Define what the problem is and keep those assumptions out of the picture along with staying within the scope you initially defined. Use time and resources up front to properly measure and explain an issue.
5. Dig into the fundamentals. Learn how a process functions by understanding the process and any data or science around it. Dig only into what is relevant, not everything. Be mindful of which variables you examine and have control over.
6. Don’t rely on experts. This is my favorite. What is the first thing that we do if we can't solve an issue? Bring in the outsiders and walk away. They can be helpful for understanding a system or its functions, but we shouldn't just turn everything over to them. We should still own the process. They aren't wizards but our collaborators. The problem solving is on us.
7. Believe in a simple solution. Have the tenacity to continue working on the problem until it is solved. Don't always assume a solution is expensive or complicated. Find the cause and perhaps 1-2 variable that are off and your problem may be solved.
8. Make fact-based decisions. Try to avoid relying on opinions, guesses, team votes or ranking systems. They won’t bring you any closer to solving problems. Always challenge your facts and measure without any biases.
9. Stay on Target. It’s easy to get lost in data and causes when you have a problem if you embrace too much you will be testing and forever wasting resources. Try to “measure drivers” that control a problem and don’t allow the issue to become cluttered. Stay on course and do not permit yourself to become distracted.
Nat concludes our problem-solving journey by assisting us in choosing our personal method for solving problems. We are all unique in how we approach problems using the strengths and tools at our disposal. An efficient problem solver needs some structure to stay focused and individual behaviors of the 9 Nat introduced us to will play to our strengths. No matter what methods that you employ you should not use guessing as a tool. Once you read Stop Guessing, you may never guess or make assumptions again! Nat's goal is for us to use structure, find patterns of failure, stay on track, and understand how a process works so that you can use data and measurable information to have a solution.
I highly recommend reading Stop Guessing and using some of the 9 behaviors that Nat shares. The behaviors are people and human capital focused and are the key to bringing actionable solutions to problems of all sizes. The ideas that Nat shares will save time resources, money, and egos. Teams will feel empowered to solve problems without all the “stuff” getting in the way.
Not everyone has the skills to be a problem solver and look at an issue objectively to find root causes. Companies spend too much money and resources chasing down problems and often end up sticking in short term solutions or even worse, they guess what is causing problems or go with the traditional groupthink of the moment rather than going through a process. It becomes a headache for everyone.
Nat Greene’s new book Stop Guessing The 9 Behaviors of Great Problem Solvers is a read for anyone that faces problems at work or in their personal lives. We all need to change the way that we think of and approach problems. Nat has worked with companies for years to solve problems and change mindsets. He is frustrated that the biggest problem with problem-solving is problem-solving. Problem-solving for most has become just good old guessing. When the first guess fails, we move onto the next theory or as some like to call it, hypothesis. This can turn into an exhausting game of guessing which costs time, resources, money, and burns everyone out. Many problems consist of too many facets to even begin guessing at a problem, and nothing is solved.
Nat Greene shows us how we should approach problems differently. He offers numerous engaging real-life stories to illustrate how we can change our problem-solving mindset and provides tools that can be used by anyone for any problem. Stop Guessing is an easy read that seamlessly flows from chapter to chapter and Nat builds on the principles that he shares. His passion is assisting people to make more efficient decisions using behaviors that are immediately implemented.
The core of Stop Guessing is the 9 behaviors that Nat introduces us to so that we can jump on the path to become better problem solvers. It doesn’t matter if the production equipment is broke or your oven stopped working. The approach that he shares is the same and will save time, money, and hours of frustration. Ready to start solving real problems?
The 9 behaviors of great problem solvers
1. Stop guessing. Most of us default to guessing or brainstorming for solutions. We are pressured to make quick fixes and solve issues yesterday. Understanding why a problem exists and investigating it is the place to start. Nate suggests that when a problem crops up, have everyone write down their guesses as to what the problem and solution are and put it in a drawer. Look at it after the problem is solved. The remaining behaviors below should assist in measuring the problem, not guess.
2. Smell the problem. You need to get out of your office and roam around into the field to find the pulse of the problem to use your senses. Attempt to find some patterns that emerge by being out and about. Ask relevant questions and involve people, study details, sift out what is happening – no guessing.
3. Embrace your ignorance. What you don't know is what can solve a problem. Put aside any previous knowledge or assumptions. Start with the basics and work up from there. Proudly accept what you don’t know and don’t hide it. Ask dumb questions and don’t worry about how you look. Ditch the ego.
4. Know what problem you are solving. Sounds crazy but often people jump to conclusions and work on the wrong problem. Define what the problem is and keep those assumptions out of the picture along with staying within the scope you initially defined. Use time and resources up front to properly measure and explain an issue.
5. Dig into the fundamentals. Learn how a process functions by understanding the process and any data or science around it. Dig only into what is relevant, not everything. Be mindful of which variables you examine and have control over.
6. Don’t rely on experts. This is my favorite. What is the first thing that we do if we can't solve an issue? Bring in the outsiders and walk away. They can be helpful for understanding a system or its functions, but we shouldn't just turn everything over to them. We should still own the process. They aren't wizards but our collaborators. The problem solving is on us.
7. Believe in a simple solution. Have the tenacity to continue working on the problem until it is solved. Don't always assume a solution is expensive or complicated. Find the cause and perhaps 1-2 variable that are off and your problem may be solved.
8. Make fact-based decisions. Try to avoid relying on opinions, guesses, team votes or ranking systems. They won’t bring you any closer to solving problems. Always challenge your facts and measure without any biases.
9. Stay on Target. It’s easy to get lost in data and causes when you have a problem if you embrace too much you will be testing and forever wasting resources. Try to “measure drivers” that control a problem and don’t allow the issue to become cluttered. Stay on course and do not permit yourself to become distracted.
Nat concludes our problem-solving journey by assisting us in choosing our personal method for solving problems. We are all unique in how we approach problems using the strengths and tools at our disposal. An efficient problem solver needs some structure to stay focused and individual behaviors of the 9 Nat introduced us to will play to our strengths. No matter what methods that you employ you should not use guessing as a tool. Once you read Stop Guessing, you may never guess or make assumptions again! Nat's goal is for us to use structure, find patterns of failure, stay on track, and understand how a process works so that you can use data and measurable information to have a solution.
I highly recommend reading Stop Guessing and using some of the 9 behaviors that Nat shares. The behaviors are people and human capital focused and are the key to bringing actionable solutions to problems of all sizes. The ideas that Nat shares will save time resources, money, and egos. Teams will feel empowered to solve problems without all the “stuff” getting in the way.
April 3, 2017
Will change the way you think about solutions!
I had never realized just how often we try to solve problems based on guesswork. This book will heighten your awareness of behaviors that will either help or hinder your attempts to resolve issues effectively. It can be applied to simple or highly complex issues and will support any structured methodology that you are already employing.
Definitely a book that I will make required reading for my children when they get a little older.
I had never realized just how often we try to solve problems based on guesswork. This book will heighten your awareness of behaviors that will either help or hinder your attempts to resolve issues effectively. It can be applied to simple or highly complex issues and will support any structured methodology that you are already employing.
Definitely a book that I will make required reading for my children when they get a little older.
April 5, 2017
This book helped me better recognize my own habits when I'm tackling a hard problem, and gave great reminders of which habits bring success. What kind of problem solver are you? Find out what kind of problem solver you are, and what you can be.
April 5, 2017
Great read - well-written and engaging throughout. I particularly enjoyed the tangible examples / war stories contained in each of the chapters, that make it clear how I could apply these concepts to my life and work.
April 8, 2017
To start off, I want to recommend a book I recent read a very interesting book on problem solving by Nat Greene. In Stop Guessing, the author outlined 9 behaviors need by problem solvers. At first, considering myself a very good problem solver, I expected a dry book on problem solving methodologies. Well I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that Greene opened my closed mind to problem solving pitfalls (and solutions) that would greatly improve my ability to develop solutions to root problems based on facts and not opinion.
Greene made some interesting statements and one sticks out in my mind as profound about the experts approach to problem-solving, “The smart, knowledgeable people who had worked on the issue so far had been trained in a number of problem-solving approaches that relied on experience or guesswork, or sometimes both together.” After a few moments of introspection, I realized that I very well might fit into that category. And maybe it was time to change my approach to finding solutions.
The author’s style of writing is conducive to an easy read for everyone. It does not drowned us in technical jargon makes for good reading before a nap, but offers examples that most readers can relate to with an understanding nod. Stop Guessing is worth the read because of the knowledge nuggets riddled throughout the book; the nine behaviors of great problem solvers are lessons that span all age groups and topics.
I recommend reading Stop Guessing by Nat Greene, you will not be disappointed.
Greene made some interesting statements and one sticks out in my mind as profound about the experts approach to problem-solving, “The smart, knowledgeable people who had worked on the issue so far had been trained in a number of problem-solving approaches that relied on experience or guesswork, or sometimes both together.” After a few moments of introspection, I realized that I very well might fit into that category. And maybe it was time to change my approach to finding solutions.
The author’s style of writing is conducive to an easy read for everyone. It does not drowned us in technical jargon makes for good reading before a nap, but offers examples that most readers can relate to with an understanding nod. Stop Guessing is worth the read because of the knowledge nuggets riddled throughout the book; the nine behaviors of great problem solvers are lessons that span all age groups and topics.
I recommend reading Stop Guessing by Nat Greene, you will not be disappointed.
April 9, 2017
It was a great refresh of behaviors I learned working with Nat. Very curious to know what others will think/learn from reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews