What do you think?
Rate this book
Pig Wrestling: Clean Your Thinking to Create the Change you Need
Are you wrestling with a pig of a problem?
Pig Wrestling is a simple story with a powerful message. Read it in under an hour, and you’ll be ready to tackle any type of sticky situation in work or life.
Meet a stressed Young Manager, whose teams are at each other’s throats. At his local coffee bar he shares his frustrations with his barista – who turns out to be more than he seems. It’s the start of a journey into Pig Wrestling – a process that can be used to resolve any seemingly impossible problem. By reframing the issue we can all create change, whenever and wherever we need it most.
Developed out of the authors’ work in elite sports and business – including Manchester City, Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill and the England Cricket team – this instantly memorable story will help you thrive in complex and messy times.
Pig Wrestling is a simple story with a powerful message. Read it in under an hour, and you’ll be ready to tackle any type of sticky situation in work or life.
Meet a stressed Young Manager, whose teams are at each other’s throats. At his local coffee bar he shares his frustrations with his barista – who turns out to be more than he seems. It’s the start of a journey into Pig Wrestling – a process that can be used to resolve any seemingly impossible problem. By reframing the issue we can all create change, whenever and wherever we need it most.
Developed out of the authors’ work in elite sports and business – including Manchester City, Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill and the England Cricket team – this instantly memorable story will help you thrive in complex and messy times.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2017
98 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 1, 2019
I enjoyed the book. The idea of Pig Wrestling was interesting but now really world changing for me. It was just another way of putting a new spin on ideas that have been around for a long time. I guess to get real value from this book you have to become an avid pig wrestler. I also suspect that, if you have a lot of problems to solve on a regular basis, it would be worthwhile to attend one of the authors' workshops. So, as an introduction to the concept it works well, but I think the workshops would be more valuable.
November 20, 2023
This book isn’t very long, but it certainly feels long. There’s probably some sensible advice here about tackling stubborn problems, but it gets lost in the ‘fable’ the writers chose to convey the information. Instead of just telling us what we need to know and giving some examples, the authors decided to explain their ideas through a very convoluted and annoying story, where a ‘young manager’ is passed between a series of different people who each explain a bit more of the ‘pig wrestling’ technique. It was maddening. It made me want to throw the book at the wall. I wish it had just been clear and concise. I lost track quite often.
Probably the bit I will remember most is the first suggestion: Is this even my problem to tackle? Too often I feel obliged to fix other people’s problems, especially with my narcissistic family. So I will remember that point and hold back in future. As for the rest of the advice, it’s pretty obvious to anyone with decent problem solving abilities - look at the source of your problem, throw away old assumptions and labels, think outside the box, etc…
Probably the bit I will remember most is the first suggestion: Is this even my problem to tackle? Too often I feel obliged to fix other people’s problems, especially with my narcissistic family. So I will remember that point and hold back in future. As for the rest of the advice, it’s pretty obvious to anyone with decent problem solving abilities - look at the source of your problem, throw away old assumptions and labels, think outside the box, etc…
December 5, 2018
I like the premise of this book in that it presents a way of addressing a problem via a fable. The central character being the Young Manager who works in an old power station now containing many start-ups and small businesses known as The Collective. The Young Manager has a problem and is sent around various people in The Collective to be given advice.
The Young Manager receives advice from several individuals and is helped to remember them by a pictorial mnemonic involving a pig pen, containing a huge pig with it’s neck sticking through a picture frame. Nearby are a red plastic bucket filled with soapy water and a sponge and a tin feeding trough as well as other weirdly placed objects. And so the picture builds up to help remember the stages involved in needing to solve a problem. The reader is introduced to some psychology ideas such as ‘premature evaluation’, ‘reframing’, ‘confirmation bias’, ‘the fundamental attribution error ‘and ‘capability assessment error’.
I found it a quick read but nothing particularly earth shattering. I’m writing this a week after finishing it and am struggling to remember any of the advice despite the quirky pictorial mnemonic. I do remain open minded though as to how useful it is and will plan on rereading it when I encounter a problem I need help on. Although I suspect that next time I encounter someone getting involved in my problem that shouldn’t be they won’t be overly impressed by my telling them "that isn't your pig to wrestle" as recommended by the authors. My usual response to such people (in a community environment) is “why don’t you volunteer and help do this job?” This is quite effective if they are whinging as such people usually are the last to help in any way.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK, Ebury Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Young Manager receives advice from several individuals and is helped to remember them by a pictorial mnemonic involving a pig pen, containing a huge pig with it’s neck sticking through a picture frame. Nearby are a red plastic bucket filled with soapy water and a sponge and a tin feeding trough as well as other weirdly placed objects. And so the picture builds up to help remember the stages involved in needing to solve a problem. The reader is introduced to some psychology ideas such as ‘premature evaluation’, ‘reframing’, ‘confirmation bias’, ‘the fundamental attribution error ‘and ‘capability assessment error’.
I found it a quick read but nothing particularly earth shattering. I’m writing this a week after finishing it and am struggling to remember any of the advice despite the quirky pictorial mnemonic. I do remain open minded though as to how useful it is and will plan on rereading it when I encounter a problem I need help on. Although I suspect that next time I encounter someone getting involved in my problem that shouldn’t be they won’t be overly impressed by my telling them "that isn't your pig to wrestle" as recommended by the authors. My usual response to such people (in a community environment) is “why don’t you volunteer and help do this job?” This is quite effective if they are whinging as such people usually are the last to help in any way.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK, Ebury Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2019
Another of those pesky Audible deals of the day. As someone interested in problem solving and self improvement I took a chance on Pig Wrestling: Clean your thinking to create the change you need and was pleasantly surprised. It has some interesting and original ideas and it is told in a memorable way.
As with most books of this nature, the key messages can be distilled onto a side of A4 however, the trick with these techniques, is to retain the information and the book's "story" helps with retention.
The techniques are probably most applicable to managers however can be applied to any problem.
3/5
As with most books of this nature, the key messages can be distilled onto a side of A4 however, the trick with these techniques, is to retain the information and the book's "story" helps with retention.
The techniques are probably most applicable to managers however can be applied to any problem.
3/5
February 10, 2019
I like the concept of this book. Let's face it we have all experienced what the author calls 'Pig Wrestling. You come across a problem, you think you know the solution and implement the change. It doesn't work! That's because you've not understood the problem or situation. This book breaks it down into simple terms and allows you to think outside the box, it opens doors to different ways in looking at how you tackle it. A real 'nugget'. Thank you.
May 3, 2019
A good read.
Storytelling is always a good way to get a point across and this book does just that. Provides a good framework for problem solving.
Storytelling is always a good way to get a point across and this book does just that. Provides a good framework for problem solving.
December 23, 2018
Pig Wrestling by Pete Lindsay and Mark Bawden a three-star read that I don’t know how to describe. I picked this up not really knowing much about it and gave it a go It took me a while as I would read it and then get chewed with it, but I couldn’t not see how it ended, its one that some will love, and some will hate. But if it appeals to you give it a go, as you may get something out of it. If you are having trouble figuring out your problems, then you may get some ideas from it.
February 2, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this. The Young Manager is wrestling with a pig of a problem, his teams just won't get along. He's tried everything. Except of course that isn't really the problem, and he hasn't. He meets the Barista who introduces him to a bizarre series of images - centring, of course, on the actual pig - and sends him off on an enjoyable mini-hero's journey to meet a series of mentors to talk him through it.
The book uses the Memory Palace technique beloved of the ancient Greeks and Sherlock, and if you've not encountered it before you'll be amazed at its power. I can't tell you all seven habits of highly effective people off the top of my head, but I can happily talk you through the process of wrestling a pig because the surreal images are imprinted onto my visual cortex - it's a smart way of leveraging heavy-duty neurological firepower for learning.
Fables are always a bit forced - the way our diligent Young Manager summarises each step so neatly in bullet points on his tablet stretches the willing suspension of disbelief to the limit - and the characters are not what you'd call well-rounded, but once you embrace the premise you can forgive the format anything as long as it works. And it does.
Although there's not much that's really new here, beyond the presentation, I liked the reminder that noticing when a problem DOESN'T appear (the 'gold nuggets') is a vital step in solving it, and one I'm prone to forget.
Quick, enjoyable read, and a good example of how storytelling smuggles learning straight into our hearts.
The book uses the Memory Palace technique beloved of the ancient Greeks and Sherlock, and if you've not encountered it before you'll be amazed at its power. I can't tell you all seven habits of highly effective people off the top of my head, but I can happily talk you through the process of wrestling a pig because the surreal images are imprinted onto my visual cortex - it's a smart way of leveraging heavy-duty neurological firepower for learning.
Fables are always a bit forced - the way our diligent Young Manager summarises each step so neatly in bullet points on his tablet stretches the willing suspension of disbelief to the limit - and the characters are not what you'd call well-rounded, but once you embrace the premise you can forgive the format anything as long as it works. And it does.
Although there's not much that's really new here, beyond the presentation, I liked the reminder that noticing when a problem DOESN'T appear (the 'gold nuggets') is a vital step in solving it, and one I'm prone to forget.
Quick, enjoyable read, and a good example of how storytelling smuggles learning straight into our hearts.
December 5, 2018
This book is great - a “quick read” (1-2hrs) that packs a real punch in its pages and delivers a few lightbulb moments along the way. Short & snappy, in the vain of “Who Moved My Cheese” and books like that.
I love how the authors have brought the principles of Pig Wrestling to life with this well written, easy to remember parable.
The story is based on a Young Manager’s struggle with a work issue, but the framework and skills you learn through the story can be applied to changes or issues in either work or personal life.
There are handy summaries throughout the book to consolidate your learning and the characters stick with you so much better than if the same information was simply presented as dry facts.
I’ve personally taken a lot from reading the book - “none of us have unlimited time or energy, so what matters is how wisely we put to use the time and energy that we do have” & “the questions that we ask define our reality” were key takeaways.
I actually want to see this story filmed and shown in my company meeting (!) and am recommending the book to my sister and good friend, both of whom are managers in fast moving industries.
Thank you authors for giving me the skills to clean my dirty thinking - I’m looking forward to life outside the pig pen!
I love how the authors have brought the principles of Pig Wrestling to life with this well written, easy to remember parable.
The story is based on a Young Manager’s struggle with a work issue, but the framework and skills you learn through the story can be applied to changes or issues in either work or personal life.
There are handy summaries throughout the book to consolidate your learning and the characters stick with you so much better than if the same information was simply presented as dry facts.
I’ve personally taken a lot from reading the book - “none of us have unlimited time or energy, so what matters is how wisely we put to use the time and energy that we do have” & “the questions that we ask define our reality” were key takeaways.
I actually want to see this story filmed and shown in my company meeting (!) and am recommending the book to my sister and good friend, both of whom are managers in fast moving industries.
Thank you authors for giving me the skills to clean my dirty thinking - I’m looking forward to life outside the pig pen!
December 4, 2018
Here we have a supposed ‘everyman’, known only by the patronizing moniker of the ‘young manager’ (YM), being passed from pillar to post, or from one condescending guru to another, through various stages of enlightenment designed to enable him to avoid the ‘pig wrestling’ dogging his professional existence. Up until that point he’s been banging his head against the proverbial ‘wall’, trying to sort out people problems within and between the teams he is trying to manage. It’s at this point he providentially happens upon the potential way out of his nightmare, in the form of a friendly barista, taking the place of the traditional bar tender as the repository of all wisdom.
The barista is the owner of the Courtyard Coffee Shack on the ground floor of a converted former power station, now given over to a group of small business enterprises known as the ‘Collective’. Each of these appears to be run by one of the gurus, the barista being merely the first of such. Hearing his tale of woe, the barista offers, in time-honoured fashion, to tell the YM a fable, which promises to bring him illumination regarding his problem. And so begins the YM’s journey towards enlightenment guided by a series of appropriately enlightened beings.
So far so good: the advice provided by these luminaries is an assortment cherry-picked from the welter of self-help/mind-body-spirit/business/management stuff stocking the shelves of most modern book stores. Thus we have a variety of techniques each of which are ‘clothed’ in the form of elements of a graphic metaphor; the ‘wrestling ring’, in which the eponymous pig is wallowing in mud, with his head stuck through several picture frames, and surrounded by various other curious items, designed to be memorable images related to different stages in the problem ‘cleaning’ process. Chuck in a sprinkling of NLP and a mention of Gregory Bateson and Milton Erikson and there you have it!
So, there is some good stuff in there, which, those for whom it might be new, may well benefit. Unfortunately, the ‘fable’ vehicle through which its delivered, in addition to being patronizing, is clunky, cheesy and peopled with stock cardboard characters too good to be true, who can’t stop themselves, ‘winking’ and ‘beaming’; stopping just short of patting him on the head when the hapless YM gets it right!
A solid three stars, then, but no more!
The barista is the owner of the Courtyard Coffee Shack on the ground floor of a converted former power station, now given over to a group of small business enterprises known as the ‘Collective’. Each of these appears to be run by one of the gurus, the barista being merely the first of such. Hearing his tale of woe, the barista offers, in time-honoured fashion, to tell the YM a fable, which promises to bring him illumination regarding his problem. And so begins the YM’s journey towards enlightenment guided by a series of appropriately enlightened beings.
So far so good: the advice provided by these luminaries is an assortment cherry-picked from the welter of self-help/mind-body-spirit/business/management stuff stocking the shelves of most modern book stores. Thus we have a variety of techniques each of which are ‘clothed’ in the form of elements of a graphic metaphor; the ‘wrestling ring’, in which the eponymous pig is wallowing in mud, with his head stuck through several picture frames, and surrounded by various other curious items, designed to be memorable images related to different stages in the problem ‘cleaning’ process. Chuck in a sprinkling of NLP and a mention of Gregory Bateson and Milton Erikson and there you have it!
So, there is some good stuff in there, which, those for whom it might be new, may well benefit. Unfortunately, the ‘fable’ vehicle through which its delivered, in addition to being patronizing, is clunky, cheesy and peopled with stock cardboard characters too good to be true, who can’t stop themselves, ‘winking’ and ‘beaming’; stopping just short of patting him on the head when the hapless YM gets it right!
A solid three stars, then, but no more!
April 19, 2025
Mnemonics imbue pig wrestling throughout - like in the oddity of the title - creating unfettered memories. Once settled into the metaphor of the main character learning how to wrestle a pig, (as in, wrestle life problems) it is an engaging, pragmatic, positive, and helpful book.
Pete Lindsay and Mark Bawden use the mnemonics and narrative to teach my favourite therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, which refers to one’s life problems only in order to solve them. In this therapy, the origin of the problem does not need to be discovered in order to fix it, and wherever possible uses our personal strengths to solve them.
Once upon a time, when I studied psychology, my lecturer explained that the nature of our lives when seeking counselling can be helped by any single structured therapy. No matter which one is implemented, benefits can be found as therapies in general give a framework that untangles our disorganised minds.
Having jumped between self-help books of different therapies, I’ve now committed to strength-based therapy kudos to Pig Wrestling.
It has given me a steel framework for solving problems. I wouldn’t say infallibly so, but it withstands most sticky situations. The narrative follows Young Manager who is struggling to oversee his team at work. After a few rejections, he begrudgingly allows a large, groovy-sounding barrister in the workplace lobby cafe to tell him his method for success. This begins the pig metaphor explanation and all its elements from the crystal ball, to the bungee cords, to the recycling bin, of which each element comprises strategies for better managing life’s problems. All of these metaphors will make sense if you read the book! (Imaginations going wild.)
The predictable plot twist of the finale doesn’t take away from this book and perhaps that is just me. From flashing my peepers on the synopsis, my eagerness to relearn Strength-Based Therapy dripped from every fibre of me. I devoured the book within days, despite being busy.
If you’re stuck in the mud with a pig of a problem, remember what Lindsay and Borden advise:
I learned long ago to never to wrestle a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.
Pete Lindsay and Mark Bawden use the mnemonics and narrative to teach my favourite therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, which refers to one’s life problems only in order to solve them. In this therapy, the origin of the problem does not need to be discovered in order to fix it, and wherever possible uses our personal strengths to solve them.
Once upon a time, when I studied psychology, my lecturer explained that the nature of our lives when seeking counselling can be helped by any single structured therapy. No matter which one is implemented, benefits can be found as therapies in general give a framework that untangles our disorganised minds.
Having jumped between self-help books of different therapies, I’ve now committed to strength-based therapy kudos to Pig Wrestling.
It has given me a steel framework for solving problems. I wouldn’t say infallibly so, but it withstands most sticky situations. The narrative follows Young Manager who is struggling to oversee his team at work. After a few rejections, he begrudgingly allows a large, groovy-sounding barrister in the workplace lobby cafe to tell him his method for success. This begins the pig metaphor explanation and all its elements from the crystal ball, to the bungee cords, to the recycling bin, of which each element comprises strategies for better managing life’s problems. All of these metaphors will make sense if you read the book! (Imaginations going wild.)
The predictable plot twist of the finale doesn’t take away from this book and perhaps that is just me. From flashing my peepers on the synopsis, my eagerness to relearn Strength-Based Therapy dripped from every fibre of me. I devoured the book within days, despite being busy.
If you’re stuck in the mud with a pig of a problem, remember what Lindsay and Borden advise:
I learned long ago to never to wrestle a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.
January 11, 2023
There were pros and cons to this book. Let's start with the pros.
While it was interesting to see the concept of this book explained through the form of a story, what intrigued me more was the pictorial of the pig pen, which helped me retain the information given in the book. The story definitely made it more engaging and also helped us see how this method could solve a real problem.
That being said, the actual storytelling part of this book needs work. I understand that the whole point of the book wasn't to tell a story, but rather convey a message, but the dialogue in this book was really off-putting at times. To the point that I'd start wondering if the people in this book had ever spoken to a human being before. The main character, the Young Manager, goes to speak to a gym coach, who at one point says, "the ball is in your court, as we say around here".
I'm sorry, what? That's an idiom, non-sporty people say that too, you know. Besides this, a lot of the times the characters were jumping from one point to the next, in a way that seemed, again, abnormal. When someone gave a piece of advice, the Young Manager would say something like, "It would be really helpful if you could tell me a situation in which that was applied."
Once again, I know the authors need all these tools, need examples to explain to us what they're trying to say. But I believe a little more effort could have been made to make the characters not seem like they were just reading off a script.
Now, these problems I have with the book don't mean that it wasn't helpful, because it definitely was. I won't be surprised if in the future, if I find myself pig wrestling, I'll give this book another read. I doubt it will let me down.
While it was interesting to see the concept of this book explained through the form of a story, what intrigued me more was the pictorial of the pig pen, which helped me retain the information given in the book. The story definitely made it more engaging and also helped us see how this method could solve a real problem.
That being said, the actual storytelling part of this book needs work. I understand that the whole point of the book wasn't to tell a story, but rather convey a message, but the dialogue in this book was really off-putting at times. To the point that I'd start wondering if the people in this book had ever spoken to a human being before. The main character, the Young Manager, goes to speak to a gym coach, who at one point says, "the ball is in your court, as we say around here".
I'm sorry, what? That's an idiom, non-sporty people say that too, you know. Besides this, a lot of the times the characters were jumping from one point to the next, in a way that seemed, again, abnormal. When someone gave a piece of advice, the Young Manager would say something like, "It would be really helpful if you could tell me a situation in which that was applied."
Once again, I know the authors need all these tools, need examples to explain to us what they're trying to say. But I believe a little more effort could have been made to make the characters not seem like they were just reading off a script.
Now, these problems I have with the book don't mean that it wasn't helpful, because it definitely was. I won't be surprised if in the future, if I find myself pig wrestling, I'll give this book another read. I doubt it will let me down.
September 22, 2024
This book describes a complex process of reviewing and addressing problems applicable to many contexts via a simple story. I really enjoyed the unique way the book explains this model of thinking and problem solving ie, the pig pen, which hopefully makes it easier to understand and remember (only time will tell - my memory is awful!).
In summary, a man stuck with a work based problem, seeks advice from the barista whom goes onto describe ‘the pig pen’, how we get stuck in it, how to clean your thinking, reframe problems, examine what has been tried so far, identify what keeps the problem from reoccurring, when there isn’t a problem, how to rethink peoples strengths and help them apply them via sending him off to meet with various different people. The different elements come together to form an overall picture which collectively helps you identify;
1. Is this a problem that belongs to you
2. Is your thinking the problem
3. Are there times the problem isn’t a problem
4. What hasn’t yet been tried to solve the problem when you feel like you’ve ’tried everything’.
Really enjoyed the unique format that can be referred to in a practical way.
In summary, a man stuck with a work based problem, seeks advice from the barista whom goes onto describe ‘the pig pen’, how we get stuck in it, how to clean your thinking, reframe problems, examine what has been tried so far, identify what keeps the problem from reoccurring, when there isn’t a problem, how to rethink peoples strengths and help them apply them via sending him off to meet with various different people. The different elements come together to form an overall picture which collectively helps you identify;
1. Is this a problem that belongs to you
2. Is your thinking the problem
3. Are there times the problem isn’t a problem
4. What hasn’t yet been tried to solve the problem when you feel like you’ve ’tried everything’.
Really enjoyed the unique format that can be referred to in a practical way.
December 2, 2018
Pig Wrestling promises a powerful approach to problem solving delivered via a 'fable'. The fable is in fact a not-very-interesting and over-long story about a man known only as the Young Manager, who, at the behest of the Santa-like Barista in his company's building, wanders round various departments getting lectures from colleagues (they get names for some reason). The advice is based on ideas that will be familiar to anyone who has read a few pop psychology books - confirmation bias, reframing, that thing about the flies etched into urinals to make men piss more tidily.
At the end, the authors suggest, apparently without irony, ways in which you can apply your learning in your own work. If a colleague is taking too much interest in a problem that doesn't concern them, you should say, "That isn't your pig to wrestle". If nothing else, this book offers a worthy addition to your next team meeting's buzzword bingo.
*
I received a copy of Pig Wrestling from the publisher via Netgalley.
Read more of my reviews at https://katevane.com/blog
At the end, the authors suggest, apparently without irony, ways in which you can apply your learning in your own work. If a colleague is taking too much interest in a problem that doesn't concern them, you should say, "That isn't your pig to wrestle". If nothing else, this book offers a worthy addition to your next team meeting's buzzword bingo.
*
I received a copy of Pig Wrestling from the publisher via Netgalley.
Read more of my reviews at https://katevane.com/blog
January 8, 2019
Pete Lindsay's and Mark Bawden's Pig Wrestling is an interesting book about how to analyse and resolve problems. You could blast through it in a single sitting (1-2 hours) but it still contains concepts worth taking away (cleaning the problem, for example). I'm not convinced by the Fable approach to self-help books. I first encountered this approach with Eliyahu Goldratt's The Goal - and with that book it seems like the story just added padding, and it does seem the same here. Without the fiction, this could've been either a short essay, or, my preference would be instead of spending the time introducing characters which are all business stereotypes, use that effort to illustrate with examples and case studies. A good non-fiction author doesn't necessarily convert to a good fiction author, the prose just ends up being distracting. Still, enjoyable, so a solid 4 stars.
Book kindly supplied by Netgalley for an honest review.
Book kindly supplied by Netgalley for an honest review.
March 13, 2019
I'm not one who generally reads this sort of book, but like most people I've had and have problems I'd like to look at differently. This books offers that new way of looking at and working through those problems.
The method is told through a conversational journey between a troubled manager and various people who use the method. I enjoyed the writing and the story helped cement the method and the ideas behind it. The story gave different ways of looking at the steps so you could frame it to your own issues.
The whole book is a quick, maybe 2 hours, light hearted and easily understood. It offers you a problem solving method that could help plenty of people with various problems.
Grab this book for a problem solving quick read.
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The method is told through a conversational journey between a troubled manager and various people who use the method. I enjoyed the writing and the story helped cement the method and the ideas behind it. The story gave different ways of looking at the steps so you could frame it to your own issues.
The whole book is a quick, maybe 2 hours, light hearted and easily understood. It offers you a problem solving method that could help plenty of people with various problems.
Grab this book for a problem solving quick read.
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 6, 2020
Review #35 of my 52 week book challenge: Pig Wrestling.
What do a pig, crystal ball, and recycling bin have in common? According to Pig Wrestling, a whole lot.
This is probably one of the best business books I've read. Not only is it simple to understand, but is packed with more information than you can digest in one sitting.
Ever find yourself wrestling with a pig? You know, those big hairy problems we just can't seem to solve? Well, this book may be your answer.
I hate to spoil things by giving away too much. Suffice to say...go out now and get the book. You'll be glad you did.
To find out why I started my 52 week book challenge, what I've been reading, and how you can get involved, check out my original LinkedIn Publisher article or follow me.
What do a pig, crystal ball, and recycling bin have in common? According to Pig Wrestling, a whole lot.
This is probably one of the best business books I've read. Not only is it simple to understand, but is packed with more information than you can digest in one sitting.
Ever find yourself wrestling with a pig? You know, those big hairy problems we just can't seem to solve? Well, this book may be your answer.
I hate to spoil things by giving away too much. Suffice to say...go out now and get the book. You'll be glad you did.
To find out why I started my 52 week book challenge, what I've been reading, and how you can get involved, check out my original LinkedIn Publisher article or follow me.
March 9, 2025
I loved this book—quick to read, built on a simple yet powerful premise, and applicable to a range of situations. The parable format worked well, making the ideas easy to absorb without feeling overly theoretical or heavy-handed.
One of the standout aspects for me was its focus on attribution bias and the importance of not assuming intention. That element made it feel particularly human and relatable, rather than like many self-help or psychology books that push a singular concept or feel evangelical about their message.
It’s a refreshing read—practical without being preachy, insightful without overcomplicating things. Definitely one I’d recommend for anyone looking for a different way to approach problem-solving and perspective-shifting.
One of the standout aspects for me was its focus on attribution bias and the importance of not assuming intention. That element made it feel particularly human and relatable, rather than like many self-help or psychology books that push a singular concept or feel evangelical about their message.
It’s a refreshing read—practical without being preachy, insightful without overcomplicating things. Definitely one I’d recommend for anyone looking for a different way to approach problem-solving and perspective-shifting.
January 1, 2019
Sometimes the best things come in small packages. This short book is simple, memorable and profound. After a long bi-vocational career in IT and business transformation and in church leadership, I have used most of the popular techniques for and approaches to problem solving. Yet this book brought something fresh and helpful to me, especially in situations where it is difficult to pin down the problem exactly and describe it succinctly.
This is an easy read but one that will make you think hard about the problems that you are facing and cause you to think in different ways. Any book that makes you do that is worth your time.
This is an easy read but one that will make you think hard about the problems that you are facing and cause you to think in different ways. Any book that makes you do that is worth your time.
January 5, 2019
An interesting and quick read, presenting a fresh framework for tackling tricky problems.
Using the power of story-telling to make the method stick, the book introduces a well thought-out structured approach to addressing intractable situations.
Although I’m not a massive fan of parable-type illustrations usually, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, nicely light in tone, clear and succinct and much more memorable than your usual management book. And the method can be used for problems anywhere, not just in the office. I’m looking forward to using the ideas contained in it.
Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a copy in return for a fair and honest review.
February 15, 2020
Problem solving
Using a fable, with a pig pen at its centre, this book attempts to illustrate how we can approach solving any problem in a very memorable way. In essence it is about ensuring you have a problem in the first place; that it is yours to solve; is it a definition (or mis-labeled) problem; and ensuring our prejudices (aka frame of mind) don’t create the “wrong” problem. It is a lesson in filtering the nice haves, and sticking with the need haves. It is an easy read but will take a while to consciously apply day to day, which is why this is a little treasure trove in 130 pages. Recommended to examine relationships with ourselves and with others.
Using a fable, with a pig pen at its centre, this book attempts to illustrate how we can approach solving any problem in a very memorable way. In essence it is about ensuring you have a problem in the first place; that it is yours to solve; is it a definition (or mis-labeled) problem; and ensuring our prejudices (aka frame of mind) don’t create the “wrong” problem. It is a lesson in filtering the nice haves, and sticking with the need haves. It is an easy read but will take a while to consciously apply day to day, which is why this is a little treasure trove in 130 pages. Recommended to examine relationships with ourselves and with others.
August 21, 2023
Favourite quotes:
‘Your power increases immensely when you take control of the frames through which you choose to view the world’.
‘The way we describe a problem to ourselves is often the core factor keeping that problem firmly in place’.
‘Take the time to accurately describe the problems in behavioural and factual terms, rather than prematurely applying meaning and labels’.
‘The themes that connect our failed attempts to resolve a problem highlighting the assumptions we are making’.
‘Stop thinking how you’re showing to solve this problem, and start thinking how you’ll know it’s solved’.
‘Your power increases immensely when you take control of the frames through which you choose to view the world’.
‘The way we describe a problem to ourselves is often the core factor keeping that problem firmly in place’.
‘Take the time to accurately describe the problems in behavioural and factual terms, rather than prematurely applying meaning and labels’.
‘The themes that connect our failed attempts to resolve a problem highlighting the assumptions we are making’.
‘Stop thinking how you’re showing to solve this problem, and start thinking how you’ll know it’s solved’.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
The ideas and concepts were portrayed brilliantly in this short and inspiring book.
The use of a fable (with a few anecdotes included) and mnemonics made for an enjoyable read where the inherent knowledge was shared through an engaging cause of discovery.
Having read the kindly edition I’ll definitely try and get a graphic I can print out and use for future reference. It would also be enjoyable re-reading the book within the context of my own problem I might be struggling with.
Anyway, great read!
The use of a fable (with a few anecdotes included) and mnemonics made for an enjoyable read where the inherent knowledge was shared through an engaging cause of discovery.
Having read the kindly edition I’ll definitely try and get a graphic I can print out and use for future reference. It would also be enjoyable re-reading the book within the context of my own problem I might be struggling with.
Anyway, great read!
February 5, 2019
I enjoyed this but there were elements of it I found irritating. I’m comfortable with the idea of using a fable/story to get the message across but I found the "young manager" aspect a bit patronising. Sending the young guy round the office building where he works, the friendly barista helps him reshape his thinking and reframe his knee jerk management techniques. There are some good lessons here and this would be useful for a new manager or maybe someone stuck in a rut and struggling to break out.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review
July 13, 2019
I read this book as a free download through Net Galley, as I was intrigued by the title. However, it was a fancy title for some common-sense approaches to problem-solving, but then the world is bereft of common-sense at times.
I am not a massive fan of the 'fable' approach to story-telling, as I think it tends to pad out the text, but I did enjoy the book. I also liked the mnemonic that the book offered and the framework for problem-solving. The summaries at the chapter end were also useful, and it is a quick read.
I am not a massive fan of the 'fable' approach to story-telling, as I think it tends to pad out the text, but I did enjoy the book. I also liked the mnemonic that the book offered and the framework for problem-solving. The summaries at the chapter end were also useful, and it is a quick read.
January 20, 2019
Pig Wrestling is essentially management/problem-solving tips disguised as a story to make sense of a mnemonic you can use to remember them. I like this approach, actually, even if I didn't love the writing.
I found it has brought a bit of clarity and light to a situation I'm experiencing, because it helps you to really think about the problem you're facing from all angles. I am going to see if I can put it into action!
I found it has brought a bit of clarity and light to a situation I'm experiencing, because it helps you to really think about the problem you're facing from all angles. I am going to see if I can put it into action!
October 21, 2019
This isn’t the sort of book I’d normally pick up. After all, I get enough corporate-speak at work and dealing with change every day, I felt I’d heard it all.
Told through a somewhat clunky, fable-style narrative, the authors explain their framework to address problems (pigs) and the tools to overcome them.
Common sense, as much as these things usually are, but there were some interesting questions and techniques that I will give a whirl.
Told through a somewhat clunky, fable-style narrative, the authors explain their framework to address problems (pigs) and the tools to overcome them.
Common sense, as much as these things usually are, but there were some interesting questions and techniques that I will give a whirl.
December 12, 2019
Drawn Out Analogies and Story
I cannot fault the content but it is drawn out beyond my patience level. I think it unnecessary to apply the analogy of pig wrestling when they could applied the basic principles to best effect as in the Chimp Paradox. Its good but no need to devise the whole pig thing scenario.
This is formulaic as per the One Minute Manager series from 30 years ago. Its okay, as I said. Good ideas but drawn out in an unnecessary story.
I cannot fault the content but it is drawn out beyond my patience level. I think it unnecessary to apply the analogy of pig wrestling when they could applied the basic principles to best effect as in the Chimp Paradox. Its good but no need to devise the whole pig thing scenario.
This is formulaic as per the One Minute Manager series from 30 years ago. Its okay, as I said. Good ideas but drawn out in an unnecessary story.
January 7, 2021
It was an 'Okay' ready, nothing revolutionary. The usage of a fable gave this coaching a different perspective, but the ideas are more or less there in most of other self-help books.
One idea or thought i liked where author has mentioned that apparently, its very hard to take someone's frame (point of view) and break it before them! That's so true in this professional work amidst all the ego floating around.
One idea or thought i liked where author has mentioned that apparently, its very hard to take someone's frame (point of view) and break it before them! That's so true in this professional work amidst all the ego floating around.
September 19, 2018
This book was a refreshing change from the typical productivity / personal development style of book.
It presents a series of lessons, aimed at 'cleaning your thinking', encouraging you to take a step back and approach challenging situations with a more rational and methodical approach.
But it does this through the medium of a fable, which I found particularly engaging. I found myself eager to read more and see what was in store next for the main character, whilst also keen to note down the next lesson the story presented.
The lessons presented could have been expounded more, but I think that's what works for this book in that it is a brief account of key lessons to consider, that stick in your mind thanks to the 'Method of Loci' and the incredibly abstract imagery of the pig pen. You can then keep these lessons in the forefront of your mind, work on them, and build upon them yourself with your own readings, thought and experience.
It presents a series of lessons, aimed at 'cleaning your thinking', encouraging you to take a step back and approach challenging situations with a more rational and methodical approach.
But it does this through the medium of a fable, which I found particularly engaging. I found myself eager to read more and see what was in store next for the main character, whilst also keen to note down the next lesson the story presented.
The lessons presented could have been expounded more, but I think that's what works for this book in that it is a brief account of key lessons to consider, that stick in your mind thanks to the 'Method of Loci' and the incredibly abstract imagery of the pig pen. You can then keep these lessons in the forefront of your mind, work on them, and build upon them yourself with your own readings, thought and experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews