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Solve It!: The Mindset and Tools of Smart Problem Solvers
Apply the strategies and tools of smart problem solving—and succeed in work and life!
What do Albert Einstein, Elon Musk, Sherlock Holmes and Mahatma Gandhiʼs six-year-old granddaughter have in common? They are all masters of the art of smart problem solving—a highly sought-after skill that you can learn too!Gain insights into the surprising findings of the science of problem solvingDevelop a problem-solving mindsetUse a powerful 5-step approach to solve even the toughest problemsBe inspired by stories of highly successful problem solversLearn from expert problem solvers like scientists, doctors, designers, coaches and highly paid management consultantsApply practical problem-solving and decision-making tools right awayUse this book to build your problem-solving muscle and enhance your ability to change things for the better!
“I found Solve It! to be a practically useful, thought provoking and uplift ing read which will be invaluable to experienced problem solvers and beginners alike. I love the way it combines techniques for getting the mind ‘match fit’ for tackling problems alongside practical and logical tools for solving perennial problems we all face once and for all! ”
~Jonathan Borrett, Head of Profession for Problem Solving, Devon and Cornwall Police, Exeter, UK
“While many experts often focus on just the problem-solving process, Dr. Sternad's important book does a great job of emphasizing the critical mindset needed to successfully engage in this process.”
~Edward C. Chang, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Social Work, University of Michigan
“A great piece of work, which was much needed for spreading one of the most important skills in management!”
~Roberto Quaglia, Ph.D., former consultant at McKinsey & Company and Professor of Strategy and Management at ESCP Business School, Paris
“Solve It! is a highly accessible guide to problem solving—whether at work or in life—that seamlessly integrates scientifically‐rooted principles with practical guidelines and real‐world vignettes making this well‐rounded book accessible to and relevant for a variety of audiences, ranging from student to professional.
~Jessica Mesmer‐Magnus, Ph.D., SHRM‐SCP, Professor & Chair, Department of Management, Cameron School of Business, University of North Carolina Wilmington
“I found Solve It! to be a practically useful, thought provoking and uplift ing read which will be invaluable to experienced problem solvers and beginners alike. I love the way it combines techniques for getting the mind ‘match fit’ for tackling problems alongside practical and logical tools for solving perennial problems we all face once and for all! ”
~Jonathan Borrett, Head of Profession for Problem Solving, Devon and Cornwall Police, Exeter, UK
“While many experts often focus on just the problem-solving process, Dr. Sternad's important book does a great job of emphasizing the critical mindset needed to successfully engage in this process.”
~Edward C. Chang, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Social Work, University of Michigan
“A great piece of work, which was much needed for spreading one of the most important skills in management!”
~Roberto Quaglia, Ph.D., former consultant at McKinsey & Company and Professor of Strategy and Management at ESCP Business School, Paris
“Solve It! is a highly accessible guide to problem solving—whether at work or in life—that seamlessly integrates scientifically‐rooted principles with practical guidelines and real‐world vignettes making this well‐rounded book accessible to and relevant for a variety of audiences, ranging from student to professional.
~Jessica Mesmer‐Magnus, Ph.D., SHRM‐SCP, Professor & Chair, Department of Management, Cameron School of Business, University of North Carolina Wilmington
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2021
122 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 17, 2022
This is one of the best books I have read this year. This is due to the following reasons:
- Compactly written, without writing pages and pages about an example.
- to before: there are concise interesting examples available
- it has a very great cost/use value
- it combines other concepts such as the Growthmindset
- it has templates to implement the methods
- ...
Overall, the process of problem solving is explained very clearly. At the end of the book there are examples of roles (e.g. doctor, scientist,...) and how they come to problem solving.
Must read!
- Compactly written, without writing pages and pages about an example.
- to before: there are concise interesting examples available
- it has a very great cost/use value
- it combines other concepts such as the Growthmindset
- it has templates to implement the methods
- ...
Overall, the process of problem solving is explained very clearly. At the end of the book there are examples of roles (e.g. doctor, scientist,...) and how they come to problem solving.
Must read!
December 7, 2021
This is the first time I read a book on problem solving. Having worked for over 25 years and solving hundreds of problems along the way I find this book very practical and workable. Dr. Sternad laid out a clear and systematic methodology of problem solving process. The book is written with inspiring real life examples that are not only motivating but blended well with the points that the author put forth. The author started the problem solving steps by first detailing out on how to have a proper mindset. He then in a simple and straight to the point language provided a simple 5-step process of problem solving. The book is written in such a way that is suitable for a wide spectrum of readers. Even my daughter find this book interesting and useful for her as a student. Highly recommended!
August 23, 2025
Pros:
1. Concepts/Tools explained in simple terms; an exceptional skill to obtain.
2. Small but informative.
3. The price.
4. Use of examples, analogies, and real life stories to facilitate understanding.
5. A fun read.
Cons:
1. Small; as mentioned before.
2. Potential to be deemed as a unreliable source of information; if I consider the minds of others.
Overall: This book is worth the time and money, and is a potential game changer for all autodidactic's and philomath's alike.
1. Concepts/Tools explained in simple terms; an exceptional skill to obtain.
2. Small but informative.
3. The price.
4. Use of examples, analogies, and real life stories to facilitate understanding.
5. A fun read.
Cons:
1. Small; as mentioned before.
2. Potential to be deemed as a unreliable source of information; if I consider the minds of others.
Overall: This book is worth the time and money, and is a potential game changer for all autodidactic's and philomath's alike.
February 21, 2022
Great read
A very detailed and informative book on problem solving. I like the fact that he has laid down a process to follow which outlines your problem, enables you to focus on key points and identify and implement solutions. Very well written and researched, i will definitely be applying the tools taught in this book.
A very detailed and informative book on problem solving. I like the fact that he has laid down a process to follow which outlines your problem, enables you to focus on key points and identify and implement solutions. Very well written and researched, i will definitely be applying the tools taught in this book.
August 4, 2023
This book is very compact and has a lot of valuable information about the problem-solving process. It’s written in an easily understandable form and the stories that are told in this book are entertaining, inspiring and realistic. Furthermore, it’s very practicable and I would read it again.
September 26, 2023
Good tools for creative problem solving
I thought I was good at solving problems however this book I believe made me much better by giving me more of a process. Kudos to the author. Now I was to read more about great problem solvers.
I thought I was good at solving problems however this book I believe made me much better by giving me more of a process. Kudos to the author. Now I was to read more about great problem solvers.
January 28, 2025
This is by far, one of the best books i have ever read about solving problems. What I liked the most about the author is not only he talks about how to identify a problem and try to solve it . Rather , he gives a blueprint of tools to be used for your daily life.
January 6, 2023
great overview
This book provides a nice concise framework for real world problem solving. I would throw an editor at the book and fix a few typos to make it a 5 star book.
This book provides a nice concise framework for real world problem solving. I would throw an editor at the book and fix a few typos to make it a 5 star book.
March 28, 2023
Highly recommended. The points that the writer mentions are like a hint to solving daily problems too.
October 18, 2023
I think the book is a solid, broad introduction to the topic.
February 17, 2025
First part better than the second part but all of it is really insightful and helpful
December 25, 2025
Got suggestion to read this book and indeed this book so damn good, especially with examples included in each chapter before discussing each topics. It changed the mindset to interpret the problematic situation, taught to how to plan before action. This book will not bore you with any of its chapter.
To be specific, i am working as consultant and though job is to system design but the problem statement or i say requirements coming from business requires to be solved first on paper and in discussion and in that line, science from this book on problem solving definitely helps.
To be specific, i am working as consultant and though job is to system design but the problem statement or i say requirements coming from business requires to be solved first on paper and in discussion and in that line, science from this book on problem solving definitely helps.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews