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12 Best Problem Solving Books to Read

By: Angela Robinson | Updated: June 30, 2023

You found our list of top problem solving books .

Problem solving books are guides that improve critical thinking capability and the ability to resolve issues in the workplace. These works cover topics like bias and logical fallacies, problem prevention, and prioritizing. The purpose of these books is to help workers remain calm under pressure and come up with solutions more quickly.

These guides are similar to decision making books , negotiation books , and conflict resolution books . To improve competency in this area, one can also play problem solving games .

This list includes:

• problem solving books for adults
• creative problem solving books
• business problem solving books
• problem solving books for programmers

Here we go!

List of problem solving books

Here is a list of books to improve problem solving skills in the workplace.

1. Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving by Amy E Herman

Fixed is one of the most useful new books on problem solving. The book calls for problem solvers to look beyond instinctual and obvious answers and provides a framework for more creative thinking. While most folks think about problem solving in terms of logic, reason, and disciplines like math and science, this book shows the role that art and imagination play in the process. Amy Herman consulted on leadership training with Silicon Valley companies and military organizations and brings this expertise into the text to train readers on how to adopt a more innovative critical thinking approach.

Notable Quote: “Working through problems is critical for productivity, profit, and peace. Our problem-solving skills, however, have been short-circuited by our complicated, technology-reliant world.”

Read Fixed .

2. Cracked it!: How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants by Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps, and Olivier Sibony

Cracked it! is one of the best creative problem solving books. Drawing inspiration from the tactics of consultants, this guide is a practical playbook for approaching business problems. The authors outline a “4S” method– State – Structure – Solve – Sell– to tackle obstacles and get support from stakeholders. While many problem solving books simply focus on how to think through issues, this guide also demonstrates how to gain approval for ideas and get others onboard with the solution. The book explains how to best use these techniques, and presents case studies that show the theories in action. Cracked it! is a handy reference for any professional that faces tough challenges on the regular.

Notable Quote: “If you want to know how a lion hunts, don’t go to a zoo. Go to the jungle.”

Read Cracked it!

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3. Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath

Upstream takes a proactive approach to problem solving. The book urges readers to not only be responsive to issues, but also try to prevent obstacles from occurring. The guide opens with an exploration of “problem blindness,” and the psychological factors that cause folks to be oblivious to issues, along with a reminder that many problems are more controllable and avoidable than first assumed. The pages that follow outline a series of questions leaders can ask to fine-tune the system and steer clear of major headaches, for instance, “How Will You Unite the Right People?” and “How Will You Avoid Doing Harm?” Upstream is full of real world examples of how minor tweaks achieved major results and allowed organizations to sidestep serious holdups.

Notable Quote: “The postmortem for a problem can be the preamble to a solution.”

Read Upstream .

4. Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe

Problem Solving 101 is one of the most fun problem solving books for adults. Written by Ken Watanabe, the guide draws on Japanese philosophy as well as the author’s experience as a consultant at McKinsey to help readers understand and approach problems in productive ways. The pages provide blueprints for problem-solving methods such as logic trees and matrixes, and include scenarios and illustrations that help readers visualize the process more clearly. Problem Solving 101 breaks down the problem solving procedure into the most basic parts and lays out step-by-step instructions for choosing the best action in any situation.

Notable Quote: “When you do take action, every result is an opportunity to reflect and learn valuable lessons. Even if what you take away from your assessment seems to be of small consequence, all of these small improvements taken together make a huge difference in the long term.”

Read Problem Solving 101 .

5. What’s Your Problem?: To Solve Your Toughest Problems, Change the Problems You Solve by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg

What’s Your Problem? insists that the most important step in the problem solving process is to start by honing in on the correct problem. The root of much frustration and wasted efforts is that professionals often pick the wrong points to focus on. This book teaches readers how to reframe and approach issues from a different perspective. The guide outlines a repeatable three step process “Frame, Reframe, and Move Forward” to ensure that workers prioritize effectively and stay on track to achieve desired results. What’s Your Problem? teaches professionals of all levels how to be less rigid and more results-focused and adopt a more agile approach to fixing issues.

Notable Quote: “The problems we’re trained on in school are often quite different from the ones we encounter in real life.”

Read What’s Your Problem?

6. Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, et al

Sprint is one of the best problem solving books for programmers. The authors are the creators of the five-day-process at Google. This guide describes best practices for conducting sprints and solving problems in limited timeframes. The book provides a day-by-day breakdown of tasks for each day of the workweek, with the final steps being designing a prototype and a plan for implementation. Though this idea originated in the tech world and is most widely used in the software industry, this problem-solving and product design approach can be useful for any position that needs to find fixes in a time crunch.

Notable Quote: “We’ve found that magic happens when we use big whiteboards to solve problems. As humans, our short-term memory is not all that good, but our spatial memory is awesome. A sprint room, plastered with notes, diagrams, printouts, and more, takes advantage of that spatial memory. The room itself becomes a sort of shared brain for the team.”

Read Sprint , and check out this guide to virtual hackathons and this list of product design books .

7. Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life by Ozan Varol

Think Like a Rocket Scientist lays out formulas and instructions for thinking more strategically. The guide reveals common problem solving approaches used by rocket scientists when exploring the unknown and testing new technology. The book is split into three sections– launch, accelerate, and achieve– with deep dives into concepts such as moonshot thinking and overcoming failure. The anecdotes revolve around space exploration and rocket science yet the methods can be applied to more commonplace and less complex problems as well. Think Like a Rocket Scientist proves that one does not need to be a genius to be a genius problem solver and lets readers learn tricks from one of the most complex professions on the planet.

Notable Quote: “Critical thinking and creativity don’t come naturally to us. We’re hesitant to think big, reluctant to dance with uncertainty, and afraid of failure. These were necessary during the Paleolithic Period, keeping us safe from poisonous foods and predators. But here in the information age, they’re bugs.”

Read Think Like a Rocket Scientist .

8. Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything by Charles Conn and Robert McLean

Bulletproof Problem Solving is one of the best business problem solving books. This workbook-style-guide breaks down a “bulletproof” method of problem solving favored by consultants at McKinsey. The authors distill the process into seven simple steps–define the problem, disaggregate, prioritize, workplan, analyze, synthesize, and communicate– and give numerous examples of how to follow this cycle with different dilemmas. The chapters explore each stage in depth and outline the importance and finer points of each phase. The book also provides practical tools for readers to build skills, including an appendix with exercise worksheets.

Notable Quote: “Problem solving doesn’t stop at the point of reaching conclusions from individual analyses. Findings have to be assembled into a logical structure to test validity and then synthesized in a way that convinces others that you have a good solution. Great team processes are also important at this stage.”

Read Bulletproof Problem Solving .

9. Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving by by V. Anton Spraul

Think Like a Programmer is one of the top problem solving books for programmers. The guide lays out methods for finding and fixing bugs and creating clean, workable code. The text emphasizes that programming is not merely a matter of being competent in the language, but also knowing how to troubleshoot and respond to unexpected occurrences. The chapters present examples of problems and puzzles and work through the answers to help strengthen professional competencies. The book provides an introductory crash course and practical toolkit for beginning coders, with a focus on C++. Yet since the text outlines general theory and approach, the book is also helpful for dealing with other programming languages, or for solving problems in non-tech industries as well. The point of the text is to provide a proper mindset and attitude for reacting to these developments, and the book can be a benefit for folks in any field.

Notable Quote: “Don’t Get Frustrated The final technique isn’t so much a technique, but a maxim: Don’t get frustrated. When you are frustrated, you won’t think as clearly, you won’t work as efficiently, and everything will take longer and seem harder. Even worse, frustration tends to feed on itself, so that what begins as mild irritation ends as outright anger.”

Read Think Like a Programmer .

10. The Founder’s Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup by by Noam Wasserman

The Founder’s Dilemmas lays out the most common problems entrepreneurs face and gives advice on how to avoid or solve these issues. The book tackles topics such as managing relationships, hiring, and rewarding or correcting employees. The chapters outline the mistakes inexperienced leaders often make and offer strategies for handling these tough situations with more smarts and skill. By reading this book, founders can learn from predecessors and avoid making obvious and avoidable errors in judgment. The Founder’s Dilemmas is a problem-solving resource for startup leaders and team members who lack more traditional guidance.

Notable Quote: “Ideas are cheap; execution is dear.”

Read The Founder’s Dilemmas , and check out more entrepreneurial books .

11. The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t by Julia Galef

The Scout Mindset challenges readers to move beyond gut reactions and preconceptions and rethink problems. The book offers instructions for overcoming bias and central beliefs to gather more objective data. Julia Galef encourages readers to act more like scouts than soldiers and gather information without judging to make more informed decisions. The text outlines the common reasons folks jump to conclusions and offers advice on how to avoid incorrect assumptions and conduct level-headed analyses. The Scout Mindset is a call to action for objectivity and an instruction manual for breaking away from unhelpful mental patterns that can lead to poor choices.

Notable Quote: “Discovering you were wrong is an update, not a failure, and your worldview is a living document meant to be revised.”

Read The Scout Mindset .

12. Super Thinking: The Big Book of Mental Models by Gabriel Weinberg and Lauren McCann

Super Thinking is a comprehensive resource that explains various mental models for problem solving. The book identifies logical fallacies and shows readers how to avoid these pitfalls. The pages also lay out appropriate strategies, tools, techniques to use in different situations, such as matrices, pointed questions, and philosophies. The point of the guide is to teach readers how to evaluate information and make quick yet accurate judgements. The guide helps readers decide the best approach to use for each circumstance. Though packed with information, the pages also contain images and humor that prevent the material from getting too dry. Super Thinking is the ultimate cheat sheet for thinking rationally and acting with intention.

Notable Quote: “Unfortunately, people often make the mistake of doing way too much work before testing assumptions in the real world.”

Read Super Thinking .

Final Thoughts

Problem solving is one of the most essential skills for modern industry. With the breakneck pace at which the current business world changes, there is no shortage of new developments that professionals must contend with on a daily basis. Operating the same way for years at a time is impossible, and it is almost guaranteed that workers at every level will have issues to unravel at some point in their careers.

Books about problem solving help professionals predict, prevent, and overcome issues and find more viable and sustainable solutions. These guides not only provide skills, but also methods for survival in a highly competitive business landscape. These texts show workers that they are more capable than may first appear and that sometimes, seemingly insurmountable obstacles are beatable with a combination of creativity, teamwork, and proper process.

For more ways to beat the odds, check out this list of books on innovation and this list of books on business strategy .

We also have a list of the best communication books .

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FAQ: Problem solving books

Here are answers to common questions about problem solving books.

What are problem solving books?

Problem solving books are guides that teach critical thinking skills and strategies for resolving issues. The purpose of these works is to help professionals be more creative and strategic in problem solving approaches.

What are some good problem solving books for work?

Some good problem solving books for work include Sprint by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, et al, Upstream by Dan Heath, and Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol.

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com.

Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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Problem Solving

72 Best Books for Effective Problem Solving

Problem-solving is a crucial skill that is essential for success in both personal and professional life. It involves the ability to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems efficiently. Our curated list of the top problem-solving books offers valuable insights, strategies, and techniques to enhance your problem-solving abilities. Explore this list to uncover innovative approaches, practical tips, and real-life case studies that will enhance your problem-solving skills. Boost your expertise, make a difference, and unlock your creative potential by diving into the diverse range of problem-solving books in our collection. Start your journey towards mastering problem-solving today.

by Peter Hollins

What is Polymath about?

"Polymath" by Peter Hollins is a comprehensive guide that empowers readers to become extraordinary self-learners. Through practical strategies and insightful advice, the book explores the art of mastering multiple disciplines, acquiring new skills, and developing flexible thinking. Hollins provides a roadmap for becoming an autodidact, offering valuable tools and techniques to enhance learning, expand knowledge, and unlock one's full potential in any field.

Who should read Polymath

Students seeking to excel academically and develop a versatile skillset.

Professionals looking to enhance their career prospects and adapt to changing industries.

Individuals interested in personal growth and expanding their intellectual horizons.

Never Split the Difference

by Chris Voss, Tahl Raz

What is Never Split the Difference about?

In this gripping and insightful book, a former FBI hostage negotiator shares his expertise on negotiation strategies that can be applied to everyday life. Drawing from his intense experiences, the author reveals powerful techniques to effectively communicate, build trust, and influence others. Packed with real-life examples and practical advice, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to master the art of negotiation and achieve better outcomes in both personal and professional situations.

Who should read Never Split the Difference

Business professionals seeking to enhance their negotiation skills.

Law enforcement personnel looking to improve their crisis negotiation tactics.

Individuals interested in mastering effective communication and persuasion techniques.

by Randall Munroe

What is How To about?

In this witty and informative book, the author, known for his popular webcomic, offers hilariously unconventional solutions to everyday problems using absurd scientific advice. From how to throw a pool party on the moon to how to build a lava moat around your house, Munroe's unique blend of humor and scientific knowledge will entertain and educate readers, proving that sometimes the most outlandish ideas can lead to surprisingly practical solutions.

Who should read How To

Science enthusiasts seeking unconventional solutions to everyday challenges.

Problem solvers looking for humorous and out-of-the-box scientific advice.

Fans of Randall Munroe's witty and informative writing style.

Doesn’t Hurt to Ask

by Trey Gowdy

What is Doesn’t Hurt to Ask about?

In this insightful book, the author explores the art of effective communication through the power of asking questions. Drawing from his experience as a former prosecutor and congressman, Gowdy shares practical strategies and real-life examples to demonstrate how asking the right questions can foster meaningful connections, influence others, and navigate complex situations. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, this book offers valuable insights on the transformative impact of asking the right questions.

Who should read Doesn’t Hurt to Ask

Professionals seeking to enhance their communication and persuasion skills.

Individuals interested in improving their ability to connect with others.

Anyone looking to master the art of asking effective questions.

What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

What is what if serious scientific answers to absurd hypothetical questions about.

In this thought-provoking and entertaining book, the author, known for his webcomic, xkcd, tackles absurd hypothetical questions with serious scientific answers. From exploring the consequences of throwing a baseball at near-light speed to pondering the effects of a robot uprising, Munroe's witty and informative explanations delve into the realms of physics, biology, and engineering. With a blend of humor and scientific rigor, this book offers fascinating insights into the bizarre and imaginative world of hypothetical scenarios.

Who should read What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

Science enthusiasts seeking entertaining and thought-provoking hypothetical scenarios.

Curious minds eager to explore the intersection of science and imagination.

Fans of Randall Munroe's witty and informative webcomic

by John Carreyrou

What is Bad Blood about?

This gripping non-fiction book delves into the shocking rise and fall of a Silicon Valley startup. Fueled by charismatic leadership and promises of groundbreaking medical technology, the company quickly became a billion-dollar empire. However, behind the scenes, deception, fraud, and a web of lies were unraveling. Investigative journalist John Carreyrou uncovers the truth, exposing the dark secrets and unethical practices that ultimately led to the company's downfall.

Who should read Bad Blood

Entrepreneurs and aspiring startup founders seeking cautionary tales and lessons.

Investors and venture capitalists interested in the dark side of Silicon Valley.

Anyone fascinated by corporate scandals and the pursuit of truth.

Steal Like an Artist

by Austin Kleon

What is Steal Like an Artist about?

In this insightful and inspiring book, the author shares ten unconventional principles to unleash your creativity. Drawing from his own experiences and the wisdom of renowned artists, Kleon encourages readers to embrace their influences, find their own voice, and create meaningful work. With practical advice and engaging illustrations, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to tap into their creative potential and navigate the challenges of the artistic journey.

Who should read Steal Like an Artist

Aspiring artists seeking inspiration and guidance on unleashing creativity.

Established creatives looking for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Anyone interested in exploring their creative potential and embracing originality.

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

by John M. Gottman, Ph.D, Nan Silver

What is The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work about?

In this insightful guide, a renowned relationship expert shares seven essential principles for building and maintaining a successful marriage. Drawing from years of research and clinical experience, the author offers practical advice and strategies to help couples strengthen their bond, improve communication, and navigate through challenges. Packed with valuable insights and real-life examples, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to create a fulfilling and lasting partnership.

Who should read The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

Couples seeking practical advice to strengthen their marriage.

Relationship therapists looking for evidence-based strategies for clients.

Individuals interested in understanding the science behind successful marriages.

Creativity, Inc.

by Ed Catmull, Amy Wallace

What is Creativity, Inc. about?

In this insightful book, the author, a co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, shares his experiences and strategies for fostering creativity and innovation within organizations. He explores the unseen obstacles that hinder true inspiration and offers practical advice on how to overcome them. Drawing from his own journey and the success of Pixar, Catmull provides valuable insights into building a creative culture, managing teams, and nurturing the creative process. A must-read for anyone seeking to unleash their own creative potential.

Who should read Creativity, Inc.

Aspiring artists and creative professionals seeking to unlock their potential.

Business leaders and managers looking to foster a culture of innovation.

Pixar enthusiasts curious about the behind-the-scenes workings of the studio.

The Explosive Child

by Ross W. Greene, Ph.D.

What is The Explosive Child about?

"The Explosive Child" offers a fresh perspective on parenting children who are easily frustrated and inflexible. Written by a renowned psychologist, this book presents a new approach to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by these children. With practical strategies and real-life examples, it empowers parents to foster better communication, problem-solving, and collaboration, ultimately creating a more harmonious and supportive environment for their child's emotional growth and development.

Who should read The Explosive Child

Parents struggling to understand and manage their easily frustrated children.

Educators seeking effective strategies for working with inflexible students.

Mental health professionals looking for a fresh approach to help their clients.

The Design of Everyday Things

by Don Norman

What is The Design of Everyday Things about?

"The Design of Everyday Things" explores the fundamental principles of good design and how they can be applied to everyday objects and systems. The book delves into the psychology behind human interaction with technology and provides insights on how to create user-friendly experiences. With real-world examples and thought-provoking anecdotes, the author challenges conventional design practices and offers practical solutions to improve the usability and functionality of the objects we encounter in our daily lives.

Who should read The Design of Everyday Things

Designers and engineers seeking to improve user experience and usability.

Consumers interested in understanding the psychology behind everyday objects.

Students studying human-computer interaction and product design principles.

Your Next Five Moves

by Patrick Bet-David

What is Your Next Five Moves about?

In this insightful and practical guide, the author, a successful entrepreneur, shares his expertise on mastering the art of business strategy. Through a series of strategic moves, he teaches readers how to anticipate and outmaneuver their competition, make calculated decisions, and ultimately achieve success in the business world. Packed with real-life examples and actionable advice, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their strategic thinking and take their business to the next level.

Who should read Your Next Five Moves

Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to develop effective business strategies.

Business professionals looking to enhance their strategic thinking skills.

Executives and leaders aiming to stay ahead in competitive markets.

Leadership and Self-Deception

by The Arbinger Institute

What is Leadership and Self-Deception about?

"Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box" explores the concept of self-deception and its impact on leadership. The book delves into the idea that when individuals are trapped in a state of self-deception, they are unable to effectively lead and build meaningful relationships. Through relatable stories and practical insights, the book offers a transformative approach to leadership, encouraging readers to break free from self-deception and embrace a more authentic and compassionate leadership style.

Who should read Leadership and Self-Deception

Managers and leaders seeking to improve their leadership skills.

Individuals looking to enhance their self-awareness and personal growth.

Team members aiming to foster better communication and collaboration.

Gap Selling

by Jim Keenan

What is Gap Selling about?

In this insightful book, Jim Keenan explores a revolutionary approach to sales called "Gap Selling." Keenan emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the customer's problems and challenges, rather than focusing solely on product features and benefits. By adopting a problem-centric selling approach, sales professionals can build stronger relationships, overcome objections, close deals, and ultimately increase sales. Keenan's strategies challenge traditional sales methods and offer a fresh perspective on achieving success in the competitive world of sales.

Who should read Gap Selling

Sales professionals looking to enhance their selling techniques and increase sales.

Business owners seeking to improve their sales strategies and overcome objections.

Individuals interested in understanding the psychology behind successful selling.

Six Thinking Hats

by Edward de Bono

What is Six Thinking Hats about?

In this insightful book, the author introduces a powerful thinking tool called the "Six Thinking Hats." Edward de Bono explores how this method can enhance decision-making and problem-solving by encouraging individuals to approach situations from different perspectives. Each "hat" represents a different thinking style, allowing readers to effectively analyze, generate ideas, evaluate, and make informed choices. With practical examples and exercises, this book offers a valuable framework for improving critical thinking skills and fostering collaboration in various aspects of life.

Who should read Six Thinking Hats

Business professionals seeking to improve decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Educators looking to enhance critical thinking and creativity in the classroom.

Individuals interested in personal development and effective communication strategies.

Limitless Mind

by Jo Boaler

What is Limitless Mind about?

In this empowering book, the author explores the concept of a limitless mind and how it can transform our lives. Jo Boaler, a renowned educator, challenges the traditional beliefs about intelligence and offers practical strategies to help individuals learn, lead, and live without barriers. Through inspiring stories and scientific research, she reveals the power of a growth mindset and provides valuable insights on how to unlock our full potential and embrace a life of limitless possibilities.

Who should read Limitless Mind

Educators seeking innovative strategies to foster limitless learning environments.

Individuals looking to overcome mental barriers and unlock their potential.

Leaders aiming to create inclusive and empowering work environments.

How to Have a Good Day

by Caroline Webb

What is How to Have a Good Day about?

In this insightful guide, Caroline Webb shares practical strategies to transform your workdays into fulfilling and productive experiences. Drawing from behavioral science, psychology, and neuroscience, she offers valuable techniques to enhance decision-making, manage time effectively, and improve communication skills. With Webb's expert advice, readers will learn how to optimize their work environment, reduce stress, and ultimately lead happier and more successful lives.

Who should read How to Have a Good Day

Professionals seeking to improve their work-life balance and productivity.

Individuals looking to enhance their overall well-being and happiness.

Anyone interested in practical strategies for a more fulfilling life.

by Patty Azzarello

What is Move about?

In this insightful book, Patty Azzarello explores the art of effective leadership and strategy execution. Drawing from her own experiences as a successful executive, she provides practical advice and strategies for overcoming obstacles, setbacks, and stalls that often hinder progress. With a focus on decisiveness and action, Azzarello empowers leaders to navigate challenges and drive their organizations towards success.

Who should read Move

Business executives seeking guidance on overcoming obstacles and executing strategies.

Managers looking to enhance their leadership skills and navigate setbacks.

Individuals interested in learning about effective decision-making and strategy execution.

Create Space

by Derek Draper

What is Create Space about?

In this insightful guide, Derek Draper offers practical strategies to help readers effectively manage their time, find focus, and achieve success. Drawing from his own experiences and research, Draper provides valuable tips and techniques to overcome distractions, prioritize tasks, and create a productive work environment. With a clear and concise writing style, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their time management skills and unlock their full potential.

Who should read Create Space

Busy professionals seeking effective time management strategies and increased productivity.

Students struggling with time management and seeking better focus.

Entrepreneurs looking to optimize their time and achieve success.

Thinking, Fast and Slow

by Daniel Kahneman

What is Thinking, Fast and Slow about?

In this thought-provoking book, the author explores the two systems that drive our thinking: the fast, intuitive system and the slow, deliberate system. Drawing on decades of research, he reveals the biases and errors that often cloud our judgment, and offers insights into how we can make better decisions. With engaging anecdotes and compelling examples, this book challenges our understanding of decision-making and provides valuable tools for improving our thinking processes.

Who should read Thinking, Fast and Slow

Individuals interested in understanding the complexities of human decision-making.

Psychologists and behavioral economists seeking insights into cognitive processes.

Business professionals looking to improve their decision-making skills.

Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life

by Dr. Spencer Johnson

What is Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life about?

In this insightful book, Dr. Spencer Johnson presents a powerful parable that explores the inevitable changes we face in both our personal and professional lives. Through the story of two mice and two little people, readers are encouraged to embrace change, adapt to new circumstances, and find success and happiness by letting go of fear and embracing the unknown. With its simple yet profound message, this book offers practical strategies for navigating change and achieving personal growth.

Who should read Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life

Professionals seeking guidance on adapting to workplace changes effectively.

Individuals looking for strategies to navigate personal life transitions.

Anyone interested in learning a practical approach to embracing change.

by David Epstein

What is Range about?

In this thought-provoking book, the author challenges the prevailing notion that specialization is the key to success. Drawing on a wide range of examples from sports, science, and the arts, Epstein argues that individuals with diverse experiences and a broad skill set, known as generalists, often outperform specialists in today's complex world. With compelling evidence and engaging storytelling, he explores the benefits of embracing a more flexible and exploratory approach to life and work.

Who should read Range

Professionals seeking to excel in a rapidly changing job market.

Students and educators looking to navigate career choices effectively.

Individuals interested in understanding the benefits of a broad skillset.

Getting to Yes

by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton

What is Getting to Yes about?

This book offers a practical guide to effective negotiation techniques, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding. It provides strategies for reaching mutually beneficial agreements without compromising one's interests or resorting to adversarial tactics. Drawing on real-life examples and research, the authors present a step-by-step approach to negotiation that can be applied in various personal and professional contexts. With its focus on principled negotiation, this book aims to empower individuals to achieve successful outcomes while maintaining positive relationships.

Who should read Getting to Yes

Business professionals seeking to improve their negotiation skills.

Lawyers and legal professionals looking for effective negotiation strategies.

Individuals interested in resolving conflicts and reaching mutually beneficial agreements.

Predictably Irrational

by Dan Ariely

What is Predictably Irrational about?

In this thought-provoking book, a renowned behavioral economist delves into the fascinating world of human decision-making. Through a series of engaging experiments and real-life examples, the author uncovers the hidden forces that often lead us to make irrational choices. From the influence of social norms to the power of emotions, this book offers valuable insights into understanding and navigating the complexities of our decision-making processes.

Who should read Predictably Irrational

Individuals interested in understanding the psychological factors influencing decision-making.

Business professionals seeking insights into consumer behavior and marketing strategies.

Psychology enthusiasts looking for a captivating exploration of human irrationality.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things

by Ben Horowitz

What is The Hard Thing About Hard Things about?

In this insightful and practical book, the author shares his experiences and lessons learned while building a business from scratch. Filled with candid advice and real-world examples, the book explores the challenges and tough decisions entrepreneurs face, offering valuable insights on managing teams, making difficult choices, and navigating through the uncertainties of building a successful business. A must-read for anyone looking to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship.

Who should read The Hard Thing About Hard Things

Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking guidance on navigating the challenges of building a business.

Established business owners looking for practical advice on overcoming obstacles.

Managers and leaders seeking insights into making tough decisions.

by Adam Grant

What is Originals about?

In this thought-provoking book, the author explores the power of non-conformity and challenges conventional wisdom. Through captivating stories and compelling research, he reveals how individuals who dare to think differently can shape the world. From entrepreneurs to artists, Grant uncovers the secrets of originality and offers practical advice on how to champion new ideas, navigate risks, and inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness. A must-read for those seeking to make a lasting impact and drive positive change.

Who should read Originals

Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking innovative strategies for success.

Individuals looking to challenge the status quo and make a difference.

Anyone interested in understanding the psychology behind creativity and originality.

A Mind for Numbers

by Barbara Oakley, Ph.D.

What is A Mind for Numbers about?

In this insightful guide, a renowned expert in learning strategies shares her secrets to mastering math and science. Barbara Oakley, Ph.D., reveals effective techniques to overcome common obstacles and develop a "mind for numbers." With practical tips, real-life examples, and engaging exercises, this book equips readers with the tools to excel in these subjects, regardless of their previous experiences or perceived abilities.

Who should read A Mind for Numbers

Students struggling with math and science concepts.

Professionals seeking to enhance their analytical thinking skills.

Educators looking for effective teaching strategies in math and science.

by Dan Heath, Chip Heath

What is Switch about?

"Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard" is a practical guide that explores the psychology behind successful change. Written by Dan Heath and Chip Heath, this book offers valuable insights and strategies to navigate through difficult transitions. Drawing from real-life examples and research, it provides a roadmap for individuals and organizations to overcome resistance and make lasting changes. With a focus on understanding human behavior, "Switch" offers a compelling framework to drive positive transformations in any aspect of life.

Who should read Switch

Individuals seeking practical strategies to navigate and embrace change.

Managers and leaders looking to drive successful organizational transformations.

Anyone interested in understanding the psychology behind change and decision-making.

Made to Stick

by Chip Heath, Dan Heath

What is Made to Stick about?

"Made to Stick" explores the art of crafting ideas that are memorable and impactful. Chip Heath and Dan Heath delve into the psychology behind why certain ideas stick in our minds while others fade away. Through engaging stories and practical strategies, the authors reveal the key elements that make ideas stick, such as simplicity, unexpectedness, and emotional appeal. This book is a guide for anyone seeking to communicate their ideas effectively and leave a lasting impression.

Who should read Made to Stick

Business professionals seeking to create memorable and impactful ideas.

Educators looking to engage and inspire their students with lasting concepts.

Marketers and advertisers aiming to craft compelling and memorable campaigns.

The Making of a Manager

by Julie Zhuo

What is The Making of a Manager about?

"The Making of a Manager" by Julie Zhuo is a practical guide for new managers, offering valuable insights and advice on how to navigate the challenges of leadership. Drawing from her own experiences as a young manager at Facebook, Zhuo shares actionable strategies for building effective teams, making tough decisions, and fostering a positive work culture. This book is an essential resource for anyone stepping into a managerial role and seeking to excel in their leadership journey.

Who should read The Making of a Manager

Aspiring managers seeking guidance on leading teams effectively.

New managers looking for practical advice on handling responsibilities.

Experienced managers seeking fresh insights and strategies for success.

by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky and Braden Kowitz

What is Sprint about?

"Sprint" is a practical guide that offers a step-by-step process for solving complex problems and testing innovative ideas in a short span of five days. Written by a team of experts, this book provides valuable insights and techniques to help individuals and teams streamline their decision-making process, foster collaboration, and achieve faster results. With real-world examples and actionable advice, "Sprint" is a must-read for anyone seeking to tackle big challenges and drive innovation.

Who should read Sprint

Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking innovative problem-solving strategies.

Designers and product managers looking to streamline their creative process.

Individuals interested in learning effective methods for testing and validating ideas.

Good Strategy/Bad Strategy

by Richard Rumelt

What is Good Strategy/Bad Strategy about?

In this insightful book, the author delves into the world of strategy, dissecting the difference between good and bad strategies and emphasizing their impact. Richard Rumelt explores the common pitfalls of bad strategies and offers practical advice on how to develop effective ones. With real-world examples and engaging analysis, this book serves as a guide for individuals and organizations seeking to understand the importance of strategy and its role in achieving success.

Who should read Good Strategy/Bad Strategy

Business executives seeking to develop effective strategic thinking skills.

Students studying business management and strategy.

Entrepreneurs looking to enhance their strategic decision-making abilities.

Thinking In Systems

by Donella Meadows, Diana Wright

What is Thinking In Systems about?

"Thinking in Systems: A Primer" offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and analyzing complex systems. Written by an acclaimed author, this book explores the interconnectedness of various systems, from ecosystems to organizations, and provides practical tools for problem-solving and decision-making. With real-world examples and thought-provoking insights, it equips readers with the necessary skills to navigate and influence the intricate systems that shape our world.

Who should read Thinking In Systems

Students and academics studying complex systems and sustainability.

Business leaders seeking to understand and improve organizational dynamics.

Individuals interested in gaining a holistic perspective on global issues.

Rebel Ideas

by Matthew Syed

What is Rebel Ideas about?

In this thought-provoking book, the author explores the immense power of diverse thinking and its impact on innovation, decision-making, and problem-solving. Drawing from a wide range of captivating stories and scientific research, he reveals how embracing different perspectives and challenging conventional wisdom can lead to groundbreaking ideas and transformative change. With compelling insights, "Rebel Ideas" encourages readers to harness the collective intelligence of diverse teams and embrace the potential of inclusive thinking in all aspects of life.

Who should read Rebel Ideas

Business leaders seeking innovative strategies through diverse perspectives.

Educators interested in fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.

Individuals looking to challenge their own biases and expand perspectives.

Creative Confidence

by Tom Kelley & David Kelley

What is Creative Confidence about?

"Creative Confidence" is a transformative guide that empowers individuals to tap into their innate creativity. Authored by two renowned innovators, this book explores practical strategies and inspiring stories to help readers overcome self-doubt and unleash their creative potential. With a focus on fostering creativity in all aspects of life, this book offers valuable insights and actionable steps to cultivate confidence and embrace the power of imagination.

Who should read Creative Confidence

Aspiring artists and designers seeking to unlock their creative potential.

Business professionals looking to foster innovation and creativity in their organizations.

Individuals lacking confidence in their creative abilities

seeking inspiration.

The Fifth Discipline

by Peter M. Senge

What is The Fifth Discipline about?

"The Fifth Discipline" explores the concept of a learning organization, where individuals and teams continuously enhance their capabilities to create a better future. Peter M. Senge delves into the five disciplines that are essential for building a learning organization: personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems thinking. Through real-life examples and practical insights, Senge offers a roadmap for organizations to foster innovation, adaptability, and collective intelligence in an ever-changing world.

Who should read The Fifth Discipline

Business leaders seeking to transform their organizations into learning organizations.

Educators and trainers interested in fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Individuals looking to enhance their personal and professional growth.

The Effective Executive

by Peter F. Drucker

What is The Effective Executive about?

"The Effective Executive" is a practical guide that offers valuable insights into how individuals can become more efficient and productive in their professional lives. Drawing from extensive research and real-life examples, the author provides actionable strategies and principles for effective decision-making, time management, and prioritization. This book serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking to enhance their effectiveness and achieve greater success in their roles as executives or leaders.

Who should read The Effective Executive

Managers and executives seeking to enhance their leadership skills.

Business professionals aiming to improve their decision-making abilities.

Individuals interested in maximizing their personal and professional productivity.

How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids

by Jancee Dunn

What is How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids about?

In this insightful and humorous book, Jancee Dunn shares her personal journey of navigating the challenges of marriage after having children. With a blend of research, expert advice, and relatable anecdotes, she offers practical strategies to help couples maintain a strong and loving relationship amidst the chaos of parenthood. From communication breakdowns to divvying up household chores, this book provides valuable insights and tips for any couple looking to strengthen their bond and find happiness in their post-kids life.

Who should read How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids

New mothers struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with their husbands.

Couples seeking advice on navigating the challenges of parenthood.

Individuals interested in understanding the impact of children on marriages.

Think Like a Rocket Scientist

by Ozan Varol

What is Think Like a Rocket Scientist about?

In this insightful book, the author shares practical strategies to unleash your inner rocket scientist and achieve remarkable success in both your professional and personal life. Drawing from his experience as a former rocket scientist turned law professor, Varol offers a unique perspective on problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making. With engaging anecdotes and actionable advice, he empowers readers to think critically, embrace failure, and challenge conventional wisdom to make giant leaps forward in their work and life.

Who should read Think Like a Rocket Scientist

Professionals seeking innovative strategies to excel in their careers.

Individuals looking to enhance problem-solving skills and think creatively.

Science enthusiasts eager to explore the mindset of rocket scientists.

by Dan Heath

What is Upstream about?

In "Upstream," the author explores the power of prevention and proactive problem-solving. Drawing from various real-life examples, Dan Heath emphasizes the importance of addressing issues at their root causes rather than simply reacting to their consequences. With insightful anecdotes and practical strategies, he encourages readers to shift their mindset and take action to prevent problems before they arise, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.

Who should read Upstream

Individuals seeking proactive strategies to prevent problems in their lives.

Business leaders aiming to anticipate and address potential challenges.

Policy makers interested in implementing preventive measures for societal issues.

No Hard Feelings

by Liz Fosslien, Mollie West Duffy

What is No Hard Feelings about?

This insightful book explores the often overlooked role of emotions in the workplace. Drawing on research and personal experiences, the authors delve into how emotions impact our productivity, relationships, and overall well-being at work. With practical tips and relatable anecdotes, they provide guidance on how to navigate emotions effectively, fostering a more positive and empathetic work environment. Whether you're a manager or an employee, this book offers valuable insights for harnessing the power of emotions to thrive in the professional world.

Who should read No Hard Feelings

Professionals seeking to navigate and improve emotional intelligence in the workplace.

Managers and leaders looking to create a more emotionally intelligent work environment.

Individuals interested in understanding the impact of emotions on productivity.

How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

by Michael J. Gelb

What is How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci about?

In this insightful guide, the author explores the mind of the legendary artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, revealing seven practical steps to cultivate genius in our daily lives. Drawing from da Vinci's notebooks, Gelb presents exercises and techniques to enhance creativity, sharpen thinking skills, and foster a holistic approach to problem-solving. This book offers a captivating journey into the mind of a genius, inspiring readers to unlock their own potential and think like da Vinci.

Who should read How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci

Aspiring artists and creatives seeking to unlock their potential.

Professionals looking to enhance their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

History enthusiasts interested in understanding the mind of Leonardo da Vinci.

The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking

by Edward B. Burger, Michael Starbird

What is The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking about?

"The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking" offers readers a practical guide to enhance their thinking skills and become more effective problem solvers. Written by two renowned educators, this book explores five essential thinking strategies that can be applied to any situation. Through engaging examples and thought-provoking exercises, the authors empower readers to think more creatively, critically, and strategically, ultimately leading to improved decision-making and success in various aspects of life.

Who should read The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking

Students seeking to improve their critical thinking skills.

Professionals looking to enhance their problem-solving abilities.

Individuals interested in personal growth and self-improvement.

by Brian Tracy

What is Get Smart! about?

In this insightful guide, renowned author Brian Tracy shares the secrets to achieving success and financial abundance. Drawing from his extensive research and personal experiences, Tracy provides practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help individuals think and act like the most accomplished and well-compensated professionals in any industry. Packed with actionable advice, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.

Who should read Get Smart!

Aspiring professionals seeking to unlock the secrets of success.

Individuals looking to enhance their productivity and achieve financial abundance.

Ambitious individuals striving to reach the top of their respective fields.

The Art of Thinking Clearly

by Rolf Dobelli

What is The Art of Thinking Clearly about?

"The Art of Thinking Clearly" is a thought-provoking book that explores the common cognitive biases and logical fallacies that often cloud our decision-making process. Written by an acclaimed author, this book offers practical insights and strategies to help readers identify and overcome these mental traps. With a blend of psychology, philosophy, and real-life examples, it provides a valuable guide to improving our critical thinking skills and making better choices in various aspects of life.

Who should read The Art of Thinking Clearly

Individuals seeking to improve their decision-making skills and critical thinking abilities.

Business professionals looking to enhance their problem-solving strategies and avoid cognitive biases.

Anyone interested in understanding common thinking errors and improving their judgment.

Dude, You're Gonna Be a Dad! How to Get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 months

by John Pfeiffer

What is Dude, You're Gonna Be a Dad! How to Get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 months about?

This informative guide offers practical advice and support for expectant fathers as they navigate the journey of pregnancy alongside their partners. From understanding the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy to preparing for childbirth and beyond, the author provides a humorous and relatable perspective on the challenges and joys of becoming a dad. With helpful tips and insights, this book is a must-read for any soon-to-be father.

Who should read Dude, You're Gonna Be a Dad! How to Get (Both of You) Through the Next 9 months

Expectant fathers seeking practical advice on navigating pregnancy with their partner.

Couples preparing for the journey of pregnancy and parenthood together.

Soon-to-be dads looking for a humorous and relatable guide.

by Daniel H. Pink

What is When about?

In this insightful book, the author explores the hidden science behind timing and its impact on our daily lives. Drawing on a wide range of research, Pink reveals how our internal clocks affect our mood, decision-making, and productivity. From the best time to schedule a meeting to the ideal moment for a career change, this book offers practical advice on how to harness the power of timing to optimize our personal and professional lives.

Who should read When

Professionals seeking to optimize their productivity and time management skills.

Students looking to enhance their study habits and academic performance.

Individuals interested in understanding the impact of timing on personal and professional success.

The Innovator's Dilemma

by Clayton M. Christensen

What is The Innovator's Dilemma about?

This book explores the challenges faced by successful companies when disruptive technologies emerge in the market. Clayton M. Christensen analyzes how established firms often fail to adapt to these new technologies due to their focus on sustaining innovations. Through case studies and research, the book offers insights into the "innovator's dilemma" and provides strategies for companies to navigate these disruptive changes and avoid failure.

Who should read The Innovator's Dilemma

Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking insights on disruptive innovation.

Executives and managers in established companies facing technological disruptions.

Students and academics studying the challenges of innovation and industry dynamics.

It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work

by Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson

What is It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work about?

This book offers a refreshing perspective on work culture, challenging the notion that chaos and stress are inevitable in the workplace. The authors, drawing from their own experiences, provide practical advice and strategies for creating a calmer and more productive work environment. With a focus on prioritizing well-being and embracing simplicity, this book offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to transform their work life and foster a healthier work culture.

Who should read It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work

Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking a more balanced work-life approach.

Managers and team leaders looking to create a healthier work environment.

Individuals interested in challenging traditional work culture and practices.

How We Got to Now

by Steven Johnson

What is How We Got to Now about?

In "How We Got to Now," the author explores six pivotal innovations that have shaped the modern world. From the discovery of glass to the development of refrigeration, Steven Johnson delves into the interconnectedness of these breakthroughs and their profound impact on society. Through captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, he reveals the unexpected origins and far-reaching consequences of these innovations, offering a fresh perspective on the history of human progress.

Who should read How We Got to Now

History enthusiasts seeking to understand the pivotal innovations shaping our world.

Science and technology enthusiasts eager to explore the origins of modern advancements.

Curious individuals interested in the interconnectedness of past and present innovations.

Reality Is Broken

by Jane McGonigal

What is Reality Is Broken about?

In this thought-provoking book, the author explores the power of games to transform our lives and society. Drawing on extensive research, Jane McGonigal argues that games have the potential to solve real-world problems and improve our well-being. She delves into the psychology behind gaming, highlighting how it can enhance our motivation, resilience, and social connections. With compelling examples and practical insights, McGonigal presents a compelling case for the transformative potential of games in shaping a better world.

Who should read Reality Is Broken

Gamers and game enthusiasts seeking to understand the positive impact of games on society.

Educators and parents interested in harnessing the power of games for learning and motivation.

Social activists and policymakers looking for innovative solutions to global challenges.

Thinkertoys

by Michael Michalko

What is Thinkertoys about?

"Thinkertoys" is a practical guide by Michael Michalko that offers a diverse collection of creative-thinking techniques. This handbook provides readers with a toolbox of strategies to enhance their problem-solving skills and stimulate innovative ideas. Through a combination of exercises, puzzles, and real-life examples, Michalko encourages readers to think outside the box and tap into their creative potential. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply seeking to expand your thinking abilities, this book is a valuable resource for unlocking your imagination.

Who should read Thinkertoys

Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking innovative strategies to boost their business.

Students and educators looking to enhance their problem-solving skills.

Professionals in creative fields aiming to unlock their creative potential.

Power Questions

by Andrew Sobel, Jerold Panas

What is Power Questions about?

"Power Questions" is a practical guide that offers valuable insights on how to effectively build relationships, win new business, and influence others. Written by Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas, this book provides a comprehensive collection of thought-provoking questions that can be used in various professional and personal settings. With a focus on enhancing communication skills and fostering meaningful connections, this book equips readers with the tools to achieve success in their interactions and achieve their goals.

Who should read Power Questions

Sales professionals looking to enhance their communication and persuasion skills.

Business leaders seeking to strengthen their relationship-building abilities.

Individuals interested in improving their influence and networking capabilities.

The Innovator's DNA

by Jeff H. Dyer, Hal B. Gregersen, Clayton M. Christensen

What is The Innovator's DNA about?

"The Innovator's DNA" explores the essential skills and traits possessed by disruptive innovators. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with successful entrepreneurs, the book identifies five key behaviors that drive innovation: associating, questioning, observing, networking, and experimenting. By mastering these skills, individuals can unlock their own potential for groundbreaking ideas and create lasting impact in their industries. With practical insights and real-world examples, this book serves as a guide for anyone looking to cultivate their innovative mindset and drive meaningful change.

Who should read The Innovator's DNA

Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to develop disruptive innovation skills.

Aspiring innovators looking to understand and cultivate their creative abilities.

Students and researchers interested in the field of disruptive innovation.

Hug Your Haters

by Jay Baer

What is Hug Your Haters about?

In this insightful book, the author explores the importance of embracing customer complaints and feedback. With real-life examples and practical advice, the book teaches businesses how to effectively handle and respond to customer complaints in the digital age. By understanding the power of customer feedback, businesses can improve their customer service, build stronger relationships, and ultimately, achieve long-term success.

Who should read Hug Your Haters

Business owners and managers seeking to improve customer service.

Customer service representatives looking to handle complaints effectively.

Entrepreneurs and marketers aiming to build strong customer relationships.

Questions Are the Answer

by Hal B. Gregersen

What is Questions Are the Answer about?

In this thought-provoking book, the author presents a groundbreaking approach to solving the most challenging problems we face in both our personal and professional lives. Through the power of asking the right questions, Hal B. Gregersen guides readers on a transformative journey, encouraging them to challenge assumptions, explore new perspectives, and unlock innovative solutions. Packed with real-life examples and practical strategies, this book offers a fresh perspective on problem-solving that will inspire readers to think differently and find answers they never thought possible.

Who should read Questions Are the Answer

Professionals seeking innovative problem-solving strategies for their work challenges.

Individuals looking to overcome personal obstacles and find solutions.

Leaders and managers aiming to foster a culture of curiosity and creativity.

The Art of Creative Thinking

by John Adair

What is The Art of Creative Thinking about?

"The Art of Creative Thinking" by John Adair is a practical guide that explores the process of generating innovative ideas. Filled with insightful techniques and real-life examples, this book equips readers with the tools to enhance their creativity and develop great ideas. Adair delves into various aspects of creative thinking, including problem-solving, brainstorming, and fostering a creative environment. Whether you're an individual seeking personal growth or a team leader aiming to inspire innovation, this book offers valuable strategies for unlocking your creative potential.

Who should read The Art of Creative Thinking

Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to unlock their creative potential.

Professionals in creative industries looking to enhance their innovative skills.

Students and educators interested in fostering creativity and idea generation.

Declutter Your Mind

by S. J. Scott & Barrie Davenport

What is Declutter Your Mind about?

In this insightful guide, two experienced authors offer practical strategies to declutter your mind and find inner peace. They delve into the root causes of worry, anxiety, and negative thinking, providing step-by-step techniques to overcome these challenges. With a focus on mindfulness, self-reflection, and positive habits, this book empowers readers to regain control of their thoughts, reduce stress, and cultivate a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Who should read Declutter Your Mind

Individuals struggling with anxiety and negative thinking patterns.

People seeking practical strategies to reduce worry and stress.

Anyone interested in improving their mental well-being and finding peace.

How Not to Be Wrong

by Jordan Ellenberg

What is How Not to Be Wrong about?

In this captivating book, the author explores the fascinating world of mathematics and its practical applications in everyday life. Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking examples, he reveals how mathematical thinking can help us make better decisions, solve complex problems, and avoid common pitfalls. With wit and clarity, the author demonstrates the power of mathematical reasoning, showing readers how to think critically and navigate the world with a sharper, more logical perspective.

Who should read How Not to Be Wrong

Students and educators seeking to enhance their mathematical reasoning skills.

Professionals in fields like finance

engineering

or data analysis.

Anyone interested in understanding the practical applications of mathematics.

Think Like a Freak

by Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner

What is Think Like a Freak about?

"Think Like a Freak" is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to approach problems with a fresh perspective. Written by the authors of Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, this book offers practical advice on how to retrain your brain to think creatively, solve complex issues, and make better decisions. With engaging anecdotes and real-life examples, it provides a fascinating exploration of the power of unconventional thinking.

Who should read Think Like a Freak

Individuals seeking unconventional approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.

Business professionals looking to enhance their critical thinking skills.

Fans of the Freakonomics series eager to explore new perspectives.

F*ck Feelings

by Michael Bennett, MD, Sarah Bennett

What is F*ck Feelings about?

This book offers practical advice for navigating life's most challenging problems. Written by a psychiatrist and his comedy writer daughter, it provides a refreshing and irreverent take on self-help. With a no-nonsense approach, it guides readers on how to accept and manage their emotions, while offering strategies to overcome life's inevitable obstacles. Filled with humor and wisdom, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking practical solutions to life's impossible problems.

Who should read F*ck Feelings

Individuals seeking practical advice for managing life's challenges.

Those interested in a no-nonsense approach to problem-solving.

People looking for a fresh perspective on emotional well-being.

Collaborating with the Enemy

by Adam Kahane

What is Collaborating with the Enemy about?

In this insightful book, Adam Kahane explores the art of collaboration in the face of disagreement, dislike, and lack of trust. Drawing from his extensive experience as a mediator and facilitator, Kahane offers practical strategies and tools to navigate complex and polarized situations. Through compelling stories and real-life examples, he demonstrates how collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and transformative change, even when working with seemingly impossible adversaries. A must-read for anyone seeking to bridge divides and find common ground in today's challenging world.

Who should read Collaborating with the Enemy

Professionals seeking strategies to navigate challenging work relationships effectively.

Leaders aiming to foster collaboration in diverse and conflicting teams.

Individuals interested in improving their ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Innovation in Real Places

by Dan Breznitz

What is Innovation in Real Places about?

"Innovation in Real Places" by Dan Breznitz explores strategies for achieving prosperity in a challenging global landscape. The book delves into the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and offers insights into how different regions can foster innovation to thrive in an unforgiving world. Breznitz provides a comprehensive analysis of successful innovation ecosystems, highlighting the key factors that contribute to their success. This thought-provoking book offers practical guidance for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of innovation in real-world contexts.

Who should read Innovation in Real Places

Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking strategies for success in challenging environments.

Urban planners and policymakers interested in fostering innovation and economic growth.

Researchers and academics studying the dynamics of innovation in real-world settings.

Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO

by Beverly E. Jones

What is Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO about?

This book offers 50 essential tips to help individuals thrive in their professional lives. It combines the mindset of an entrepreneur with the strategic actions of a CEO, providing practical advice on how to navigate challenges, adapt to change, and achieve success in the workplace. With insights from various industries and real-life examples, this guide equips readers with the tools they need to stay afloat, bounce back from setbacks, and excel in their careers.

Who should read Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO

Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking practical advice for success in business.

Professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills and mindset.

Individuals facing career challenges and seeking strategies for advancement.

Red Thread Thinking

by Debra Kaye with Karen Kelly

What is Red Thread Thinking about?

"Red Thread Thinking" explores the power of making connections to generate innovative ideas and drive profitable innovation. Written by Debra Kaye with Karen Kelly, this book delves into the concept of the "red thread," a metaphor for the invisible link that connects seemingly unrelated ideas, people, and experiences. Through real-life examples and practical strategies, the authors guide readers on how to cultivate this mindset and apply it to their own creative processes, ultimately leading to breakthrough ideas and business success.

Who should read Red Thread Thinking

Creative thinkers looking to enhance their problem-solving skills.

Individuals interested in understanding the power of connections in innovation.

Lateral Thinking

by Edward de Bono, Dr.

What is Lateral Thinking about?

In this insightful guide, the author explores the concept of lateral thinking and provides practical techniques to enhance creativity. Edward de Bono encourages readers to break free from traditional thought patterns and embrace a more innovative approach to problem-solving. With step-by-step instructions and engaging examples, this book offers valuable tools to unlock one's creative potential and think outside the box. A must-read for those seeking to cultivate their creativity and find fresh solutions to challenges.

Who should read Lateral Thinking

Aspiring artists and designers seeking to enhance their creative process.

Business professionals looking to develop innovative problem-solving skills.

Educators and trainers interested in fostering critical thinking abilities.

Two Awesome Hours

by Josh Davis

What is Two Awesome Hours about?

In this insightful book, the author shares science-backed techniques to help readers optimize their productivity and achieve their goals. By understanding the brain's natural rhythms and learning how to manage distractions, readers will discover how to make the most of their two most productive hours each day. With practical strategies and actionable advice, this book empowers individuals to harness their best time and accomplish their most important work.

Who should read Two Awesome Hours

Busy professionals seeking science-backed techniques to maximize productivity.

Students looking for effective strategies to improve focus and study.

Individuals struggling with time management and seeking practical solutions.

Seeing What Others Don’t

by Dr. Gary Klein

What is Seeing What Others Don’t about?

In "Seeing What Others Don't," Dr. Gary Klein explores the fascinating world of insights and how they are formed. Through captivating stories and research, he delves into the minds of experts from various fields to uncover the hidden processes behind their remarkable ability to gain insights. This thought-provoking book offers valuable insights into how we can enhance our own ability to see what others often miss, ultimately leading to more innovative and creative thinking.

Who should read Seeing What Others Don’t

Business professionals seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills.

Researchers and psychologists interested in the science of insight.

Individuals looking to unlock their creative potential and gain new perspectives.

Negotiation Hacks

by Simon Rycraft

What is Negotiation Hacks about?

"Negotiation Hacks: Expert Tactics To Get What You Want" by Simon Rycraft is a comprehensive guide that equips readers with powerful strategies to master the art of negotiation. Drawing from years of experience, the author shares practical tips and techniques to help readers navigate any negotiation successfully. From understanding the psychology behind negotiations to leveraging effective communication skills, this book provides invaluable insights to empower individuals to achieve their desired outcomes in any negotiation scenario.

Who should read Negotiation Hacks

Professionals seeking to enhance their negotiation skills and strategies.

Entrepreneurs looking to gain a competitive edge in business negotiations.

Individuals wanting to improve their personal and professional relationships.

Effective Decision-Making

by Edoardo Binda Zane

What is Effective Decision-Making about?

In this insightful guide, the author explores the art of effective decision-making in challenging situations. With a focus on navigating uncertainty and pressure, the book offers practical strategies and techniques to enhance decision-making skills. Drawing from real-life examples and research, readers will gain valuable insights into analyzing risks, managing emotions, and optimizing outcomes. Whether in personal or professional life, this book equips individuals with the tools to make better decisions and thrive in uncertain environments.

Who should read Effective Decision-Making

Professionals seeking to improve their decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.

Students studying decision-making processes and strategies in uncertain situations.

Individuals looking to enhance their ability to make informed choices.

A Spy’s Guide to Thinking

by John Braddock

What is A Spy’s Guide to Thinking about?

In this insightful guide, the author, a former intelligence officer, shares his expertise on critical thinking and decision-making. Drawing from his experiences in the field, he reveals practical strategies and techniques used by spies to analyze information, assess risks, and make sound judgments. With a focus on enhancing mental agility and avoiding cognitive biases, this book equips readers with the tools to navigate complex situations and think like a spy in their everyday lives.

Who should read A Spy’s Guide to Thinking

Aspiring spies seeking to enhance their critical thinking skills.

Professionals in intelligence and espionage looking to sharpen their mental acuity.

Anyone interested in learning strategic thinking from a spy's perspective.

Out of the Crisis

by W. Edwards Deming

What is Out of the Crisis about?

"Out of the Crisis" is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by organizations and provides practical solutions to overcome them. Written by a renowned management expert, this book delves into the root causes of crises and presents a systematic approach to improve quality, productivity, and overall performance. With insightful examples and actionable strategies, it empowers leaders to transform their organizations and thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Who should read Out of the Crisis

Business leaders seeking to improve organizational efficiency and productivity.

Quality control professionals aiming to implement effective management strategies.

Individuals interested in understanding the principles of continuous improvement.

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Creative Problem Solving

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• easy-to-follow instructions for using Creative Problem Solving;
• practical tools for understanding the challenge, generating ideas, and preparing for action;
• expanded guidelines for planning your approach to Creative Problem Solving;
• strategies that ensure successful group dynamics;
• the latest trends in creative thinking and group problem solving; and
• practical suggestions for those new to Creative Problem Solving.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter chapter 1 | 13  pages, introduction, chapter chapter 2 | 6  pages, cps overview, chapter chapter 3 | 11  pages, planning your approach: the management component of cps, chapter chapter 4 | 20  pages, understanding the challenge, chapter chapter 5 | 9  pages, generating ideas, chapter chapter 6 | 13  pages, preparing for action, chapter chapter 7 | 8  pages, applying cps.

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15+ Best Design Thinking Books to Read

Design thinking is more than just a buzzword in today's fast-paced world. It's a way of thinking that revolutionises how we approach problem-solving, innovation, and creativity . And what better way to explore this fascinating subject than by diving into some of the best design thinking books out there?

But hold on, before you go on Amazon and start filling up your cart with books, let me ask you this: have you ever noticed how some books on design thinking are as dry as a piece of toast? It's like they're sucking your life out with each page you turn. Well, fear not, my friend, because I've got your back. I've scoured the depths of the internet to bring you a list of 15+ design thinking books that are informative and enjoyable to read. Yes, you read that right; enjoyable!

So, grab a coffee (or tea, I'm not here to judge), and get ready to discover some of the best design thinking books. From classic titles to modern-day gems, this list has got you covered. Let's dive in!

Table of Contents

1 – The Design Thinking Playbook

• Lewrick, Michael (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages – 05/22/2018 (Publication Date) – Wiley (Publisher)

First off, let's talk about what design thinking is all about. It's a mindset that encourages us to approach things differently, with a strong focus on the user and a willingness to iterate quickly and often. Whether looking to (re-)design products, services, processes, business models, or ecosystems, design thinking is an incredibly powerful tool for driving innovation and solving wicked problems.

So, why should you care about the Design Thinking Playbook? Well, it's packed with practical tools and frameworks that you can use to kick off a digital transformation in your organisation. By stepping back and questioning the current mindset, you'll be able to identify the status quo's faults and start making real progress towards a better future.

Moreover, the book is chock-full of real-world examples from various industries, showing how to apply design thinking in practice. You'll learn about other proven approaches, how to combine them effectively, and how design thinking fits into agile methods within management, innovation, and startups.

Overall, the Design Thinking Playbook is an essential resource for anyone looking to drive change and stay ahead of the curve in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. So if you're ready to ignite your capabilities and unleash your potential, pick up a copy today and start your journey towards radical innovation and competitive advantage.

2 – Design Thinking at Work

• Dunne, David (Author)
• 232 Pages – 10/20/2021 (Publication Date) – Rotman-UTP Publishing (Publisher)

The book results from extensive international research involving multinationals, governments, and non-profits. It's now available in paperback for the first time, making it accessible to even more people interested in learning about design thinking.

So, what is design thinking all about? It's a fresh approach to solving problems that many organisations have embraced. It's a way of thinking focused on the user, encourages experimentation, and is characterised by fast iterations with multidisciplinary teams.

But as you can imagine, design thinkers often face challenges when working in bureaucratic or hostile cultures. That's where this book comes in. Through compelling examples and stories from the field, author Thomas Lockwood explains design thinkers' challenges and how the best organisations deal with them.

For example, you'll learn how companies like Procter & Gamble and the Australian Tax Office apply design thinking in practice and what lessons can be distilled from their experiences. It's essential reading for anyone interested in learning how design works in the real world.

One thing that sets Design Thinking at Work apart from other books on design thinking is that it challenges some of the wild claims that have been made about this approach. It offers a grounded, practical perspective on applying design thinking in different contexts and navigating the inevitable challenges.

3 – Change by Design

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Brown, Tim (Author)
• 290 Pages – 03/05/2019 (Publication Date) – Harper Business (Publisher)

Introduced a decade ago, the concept of design thinking has gained popularity in business schools, corporations, and the popular press thanks mainly to the work of IDEO, the world-leading strategy, innovation, and design firm headed by Tim Brown.

In this updated edition of Change by Design, Brown clarifies that design thinking does not just apply to so-called creative industries or people who work in the design field. It's a methodology that can be used by any organisation, from healthcare providers to manufacturing companies, to rethink and improve their processes and outcomes.

For example, Kaiser Permanente used design thinking to improve patient care quality by re-examining how their nurses manage shift change. And Kraft used design thinking to rethink supply chain management, significantly improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Overall, Change by Design is a visionary guide demonstrating how design thinking can transform organisations and industries, regardless of their field or focus. If you want to learn more about the power of design thinking, this book is a must-read.

4 – Graphic Design Thinking

• Phillips, Jennifer Cole (Author)
• 184 Pages – 07/13/2011 (Publication Date) – Princeton Architectural Press (Publisher)

Looking for an essential graphic design book that demystifies the creative process? Look no further than Graphic Design Thinking by Ellen Lupton. In this book, Lupton uses various techniques to stimulate fresh thinking and arrive at compelling and viable solutions.

But don't worry, Lupton's hands-on approach, made famous with her previous book Thinking with Type, makes the creative process accessible to anyone. Gone are the days of thinking creativity is an inborn talent, as Graphic Design Thinking proves that anyone can tap into their creativity and use it to create incredible designs.

According to a survey by IBM, creativity is the most critical leadership quality managers seek in employees. However, 75% of employees say they aren't achieving their creative potential. Graphic Design Thinking comes here, as it presents many methods applicable to any brainstorming scenario.

The techniques presented in the book are grouped around the three primary phases of the design process: defining the problem, inventing ideas, and creating form. From informal strategies ideal for quick, seat-of-the-pants thinking to formal research methods like focus groups, interviewing, brand mapping, and co-design.

5 – Design for How People Think

• Whalen PhD, John (Author)
• 236 Pages – 04/23/2019 (Publication Date) – O'Reilly Media (Publisher)

John Whalen's book, “Design for How People Think,” provides insights into how our cognitive processes shape our experiences. It explains the six critical cognitive processes, known as the “six minds,” that contribute to our perception of a singular experience. Whalen also introduces the concept of “contextual interviews,” a valuable tool for teams to gather critical insights about customer behaviour.

By conducting contextual interviews, your team can gather information about the conscious and unconscious processes that affect user behaviour . You can use this information to create products and services that cater to the needs and wants of the customers. Whalen's book highlights the importance of understanding the human psyche in designing for user experience .

The book also includes practical examples of how leading companies like the Fortune 100 used the system described to create highly successful customer experiences . Applying the concepts presented in the book can improve your products and services and create a more satisfying customer experience.

Incorporating psychology and cognitive science insights into design has become increasingly important in today's competitive market. This book provides valuable insights for anyone involved in product design and development, from corporate leaders to designers and marketers. With “Design for How People Think,” you can unlock the potential to create exceptional customer experiences.

6 – Don't Make Me Think

• Krug, Steve (Author)
• 216 Pages – 12/24/2013 (Publication Date) – New Riders (Publisher)

If you're a web designer or developer , you've probably heard of the classic usability guide Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug. Since its publication in 2000, it has become a staple resource for anyone interested in creating user-friendly websites. In this book, Krug explores the principles of intuitive navigation and information design , offering witty, commonsensical advice that is easy to follow.

What sets Don't Make Me Think apart from other usability guides is its practicality. Krug doesn't get bogged down in theory; instead, he focuses on providing real-world examples and practical advice that you can apply immediately. The book is also profusely illustrated, making it easy to follow Krug's ideas.

Krug has returned with a fresh perspective to re-examine the principles that made Don't Make Me Think a classic. In the updated edition, you'll find new examples and a new chapter on mobile usability, making it even more relevant to today's web design landscape. And despite the updates, the book is still short, making it a quick and easy read.

If you've never read Don't Make Me Think before, it's worth checking out. As many people have said, reading should be required for anyone working on websites. And if you've read it before, you'll appreciate the new updates and examples that Krug has added.

7 – The Design of Business

• Hardcover Book
• Martin, Roger L. (Author)
• 208 Pages – 10/13/2009 (Publication Date) – Harvard Business Review Press (Publisher)

The ability to innovate is crucial for any company looking to succeed in today's market. One way to foster innovation is through design thinking. Design thinking involves applying a human-centred approach to problem-solving, empathising with the end-users and creating solutions that address their needs.

According to Roger Martin, author of “The Design of Business,” design thinking is not just a buzzword but a valuable tool for companies to drive innovation and gain a competitive advantage. Martin argues that design thinking can help companies move from mystery to code , where knowledge advances from a state of confusion to a predictable formula that can be fully automated. This advancement, in turn, leads to increased productivity and reduced costs, creating significant value for the company.

Martin presents examples of leading companies, such as Procter & Gamble, Cirque du Soleil, and RIM, successfully utilising design thinking to produce breakthrough innovations and gain a competitive edge. These companies understand that design thinking is not just about aesthetics but a way to approach problem-solving and creation holistically.

8 – Design Thinking for Training and Development

• Boller, Sharon (Author)
• 274 Pages – 06/09/2020 (Publication Date) – Association for Talent Development (Publisher)

Design Thinking for Training and Development is a practical guide that provides a solid introduction to design thinking and how to use it in training and development projects. The authors, Sharon Boller and Laura Fletcher, emphasise the importance of involving learners in the design process and considering their needs in addition to business requirements.

According to a study by the Design Management Institute, companies that invest in design thinking outperformed their peers in the S&P 500 by 211% over ten years . This highlights the value of design thinking as a problem-solving methodology that can lead to competitive advantage.

Boller and Fletcher's process involves several steps, including getting perspective and refining the problem. This is followed by ideation and prototyping , iteration, and implementation. Balancing the needs and constraints of learners, businesses, and other stakeholders is crucial throughout the process.

Design thinking for training and development also involves getting buy-in from sceptical stakeholders. You can achieve this by taking requests for training, gathering perspectives from stakeholders and learners, and crafting problem statements that uncover the actual issue.

By using design thinking tools and techniques, talent development professionals can create training and development programs that are more effective, engaging, and learner-centred. The LX, or learner experience, is a crucial part of this process and should be considered at every stage of development.

9 – This is Service Design Thinking

• Stickdorn, Marc (Author)
• 384 Pages – 01/11/2012 (Publication Date) – Wiley (Publisher)

Service design thinking is a methodology that focuses on creating and delivering services that meet the needs and expectations of customers. According to a study by Deloitte, customer experience is becoming increasingly important, with 82% of companies considering it a competitive differentiator. Therefore, creating a positive customer experience is crucial for businesses to remain competitive and retain customers.

The example of two coffee shops selling the same coffee at the same price illustrates how service design can affect the customer's decision to choose one. The coffee shops may have similar products, but their service design can differentiate them and influence customer perception.

Service design encompasses various aspects, such as customer journey mapping, service blueprints, and prototyping. It involves understanding the needs and wants of customers, designing services that meet those needs and continuously improving the services based on customer feedback .

This Is Service Design Thinking is a comprehensive guide to service design thinking that includes case studies, practical tools, and techniques. It provides insights from experts in the field and highlights the importance of collaboration and co-creation with customers in the service design process.

10 – Rethinking Users

• Youngblood, Michael (Author)
• 112 Pages – 03/16/2021 (Publication Date) – Laurence King Publishing (Publisher)

Designers often aim to create solutions that cater to their users' needs and wants. However, the conventional notion of “the user” is outdated and incomplete, failing to account for our complex, interconnected world. Today's users are influenced by various factors beyond their direct interaction with a product or service. This is where Rethinking Users comes in.

Rethinking Users is a practical and fun book that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of users and their experiences. It offers a radical new approach to user experience design that opens up new opportunities for creating products and services that cater to users in new and innovative ways.

One of the critical features of the book is the set of user archetype cards that it comes with. These cards help teams unlock new user-centred thinking and design inspiration . The cards represent different user archetypes, such as “the sceptic,” “the busy parent,” and “the creative,” and are intended to stimulate the imagination and encourage new ideas.

According to a report by Forrester Research, customer experience leaders achieve compound annual revenue growth rates more than five times higher than those of laggards. This highlights the importance of focusing on the user experience to drive business success .

11 – The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design

• 57 clear-to-use design methods
• Case studies of process in action
• Practice worksheets
• IDEO.org (Author)

The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design is a valuable resource for anyone interested in using design to create innovative solutions to social problems. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to the human-centred design process.

One of the critical features of the Field Guide is the inclusion of 57 clear-to-use design methods. These methods help practitioners understand their users' needs and desires and develop solutions that meet those needs meaningfully. The guide also includes worksheets and case studies illustrating how human-centred design has been applied in various contexts, from healthcare to education to social justice.

Since its launch in 2015, the Field Guide to Human-Centered Design has been purchased by over 10,000 people worldwide. This is a testament to the growing interest in using design to create social impact. In fact, according to a report by the Design Management Institute, design-driven companies outperformed the S&P 500 by 228% over 10 years. This demonstrates the value of incorporating design thinking into social innovation efforts.

Whether working in a non-profit, government agency, or social enterprise, the Field Guide to Human-Centered Design can help you create more effective solutions to complex social problems. By putting the needs of your users at the centre of your design process, you can create solutions that genuinely make a difference in people's lives.

12 – How Design Makes Us Think

• Adams, Sean (Author)
• 256 Pages – 02/23/2021 (Publication Date) – Princeton Architectural Press (Publisher)

Design is all around us and can significantly impact our emotions, actions, and decisions. Whether it's the design of a product , a website, or a physical space, design can elicit a range of responses from users. In his book How Design Makes Us Think, graphic designer Sean Adams explores the power of design and its ability to influence human behaviour.

Adams provides numerous examples of how design can affect our emotions, such as how red can create a sense of urgency or certain typefaces can convey a sense of authority. He also delves into how design can impact our thoughts and decision-making, such as how the layout of a website can influence our navigation and choice of content.

According to a survey conducted by Adobe , 73% of respondents agreed that “good design makes a difference in the world.” Moreover, 85% of companies that prioritised design saw an increase in their market share, compared to 70% of companies that didn't prioritise design. This highlights the importance of innovation in business and how it can impact a company's success.

Adams' book also examines the sociological and historical reasons behind our responses to design. For instance, he discusses how certain design styles and trends reflect their time's cultural and societal values.

13 – Things We Could Design

• Wakkary, Ron (Author)
• 312 Pages – 08/24/2021 (Publication Date) – The MIT Press (Publisher)

Historically, human-centred design has been seen as progressive, as designers prioritise human values. However, this approach has also contributed to climate change and the extinction of other species. Ron Wakkary argues that we need a new design approach that considers the exploitation of nonhuman species and materials. In his book Things We Could Design, Wakkary suggests that posthumanism offers a way forward by displacing the human at the centre of thought and action.

Wakkary's approach centres on “designing-with,” which emphasises the need for more than just human participation in the design process. He argues that design must acknowledge the existence and importance of nonhumans in our world and consider their needs and perspectives in our design decisions. This means designing with humility and cohabitation rather than placing human desires and values above all else.

Wakkary also discusses the idea of “nomadic practices,” which refers to the varied and diverse approaches to design that exist in different contexts and communities. He argues that we must embrace this plurality of intentionalities and situated knowledge to create a more expansive and inclusive design practice.

By rethinking the role of design in our world and acknowledging the importance of nonhuman species and materials, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future. Wakkary's book offers a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of these ideas and is a must-read for designers, philosophers, and anyone interested in the intersection of design and ecology.

14 – Solving Problems with Design Thinking

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Liedtka, Jeanne (Author)
• 232 Pages – 09/03/2013 (Publication Date) – Columbia Business School Publishing (Publisher)

Solving Problems with Design Thinking offers real-world examples of how design thinking has been used to solve various business challenges. In the book, readers will find ten case studies that show how managers at companies like 3M, Toyota, IBM, and Intuit have successfully applied design methods to improve their organisations.

For example, the book includes a case study of MeYou Health, an entrepreneurial startup that used design thinking to develop a social network for health and wellness. By putting users at the centre of the design process, MeYou Health created an engaging and effective platform, helping users achieve their health goals.

The book also includes case studies of government and social sector organisations that have used design thinking to tackle complex social problems. For instance, the City of Dublin used design thinking to improve its public transportation system. In contrast, Denmark's The Good Kitchen used design thinking to create healthy and sustainable meals for elderly citizens.

According to a survey by the Design Management Institute, design-driven companies outperformed the S&P 500 by 219% over ten years. This suggests that design thinking is not just a trendy buzzword but a powerful tool for driving business results. Solving Problems with Design Thinking offers practical insights and inspiration for managers who want to apply design thinking to their organisations.

15 – Business Model Generation

• Osterwalder, Alexander (Author)
• 288 Pages – 07/13/2010 (Publication Date) – John Wiley and Sons (Publisher)

Are you an entrepreneur or business leader struggling to create a successful business model? Do you need to adapt to the ever-changing market but find it challenging to develop a strategy that will set you apart from your competitors? If so, Business Model Generation may be the solution you need.

This handbook was created by 470 “Business Model Canvas” practitioners from 45 countries and provides a visually stunning and easy-to-follow guide for designing tomorrow's enterprises. It explains the most common business model patterns and concepts from leading business thinkers, allowing you to reinterpret them for your unique context.

The book teaches you how to systematically understand, design, and implement a game-changing business model or analyse and renovate an old one. You'll better understand your customers, distribution channels, partners, revenue streams, costs, and core value proposition . Using the tools and ideas presented in this book, you can create a strategy that sets you apart from your competitors and leads your organisation to success.

Many successful companies, including Airbnb, GE, and Nestle, have used Business Model Generation. The book has sold over one million copies and has been translated into 30 languages, making it a worldwide phenomenon. It's a must-read for innovating and creating a successful business model.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, design thinking is an innovative approach that rapidly changes how businesses operate, solve problems, and create customer value. It is a powerful tool that you can use to unleash creativity, drive innovation, and achieve business success.

The books listed above offer a wealth of knowledge and insights on design thinking, ranging from basic principles to advanced techniques, case studies, and real-world examples. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced design thinker, these books provide invaluable resources to help you develop and sharpen your skills and to stay ahead of the competition.

So, pick up one (or more) of these design thinking books and start your journey to becoming a better design thinker today!

Last update on 2024-08-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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The 11 Best Problem Solving Books

Adventurer, Tech Geek and Lover of Productivity Hacks. 

Learn how you can improve your problem solving skills with this curated list of the 11 Best Problem Solving Books on the market.

Looking for new insights and best practices when it comes to coming up with proven, quality solutions to the problems we face both at home and in the workplace?

Fortunately, there are a variety of problem solving books out there that are filled from front to back with new and exciting ways to conquer the issues that we deal with on a daily basis.

Whether we like to admit it or not, problem solving skills are high in demand these days whether it’s in the workplace or in the comforts of your own home.

One thing that is for sure is that life is definitely easier when you have the skills to solve problems with ease.

The best part is that problem solving is that it’s a skill that anyone can learn.

Below, you’ll find a list of the best problem solving books that should be helpful for those interested in really diving into the art of problem solving.

Table of Contents

Best problem solving books, sprint, how to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days, the innovator’s dilemma, switch, how to change things when change is hard, problem solving 101, seeking wisdom: from darwin to munger.

• The Art of Thinking Clearly 

Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes

How to solve it: a new aspect of mathematical method, what do you do with a problem.

• The Art and Craft of Problem Solving 

The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures

Author Dr. Jason Selk and Tom Bartow

Sprint offers a transformative formula for testing ideas that work whether it is for yourself or for a large corporation. The ideas that Sprint provides you are already tested and successful ones therefore you have nothing to lose giving them a try. Whenever you are feeling stuck and don’t know how to solve an issue, check out these ideas and test them out to see which one works best in your favor.

Author Clayton M. Christensen

Named one of 100 Leadership & Success Books to Read in a Lifetime by Amazon Editors, The Innovator’s Dilemma offers a different approach to problem-solving. This book helps you look at your problem from an outsider point of view. Whenever you don’t know where to go next and how to solve an issue, the best thing is stepping out of the box and seeing whatever is that you are missing to identify in order to solve it. 

Authors Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Psychologists have discovered that our minds are ruled by two different systems: the rational mind and the emotional mind that compete for control. The concept of this book is using our internal “switch” and learning when to use each type of mind. Mainly, allowing ourselves to have full control on when we decide to use the emotional side and the rational side. These factors will allow you to make decisions in a more concise manner and therefore have a smarter mentality when it comes to problem-solving. 

Author Ken Watanabe

Originally written to help Japanese schoolchildren learn how to be better problem solvers, this book ended in every businessman’s desk as the information was just too valuable. This book is filled with simple-to-follow case studies to illustrate different solutions to problem-solving. 

Author Peter Bevelin

This book covers everything from the exact moment we come up with an idea, to the point where we are stuck and don’t know how to move on past the issue. Through a psychological point of view, the author helps us understand the way our minds evolve. He essentially leads out a misjudgment point of view to one of a better and wiser thinker. 

The Art of Thinking Clearly

Author Rolf Dobelli

The Art of Thinking Clearly isn’t just another one of the best problem-solving books, but it is a guide to living a more convenient life, where every step that we take has its own action and consequence. Understanding that problem-solving comes from having an organized mind is the first place to get started when we are capable of thinking clearly, the solutions come to us in a clear manner as well. 

Author  Maria Konnikova

Who wouldn’t want to have the mind and the skills of problem-solving that Sherlock Holmes has? Well with this book you are able to acquire some of those astounding skills to use into your daily life. Holmes is one of the world’s most proficient problem solvers and Konnikova highlights the key characteristics that make him so effective in order for the reader to apply them. 

Author George Pólya

George Pólaya uses this mathematical method to help people to think straight. Through his brilliant method he has helped a lot of people tackle their problems only by changing the way that they think. Our mind is more powerful than we know, and therefore knowing how to work our way around it might help people deal with daily life struggles. 

Author by Kobi Yamada

What Do You Do with a Problem? Especially one that you can’t get rid of and can’t find a way to fix? Kobi Yamada tackles this exact scenario and offers the reader multiple ideas to deal with that one problem that seems to not go away. The key in the book is to never avoid a problem, the more we avoid dealing with one issue, the bigger it will become. 

The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

Author  Paul Zeitz

This text offers unique skills and solutions to approach a problem. Not only it helps to identify how to fix the problem but also to understand the problem itself. Understanding how the problem developed and when it started to become a problem for us, is important in order to avoid future conflicts. Tackling the problem is one thing, learning how to stop problems for developing is another great quality. 

Author Dan Roam

Herb Kelleher was brainstorming about the traditional method we deal with problem solving and it was in this exact moment where he grabbed a bar napkin and a pen and decided to scribble what problem solving would look like. He believed that people could understand something better by looking at it, and for that reason he decided to incorporate this lesson into his book. 

Used properly, a simple drawing was more demonstrative than a simple PowerPoint, but it can help crystallize ideas, think outside the box.

Did you find this list of problem solving books to be helpful? If I missed one that you recommend, please leave a comment below.

You Might Also Enjoy: Top 25 Books About Productivity & The Top 25 Productivity Blogs for 2020

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The 15 Best Time Management Books

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The 5 Best Books on Problem Solving (in 2024)

If you are looking for the best books on problem-solving, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we will cover the top 5 books on problem-solving that you can use to help you solve problems faster, easier, and better. I have personally read each one and recommend them.

The 5 Best Books on Problem-Solving

1. stop guessing: the 9 behaviors of great problem solvers by nat greene.

Stop Guessing teaches 9 main actions you need to take when solving problems. It doesn’t teach a problem-solving “method”, but steps you need to take to be able to solve the right problem and solve it well.

The 9 behaviors/actions are:

• Stop guessing
• Smell the problem
• Embrace your ignorance
• Know what problem you’re solving
• Dig into the fundamentals
• Don’t rely on experts
• Believe in a simple solution
• Make fact-based decisions
• Stay on target

I personally enjoyed this book and found it very informative. If you aren’t necessarily looking for a method but the steps you need to take to solve problems more effectively, this book is for you.

You can get it on Amazon here .

(Note: The links for Amazon are affiliate links. Thanks!)

Read More: The 5 Best Books on Decision Making 

2. Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills by Michael Kallet

As the title says, Think Smarter is about using critical thinking to improve your problem-solving and decision-making .

What sometimes hurts us in our problem-solving is that we don’t really take the time to think critically. Kallet gives 3 main steps for solving problems and making a decision:

• Conclusions

If you want to learn more about critical thinking when it comes to problem-solving and steps to take to really clarify your problem and come to better conclusions, and ultimately decisions, this is a good book for you.

3. Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe

Problem Solving 101 is a neat little book on problem-solving. It was originally meant for a younger audience, but it has taken widespread appeal to all ages for people who want to solve problems better.

In the book, through some simple examples, Watanabe teaches how to find the root cause, how to set and test hypotheses, how to make better choices, how to use a logic tree, and more.

If you want a simple, easy book on problem-solving for yourself and/or your kids, this one is for you.

4. The Thinker’s Toolkit: 14 Powerful Techniques for Problem-Solving by Morgan D. Jones

In The Thinkers Toolkit , the author gives detailed information on methods you can use to solve problems better and make better decisions.

Too often we use “trial and error” to try to solve problems, and that is incredibly ineffective. Jones teaches about the errors we often have when solving problems, how our brain sometimes works against us, and 14 techniques we can use to solve our problems better.

If you want a detailed guide on how we often do it wrong and the different methods you can use to solve problems better, this book is for you.

You can get it on Amazon here.

5. Systematic Problem-Solving and Decision-Making by Sandy Pokras

Systematic Problem-Solving and Decision-Making is an old book (published in 1989); however, it is still chock full of great information.

In the book, Pokras goes over, step by step, the steps you can take in your organization to solve problems.

She discusses not only the steps to do it but how to do it together as a group so that everyone is on board with what the problem is and how to solve it.

There are 6 main steps she recommends that she dives into:

• Step 1: Problem recognition
• Step 2: Problem Labeling
• Step 3: Problem-Cause Analysis
• Step 4: Optional Solutions
• Step 5: Decision Making
• Step 6: Action Planning

If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on how to solve problems within an organization (and even by yourself), this book is a great resource.

Why Not?: How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big And Small by Barry Nalebuff and Ian Ayres

Why Not? is, as the title suggests, how to use everyday ingenuity to solve problems.

The authors dive into different methods and tools you can use to help solve problems, including:

• Asking what Croesus would do
• Feeling others pain
• Looking where else it would work
• And flipping it

You can get the book here on Amazon .

Which decision-making book will you choose?

We’ve covered 5…err..6 books on problem-solving. I personally have read each one and recommend them.

I’d also recommend checking out books on decision-making , as the topics are intertwined and related.

Now to you: What do you think? Have you read any of these? Are there any we are missing?

About The Author

Thomas R. Harris

Related posts, book summary: eat that frog by brian tracy.

Book Summary: Time Management from the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern

The 7 Best Time Management Books (In 2024)

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9 Problem-Solving Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

You need problem-solving skills to succeed in work and in life. Whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee with an entrepreneurial approach, solid decision-making is paramount. We recommend each of these books to hone your problem-solving skills and level up in business and life. 

Cracked it!: How to Solve Big Problems and Sell Solutions Like Top Strategy Consultants

By Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps, and Olivier Sibony

Poor decision-making leads to undesired outcomes. But what is the source of poor decisions in the first place? The flaw often resides in our own biases. For instance, we may think we understand a situation better than we do. Or we fall victim to confirmation bias . Cracked It! presents a four-step approach developed from the worlds of consultancy and cognitive psychology to achieve better outcomes. Avoid the pitfall and learn how to solve problems like a pro.

Think in Systems: The Art of Strategic Planning, Effective Problem Solving, And Lasting Results

By Zoe McKey

A systems approach to problem-solving can dramatically improve outcomes both in business and in your personal life. Best-selling author and lifestyle coach Zoe McKey shows you how to see beyond the individual parts of a problem you want to resolve. Rather, you will learn to take in the whole. And you will discover that every issue is but a piece of a larger system. McKey’s concise, enjoyable is a must-read for strategic problem-solving.

Solving the People Problem: Essential Skills You Need to Lead and Succeed in Today’s Workplace

By Brett M. Cooper and Evan Kerrigan

It sometimes seems your biggest problem can be other people. We all think and behave differently. That is the core strength of any team. But it can also lead to workplace conflicts . In Solving the People Problem , authors use the DiSC (Dominance, influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness) model of self-awareness to help the reader develop emotional intelligence , or EQ. Build your EQ, and learn to solve “the people problem” for a stronger, more productive workplace. 

Creative Acts for Curious People: How to Think, Create, and Lead in Unconventional Ways (Stanford d.school Library)

By Sarah Stein Greenberg

As an executive director at Stanford, Sarah Stein leads designers, faculty, and other innovative thinkers to discover and apply their creative abilities. In Creative Acts for Curious People , she guides you to build your own creative skills with a fun, often light-hearted approach. But make no mistake: her enjoyable exercises are fully based in research and practice. Boost your creativity and learn to solve complex problems in new ways with Creative Acts for Curious People .

The Collaborative Path: 6 Steps for Better Communication, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making

By Patrick Aylward

We rarely solve problems in isolation. We typically solve problems and make decisions collaboratively. And successful collaboration depends mostly on quality communication. Author Aylward lays out a six step approach for better decision-making as a team. Learn to de-escalate conflicts and reduce tensions for stronger, more successful team decision-making.

You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake: How Biases Distort Decision-Making and What You Can Do to Fight Them

By Olivier Sibony

One thing often holds us back from making a decision: we are afraid we will make the problem worse. It doesn’t matter how smart you are. We all make mistakes . These can be errors based on bias, or simply poor judgment. In You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake , professor and strategic thinking advisor Olivier Sibony investigates nine common decision-making traps. More importantly, he provides ample methods on how to best avoid them. Filled with great examples and plenty of humor, this book serves as a great tool toward overcoming our biases and making better decisions.

Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts

By Annie Duke

We rarely have all the information required to make the best possible decision. This uncertainty can lead to self-doubt and analysis paralysis : failure to move forward as we over-analyze. Amazon best-selling author Annie Duke shows you how to make decisions by approaching them as bets. Is there ever a 100% chance that your decision will result in exactly the outcome you imagined? Rarely. But if there’s a 90% chance of reaching 80% of your goal… that’s a good bet.

Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills

By Michael Kallet

An older book on the list, Think Smarter stands out as much today as it did in 2014. Founder of Headscratchers , author Michael Kallet has helped business leaders solve problems for more than 30 years. In this book, he provides 25 tools to help you ask the right questions, avoid errors, and think more critically in any dilemma. Ample exercises train your brain to reach solutions and solve problems with innovation and clarity.

Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything

By Charles Conn and Robert McLean

Are you ready for logic trees? Those of you who have used them for problem-solving may have just cringed. That’s because many of us have used them without knowing how. In Bulletproof Problem Solving , authors Conn and McLean provide clarity through a simple, seven step method. Learn more effective brainstorming practices and how to overcome biases . Plus, they’ll show you how to turn your outcomes into a great story. With 30 detailed case studies, you’ll learn how to effectively solve problems from the micro all the way to global leadership.

Photo by @Asheesh/Twenty20

Bryan Lindenberger

Bryan enjoys the digital space where arts and technology meet. As a writer, he has worked in education, health and wellbeing, and manufacturing. He also assists smaller businesses in web development including accessibility and content development. In his free time, he hikes trails in central Florida.

5473 Blair Road, Suite 100 PMB 30053 Dallas, TX 75231

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Solve It!: The Mindset and Tools of Smart Problem Solvers Paperback – November 15, 2021

Apply the strategies and tools of smart problem solving—and succeed in work and life!

• Gain insights into the surprising findings of the science of problem solving
• Develop a problem-solving mindset
• Use a powerful 5-step approach to solve even the toughest problems
• Be inspired by stories of highly successful problem solvers
• Learn from expert problem solvers like scientists, doctors, designers, coaches and highly paid management consultants
• Apply practical problem-solving and decision-making tools right away
• Print length 154 pages
• Language English
• Publication date November 15, 2021
• Dimensions 6.14 x 0.39 x 9.21 inches
• ISBN-10 3903386030
• ISBN-13 978-3903386037
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

"I found Solve It! to be a practically useful, thought provoking and uplifting 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

"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

"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, ESCP Business School, Paris

About the Author

Product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ econcise (November 15, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 154 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 3903386030
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-3903386037
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.14 x 0.39 x 9.21 inches
• #438 in Business Decision Making
• #760 in Decision-Making & Problem Solving
• #806 in Cognitive Psychology (Books)

About the author

Dietmar sternad.

Dr Dietmar Sternad is a passionate management educator. He aims to create highly engaging learning experiences and learning materials that help his students and other people to become better leaders who can make a difference in the world.

Dietmar is a Professor of International Management at CUAS/FH Kärnten (Austria) and has extensive experience as a CEO of publishing companies as well as in teaching, consulting, and coaching top managers. He holds degrees from universities in Austria, Slovenia, and the UK, is an alumnus of the GLOCOLL (Harvard Business School) and IMTA (CEEMAN) management teachers programs and has received several national and international awards (e.g. from the Academy of Management or the Austrian State Prize for Teaching Excellence).

Dietmar is also the founder and CEO of econcise, an internationally active publisher of concise, approachable, and affordable management and leadership textbooks and ebooks.

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The 17 Best Books on Critical Thinking (to Read in 2024)

All products were independently selected by our editors and contributors. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The aim of improving your skill of critical thinking isn’t just to be able to reason and give logical arguments about a subject skillfully; your goal is to get to the right answer, to make the right decisions and choices for yourself and others.

Critical thinking helps you:

First , improve the quality of your decisions and judgments, and reevaluate your beliefs objectively.

The human mind is rarely objective. However, mastering the skill of critical thinking keeps your mind objective, at least about those things based on facts.

Take for example the beliefs you have about yourself; Some are based on facts, some on subjective (negative) opinions of others.

Second , become an independent thinker (learn to think for yourself); take ownership of your values, beliefs, judgments, and decisions.

Mastering critical thinking is essential , especially in our modern times, because you must:

• Make a tone of decisions every day;
• Think and come to the right conclusion fast;
• Solve (mostly alone) your problems and issues;
• Weigh carefully facts and information you receive from the dozens of sources you have at your disposal;
• Reevaluate your strategies, beliefs, and habits periodically.

Critical thinking is a skill that you must learn; you’re not born with it. To make your journey a little easier, we’ve gathered the best critical thinking books so you can learn from the masters. Get inspired to become a critical thinker in no time!

The best books on critical thinking:

Table of Contents

1. Critical Thinking: A Beginner’s Guide to Critical Thinking, Better Decision Making, and Problem Solving – Jennifer Wilson

2. wait, what: and life’s other essential questions- james e. ryan, 3. think smarter: critical thinking to improve problem-solving and decision-making skills – michael kallet, 4. brain power: learn to improve your thinking skills – karl albrecht, 5. the art of thinking clearly – rolf dobelli, 6. being logical: a guide to good thinking – d.q. mcinerny, 7. predictably irrational, revised and expanded edition: the hidden forces that shape our decisions – dr. dan ariely, 8. a more beautiful question: the power of inquiry to spark breakthrough ideas – warren berger, 9. a rulebook for arguments – anthony weston, 10. thinking, fast and slow – daniel kahneman, 11. the organized mind: thinking straight in the age of information overload – daniel j. levitin, 12. don’t believe everything you think: the 6 basic mistakes we make in thinking – thomas e. kida, 13. the decision book: 50 models for strategic thinking – mikael krogerus, roman tschäppeler, philip earnhart, jenny piening, 14. weaponized lies: how to think critically in the post-truth era – daniel j. levitin, 15. the demon-haunted world: science as a candle in the dark paperback – carl sagan, ann druyan, 16. how to think about weird things: critical thinking for a new age – theodore schick, lewis vaughn, 17. the 5 elements of effective thinking – edward b. burger, michael starbird.

As the title says, this book introduces you to the art of critical thinking. You’ll discover in it:

• What is critical thinking in practice,
• The different thought processes of critical thinking,
• How will your life be better mastering critical thinking,
• The things your brain needs to enjoy exercising critical thinking,
• Techniques you can use for solving problems,
• How to become a better decision maker, Strategies to use in your critical thinking processes,
• Ways to make good decisions when more people (not just you) are involved,
• Tips to frame your questions in order to maximize the efficiency of your critical thinking.

Wisdom comes from observation, learning, practice, and asking the right questions.

Using examples from history, politics, and his own personal life, James e Ryan shows you the importance of knowing how to:

• Ask questions and gain a better understanding,
• Get to be more curious,
• Push yourself to take action,
• Make your relationship stronger,
• And stay focused on the important things in life.

Related:  Critical Thinking Examples

The book starts with the five fundamental questions:

• Couldn’t we at least…?
• How can I help…?
• What truly matters….?

Knowing how to formulate, address, and deliver the right questions doesn’t leave room for misunderstandings, misinterpretations; asking the wrong questions will most probably give you a wrong answer.

This book (Wait, What?: And Life’s Other Essential Questions) will make you feel (more) courageous; after all, asking questions thanks courage. Asking yourself and others the right questions helps you make informed decisions and decisive action.

This book is a guide on how to train your brain to work even more for you. The author (Michael Kallet) is a critical thinking trainer and coach and gives you a practical set of tools and techniques for critical thinking in your day-to-day life and business.

If you want a clear, actionable step by step program to:

• Improve your critical thinking skills,
• A better understanding of complex problems and concepts,
• And how to put them in practice, then this book is for you.

Learn how to discover the real issues that need a solution, so you don’t waste your time in trying to solve imaginary problems. Increase your mental toughness, useful and productive thought.

In this book, Karl Albrecht shows you how to:

• Build your mental strength,
• Think more clearly logically and creative,
• Improve your memory,
• Solve problems,
• Make decisions more effectively.

Karl Albrecht talks in this book about the six functional abilities you need to have and become more adaptable and an innovative thinker.

The book is packed with practical exercises, fascinating illustrations, games, and puzzles to improve your mental capabilities.

The art of thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli is a window into human psychology and reasoning; how we:

• Make decisions;
• Evaluate choices and options;
• Develop cognitive biases.

This book helps you notice and recognize erroneous thinking and make better choices and decisions, change unwanted behaviors and habits.

It will change the way you think about yourself and life in general because you have in this book 99 short chapters with examples of the most common errors of judgment and how to rectify them.

If you wish to think more clearly, make better decisions and choices, reevaluate your biases, and feel better about yourself, this book is for you.

When you decide you want to study the field of logic more closely and improve your critical thinking, this book might be exactly what you need. It’s written clearly and concisely laying out for you the basic building blocks of logic and critical thinking.

The ancient civilizations understood better than us how important is to study logic and rhetoric. With the help of this book, you’ll bring back into your life these essential things that our modern society forgot and missed to teach you as a child.

Having increased logical thinking doesn’t mean to ignore your emotions. It means to start from your emotions and together, (emotions and logic) to take better decisions and see more clearly your choices to move forward in life.

“Predictably Irrational, The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions” is a book packed with examples of how:

• Irrational are our choices;
• We make decisions on impulse;
• We fool ourselves with optimism- “that must work for me.”

The author presents you, in this book, a large number of mental traps and flawed tendencies which can make your life harder.

After reading this book, you’ll be better informed about a variety of human flaws and how to avoid being trapped by irrational thinking. You’ll be better prepared to make decisions and choices based more on facts rather than subjective personal opinions.

Knowing how to ask the right questions is determining your success about many things in your life:

• Influencing others,
• Getting out of tricky situations,
• Reevaluating your beliefs,
• Offering yourself and others compassion,
• Overcoming mistakes and fears.

Warren Berger shows you in this book examples of people who are successful (partially) because they are experts in asking questions and don’t have preconceived ideas about what the answers should be.

This book helps you avoid wasting your innovative and brilliant ideas by presenting them in the same way over and over and getting nowhere over and over.

Asking yourself (and others) the right questions gives you the opportunity to display your ideas in a way that those around you feel compelled to listen.

This book is impressive because, Anthony Weston gives you a lot of excellent and practical advice, ordered in a logical and clear manner.

The examples in this book are realistic and useful, ranging from deductive to oral arguments, from argumentative essays to arguments by analogy.

Once you read this book you’ll want to have it on hand to sort out all sorts of situations you’ll encounter in your day-to-day life.

Daniel Kahneman, the author of this book, is a renowned psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in economics.

In this book, you will discover where you can and cannot trust your intuition; how to use the two systems that drive the way you think.

The first system is fast, intuitive, and emotional; the second system is slower, based on facts, and more logical.

The author argues that knowing how to use these two systems can make a huge difference in how you:

• Design your strategies,
• Predict consequences,
• Avoid cognitive biases,
• (and even simple things like) choosing the colors for your home office.

If you want to improve your critical thinking, know when you should use logic (instead of using emotions), and become mentally stronger this book is definitely for you.

Critical thinking can’t be created in a cluttered mind. It’s like trying to prepare a gourmet meal for your loved ones in a cramped and dysfunctional kitchen.

As if is not enough all the information you store in your mind from what you personally experience every day, our modern times forcefully adds to that information a lot of junk.

The book “The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload” by Daniel J. Levitin will help you sort out and organized your thoughts with the help of the four components in the human attentional system:

• Mind wandering mode;
• Central executive mode;
• Attentional filter;
• Attentional switch.

The book is showing you how you can improve your critical thinking and make better decisions concerning many areas of your life.

This book can (really) change your life if you’re dealing with procrastination, multitasking, the inability to switch off and block the outside world.

All in all, you’ll be better prepared to think straight in the age of information overload.

Thomas E. Kida talks in this book very elegantly about the six basic mistakes your thinking can make.

• The first mistake is being mesmerized by stories and ignoring the facts or statistics.
• The second mistake is searching to confirm what we already know or believe.
• The third mistake is to discount the role that chance and coincidence play in our life.
• The fourth mistake is believing that what you see it’s always the reality.
• The fifth mistake is to oversimplify things.
• The sixth mistake is to believe (trust) faulty memories.

This book can be for you an eye-opener into critical thinking, accepting who you are as you are, and improving the way you choose and make decisions.

Did you know you have a strategy for everything you do? From brushing your teeth to making new friends? From choosing a career to dealing with difficult people?

Considering you have a strategy for everything you do, it’s only logical the try to improve every day the way you develop your strategies and don’t leave it to chance, habit, or convenience.

“The Decision Book: 50 Models for Strategic Thinking” can improve your critical thinking and help you make your life easier and more enjoyable.

This book is interactive and provokes you to think about some of the strategies that don’t bring you the results you want.

It contains 58 illustrations offering summaries for known strategies such as the Rubber Band Model, the Personal Performance Model, and the Black Swan Model.

This book is for you if you want to improve the flexibility of your thinking, accept challenges more comfortable, feel more in control of your decisions and choices.

From this book, by Daniel Levitin, you’ll learn how to think critically and avoid being manipulated by things like misleading statistics and graphics, extreme view, or fake news.

The book contains three main sections:

• Evaluating numbers – how to read statistics and data to find out what lurks underneath and make a more objective analysis
• Evaluating words – how to assess the information you receive from experts, understanding the difference between incidence and prevalence, risk perceptions, and probabilistic thinking
• Evaluating the world – how to interpret scientific methods for different types of reasoning (induction, deduction, abduction)

This book will help you improve your critical thinking providing you with a lot of food for thought.

You know how in a criminal trial they call two experts that have divergent opinions on the same facts? Depending on whose side they are? This book teaches you to see the truth.

Although written in the 1990s, this bestseller book is still relevant in today’s society.

With both intelligence and compassion, Carl Sagan lays out the importance of education, logic, and science. This book will show you a ton of practical skills for assessing arguments, recognizing logical fallacies, and applying the scientific method.

Sagan felt that reason and logic could make the world a better place.

This book contains invaluable instructions on logic and reason using critical thinking, without being dull or difficult to understand.

Schick and Vaughn effectively laid out the key elements on how to assess evidence, sort through reasons, and recognize when a claim is likely to be accurate, making this book an absolute must-read for all students.

If you want to be better at decision-making based on sound evidence and argument, then this book is for you.

If you ever found yourself stuck on a problem, or having trouble in forming new ideas, this book will guide you in finding creative solutions to life’s difficult challenges.

This book emphasizes the value of effective thinking, how it can be mastered, and how to integrate it into everyday life.

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8 Best Problem Solving Books of All Time

Our goal : Find the best Problem Solving books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).

• Type "best problem solving books" into our search engine and study the top 5+ pages.
• Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
• Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊 (It was a lot of work. But hey! That's why we're here, right?)

(Updated 2024)

As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from purchases made through links in this page.

Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

• Best Problem Solving Books

Problem Solving 101

A simple book for smart people.

Ken Watanabe

Seeking Wisdom

From darwin to munger.

Peter Bevelin

How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days

The Art of Thinking Clearly

Rolf Dobelli

Think Smarter

Critical thinking to improve problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Michael Kallet

How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes

Maria Konnikova

Cracked It!

How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants.

Bernard Garrette

Bulletproof Problem Solving

The one skill that changes everything.

Charles Conn

• The 5 Best Books on Problem Solving (in 2022) - TES www.theexceptionalskills.com
• Our Top 5 Books On Problem Solving — 42courses.com blog.42courses.com
• The 11 Best Problem Solving Books For 2021 www.zerotoskill.com
• 9 Problem-Solving Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read | SUCCESS www.success.com
• 12 Best Problem Solving Books to Read in 2022 teambuilding.com

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A subreddit for all questions related to programming in any language.

is there a book about programming that focuses on "problem-solving" rather than syntax?

well, I have tried to learn programming multiple times and I've failed every single time. but I truly love computers and programming and this is not enough to stop me lol!

what I think is the reason is that every course that I took focused mainly on the syntax of the language (like how a for loop is defined or how to create a function) and no one really talked about how to solve problems, how to create an algorithm that actually does something, etc.

so my question is: is there any book, article, course, or whatever that teaches "thinking like a programmer or problem solver" without paying attention to the language that is being used?

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How did Raygun qualify for the Olympics? Is she really the best Australia has to offer?

By Mawunyo Gbogbo

ABC Entertainment

Topic: Olympic Games

Rachael "Raygun" Gunn did not score a single point at the Paris Olympics. ( Getty Images: Elsa )

Since Australian breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn failed to score a single point in any of her Olympic bouts, many have asked how she qualified for the Games.

Fellow breaker and anthropologist Lucas Marie says she won her qualification "fair and square" last year, but African American man Malik Dixon has criticised the Olympic body for letting her in.

What's next?

Breaking will not be an event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games — a decision made before Raygun's performance.

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked breaking's debut as a sport at the global event, with 36-year-old lecturer and breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn representing Australia for the first time.

Having failed to win a single point in any of her Olympic bouts, Raygun quickly became a viral sensation.

The question on many people's minds now is: How did she even qualify?

Lucas Marie is a breaker who has competed, performed, taught and judged breaking competitions over the past 25 years. He's also an anthropologist who recently co-authored an article with Gunn.

He says the answer to that question is simple.

Lucas Marie recently co-authored an article with Raygun. ( Supplied )

"There was an Oceania qualifier in which any B-boy or B-girl from Australia [or] New Zealand could enter, and that was in Sydney in October 2023," he told ABC News.

"And leading up to that, there were a lot of other events in which breakers were competing.

"She won those battles fair and square and won the qualification in Sydney.

"And it wasn't really a surprise to anyone. 

"She's been fairly consistent, winning or coming second or third at a lot of breaking events in Australia for the last five to 10 years."

Marie said there was nothing out of the ordinary about Raygun's performance.

"It's not like gymnastics where there's this kind of agreed-upon standard," he said.

"It's always had a rawness to it. It's always had an improvisational kind of quality. And I think looking different and trying different stuff has always been celebrated.

"And I think Raygun, in a way, was just expressing a core kind of hip hop trait in a way a lot of breakers do."

He described her efforts as bold.

"I thought — and this is how I judge a lot of breaking events — I thought, 'Oh, she's making some really interesting choices to mimic Australian animals.' And you can kind of see the choices that she's making in the moment."

Is she the best Australia has to offer?

Team Australia chef de mission Anna Meares insisted after Raygun's performance that she was the best breaker the country had to offer. But is this true?

Lucas Marie has competed, performed, taught and judged breaking competitions for more than 25 years. ( Supplied: momentsby.naz )

"It's sometimes just who's performing better on the day," Marie said.

"And at the qualification event in which she won, and other events in which she's won, she performed better on that day and won the ticket.

"That doesn't mean she's the best. It doesn't really work like that.

"I think she's a great breaker. She won the qualification. She's won other events in the past, and she was a good representative for Australia at that competition."

Asked whether there were B-girls in Perth, regional Victoria or rural Brisbane who might have qualified but could not afford to travel to Sydney for the tryouts, Marie agreed this was possible.

"Of course, there's breakers all over the country that maybe should have been in that event, but they weren't."

Breaking will not carry over to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, a decision made before Raygun's battle.

Marie described this as sad.

"Maybe, based on the ratings, they'll reassess that and maybe allocate some medals to breaking," he said.

"I really hope that's the case, and I hope that for other breakers who want to compete in it as a dance sport."

Marie said that at the end of the day people should remember they were dealing with a human.

"As a friend of Rachael's, there's a human being who's getting a lot of negative attention," he said.

"I think people kind of miss that sometimes and forget the human aspect of all this."

'Toying with the culture'

Malik Dixon is an African American who has been living in Australia for more than a decade and is a Sydney University graduate.

He said Raygun made a total "mockery" out of breaking at the Olympics.

Malik Dixon says too many people feel entitled to African American culture. ( Supplied )

"She was dressed like a member of the cricket team or an Australian PE teacher, and from that point it just seemed like satire," Mr Dixon told ABC News.

"It just looked like somebody who was toying with the culture and didn't know how culturally significant it was being the first time in the Olympics and just how important it was to people who really cherish hip hop and one of the elements of hip hop, which is breakdancing.

"It made me think, was Borat her breakdancing coach?"

Mr Dixon said too many people felt entitled to African American culture.

"The African American space has been one where we've shared our community so much and without any restraints, any barriers, roadblocks, obstacles, any gatekeepers, that essentially what should have been African American cultural capital is just shared, which is cool," he said. 

"We like to share, right? 

"We shared 400 years of free labour.

"To see Rachael in her attempt to be a part of the culture just be grossly underwhelming made it seem like she didn't take it seriously."

Olympics body criticised for Raygun qualification

Mr Dixon criticised the body that qualified Raygun, saying she devalued breaking with her performance.

"Whatever governing body nominated her as Australia's entrant into the Olympics either did not understand the assignment or didn't really believe in the integrity or significance of breakdancing, because if they did they would just say, rather than disrespect the culture, we're just not ready to send an applicant this year."

He said Raygun was extremely audacious and not self-aware.

"You've got to know your role, know your position, know your limitation," he said. 

"And I think that part of privilege is saying that there are no limits to what I can do. 

"Part of privilege is having the authority to say that there are no limits and there are no requirements, there are no prerequisites to what I can do."

Raygun's degrees do not hold much water with Mr Dixon.

"Due to consumerism, this Foundational Black American product, which is hip hop, is global," he said.

"And even people who have no connection to any African Americans or any local or regional things that come out in these songs, they have become a part of the whole experience now.

"If I came in and said that I was an authority on Greek music and I was going against the grain of what the mainstream Greek musicians thought, or the school of thought, and I've said that I was the authority, people would check me on that.

"If I had a PhD in sprinting, does that qualify me to go against Noah Lyles? No, it doesn't."

He also doubts Raygun was the best breaker Australia had to offer.

"[There's] got to be somebody out here that's better than that! The kangaroo! The sprinkler! She did the sprinkler out there, man!" he said.

Should everybody just lighten up?

Should we lighten up? Mr Dixon does not believe so.

"Larrikinism is used as a get-out-of-jail-free card and to escape responsibility of how words or actions impact a hurt person," he said.

"But when the majority culture is offended, there's no playing around.

"This is a part of my culture, and I don't think Australians are in a place to tell me how I should feel about breakdancing being mocked on an international stage.

"People who don't have any or limited access to black people or hip hop culture now may see Rachael and her buffoonery as a representation of hip hop and black culture.

"People who were already side-eyeing breakdancing as an Olympic sport, Rachael Gunn has put the nail in that coffin.

"This might be the most viral clip of the whole Olympics. From a comedy standpoint, she's got it, but from an Olympics perspective, its regressive."