Cracked it!: How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants

Cracked It! provides methods and insights from the consulting industry on strategy, decision-making and problem-solving. The focus of the book is on complex business problem-solving, utilizing what the authors call the “4S” method (State – Structure – Solve – Sell), which is decomposed and explained step by step and applied to an abundance of real-world and fictitious examples. Common pitfalls to avoid, tips, frameworks and a variety of other tools are provided throughout the book to assist in the problem-solving process. The reading is enjoyable and easy to understand. It may feel lengthy at times, especially for the number of examples, some of which, in my opinion, could have been omitted or shortened without compromising the core content. As a preamble to the 4S Method, the authors introduce some of the most common errors made by problem-solvers. A highlight from this section is the emphasis on defining (stating) the problem correctly. This resonated with me as business problems are often abstract and highly complex, and a flawed understanding of the problem can lead people to fall for solution confirmation – in other words, starting from potential solutions rather than beginning with the problem. By utilizing the TOSCA framework proposed in the book, problem-solvers identify the Trouble, Owner, Success Criteria, Constraints and Actors to structure a core question that serves as the problem statement, which helps avoid the common pitfalls of problem definition. The 4S Method that the authors propose is derived from the Problem-Solving Approach of Consulting but identifies and overcomes some of its limitations to make it more fungible for a broader range of problems. The steps look simple at first, but the authors elaborate deeply into each one, and the number of frameworks, tools, criteria, and advice becomes a little overwhelming for a quick read. It is definitely a method worth studying, but I found it needs to be taken in by parts to be fully grasped. I really like that it incorporates the “Selling” of the solution as one of the steps of the process since this is often overlooked by other problem-solving methods. Selling the solution persuasively and effectively is as important (or maybe more) as finding the right solution, and the authors dedicate a full two chapters to how this can be accomplished. It's true that every problem is different, but I believe the book does not fully address which cases to use problem-structuring approaches (hypothesis-driven or issue-driven) and this idea remains a bit vague after reading. The Design Thinking approach is clearer in terms of when to use, as the book provides a checklist of questions to determine whether it should be utilized or not. Learning about Design Thinking was another major takeaway from this book, as it applies to problems that are human-centered, overly abstract or ill-defined and that require the use of empathy and “user” perspective to be understood. Even though this book isn’t perfect, it has many valuable lessons and advice on problem-solving strategies for business problems and beyond. The application and demonstration of the concepts are very good and while some of the content may extend longer than desired, the book is certainly worth the read.

This book provides both a methodical and multi-track approach in problem solving and decision making. I found the chapters on stating and structuring the problem very practical and useful. In the problem statement phase, it suggests three different routes (depending on the facts and data available) to arrive at a practicable and well-formed problem definition. Time spent reading is worth it. Highly recommended!!!

A very good book on problem solving. The authors presented a structured framework for defining a problem, analyzing a problem, and ideating a solution. They also shared tips on presenting the solution to stakeholders. I find this book extremely useful. It is written in a slightly textbook like manner, which makes me feel a little dry at times. Nevertheless, highly recommended read. I wish I read this earlier!

If you're a consultant or planning to get into the industry, don't take another step without reading this book. How to address big as well as smaller business problems is all here. It's been enlightening and a book I can always go back to and find new approaches to addressing any business issue I have to face, with the knowledge that I can get it done

A very good book, with a so easy to read structure. It is a good tool for consultants, advanced students and professionals of all areas. I enjoyed it a lot and, as a consulter and professor, I found a lot of resources to improve my work. I would like an advanced second part!

Though this book is not perfect, but it does deliver on complex problem solving. It provides a clear framework, structure and reasoning. Easy to understand case studies and real life examples. Very good diagrams indeed! Highly recommended to those who wants to consult, or just practice problem solving everyday in their life.

The writers have some great idea and systems for solving problems. But they are not great at making the explanation simple and clear.

Cómo profesor enseño problem solving en una prestigiosa universidad y este texto reúne mucho más de lo que esperaba. Además de la parte analítica, trae todo un segmento completo dedicado a la tarea creativa de soluciones y siempre, atentos a tips prácticos para comunicar y persuadir de los hallazgos de manera profesional y ética. Ya lo intuía y por ello anexaba ciertas materias. Sin embargo, y claramente, me quedo con las de este texto. En especial el aporte estructurado de creatividad y lo esencial de las presentaciones.

I have been searching for a guideline to improve my approach on problem solving, this is where I found this book. Within 13 chapters on a little more than 250 pages, the authors describe a structured way on how to crack down problems into sub problems / topics using different tools in analyzing, stating and structuring the issue(s) at hand. The second part of the book covers the „selling“ part of the solutions found, whereby „selling“ is not meant in a negative way, but how to present the findings to the recipient audience in a constructive, understandable way. This does not mean how to paint impressive power point (or any other presenting software), but how to set your presentation up („setting a storyline“ as the authors put it), a step which is more often overlooked than done in my experience. I really liked the way the book is structured, basically, the authors present a useful set of tools on how to improve your way in solving problems, especially in business life. The theories described are followed by examples, illustrations help not only to understand the information, but can also be used later in your business life. Each chapter is summarized on its last page as a „one pager“, which I also highly appreciate. Also the literature index gives a lot of helpful links which could be followed. For me, I'll add this book to my regular references in business life. Language is, despite the somehow „dry“ topic fluent and can be understood by non natives like me.

Contiene una descripción profunda y fácil de entender para resolver y comunicar los problemas. Es un buen libro para todo tipo de profesionales que quieran avanzar su carrera ayudando a empresas a solucionar múltiples tipos de problemas.

Practical - book provides structure and then follows up with examples to make it real Insightful- the frameworks help to structure thinking and execution for a case

Chegou bem antes do prazo, excelente.

I’ve just finished ‘Cracked It!’ by Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps and Olivier Sibony. I rate this book five stars and I’m so glad that I’ve added it to my collection. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving is the management skill era that we are in now and to get great insight into the processes of Consultants from organisations like McKinsey is amazing. Te book itself could be classified as a ‘readable textbook’ as each page is well structured, clear and informative and always on topic - it’s still like conversation, but technical. The book is centred around the 4S Model; State, Structure, Solve and Sell which outlines hypotheses driven problem solving, issue trees and design thinking in one of the best introductions to the foundations of problem solving I’ve come across. The guide to the Design Thinking process and it’s facilitation was so clear. It also uses the TOSCA model to support the 4S Model. I think this book is complimented by Bulletproof Problem Solving and I’ll be going back to both for reference.