The Problem Solving Journey: Your Guide for Making Decisions and Getting Results [Paperback]

Chris Hoenig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 21, 2000

In an economy where knowledge is power, no one can expect to succeed without the ability to solve problems-to gather information, weigh options, make decisions, and take effective action. Drawing from his practical expertise in information management, Chris Hoenig offers a hands-on guide to the art and science of problem solving-featuring examples of successful problem solvers such as Colin Powell and Lou Gerstner, and leading organizations as diverse as VISA, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and NASA. Using a wide variety of diagnostics, self-assessment tools, and other interactive elements, Hoenig helps you identify your own problem-solving profile and navigate the six dimensions of the problem-solving journey, from "creating the mindset" to "delivering the results." For executives and entrepreneurs, front-line supervisors and project leaders, The Problem Solving Journey will be an indispensable resource.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

THE PROBLEM SOLVING JOURNEY

"Chris Hoenig's passion, experience and insight on problem solving have produced a gem of a book—a cut above everything in this field in terms of usefulness and originality. Whether you're a professional at work, or a concerned citizen at home, if you want to make something happen that matters in the world, this should be your guide." —Bill Bradley, former U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate

"Chris Hoenig's book is a survival guide for anyone who wants to live, learn and lead in the digital age." —Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, USC and author of Managing the Dream

"Hoenig's unblinking curiosity about the thinking process has produced one of the most original and useful business books of the year. What keeps us coming back to this serious and analytical work is his uncanny gift of making a quote or a vignette into a window—with something always happening on the other side that makes the elusive magic of problem solving a grand and systematic process." —Naomi Seligman, Founder, The Research Board "Chris Hoenig has cracked the code on how professionals can solve problems faster, cheaper and better, using technology as an ally rather than a crutch. This book not only changes the way we navigate complex problems, it changes how we think about navigating those problems." —Tim McClure, Co-founder, GSD&M Advertising

"One doesn't usually describe a professional book as a ‘page-turner,’ but that fittingly describes Chris Hoenig's The Problem Solving Journey. The adventure of reading it is as rewarding as the ultimate destination, a comprehensive insight into and understanding of what it takes to optimize your problem-solving skills. It's as much a guide book for life as it is an instruction manual for professional success." —Dr. Alan B. Salisbury, former Chairman of Learning Tree International USA, Inc, and COO of the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corp. (MCC)

"Problem solving is the key to managing in the information age yet, until this book, no one had provided the roadmap to becoming a world class problem solver. Hoenig's book maps out this route and offers numerous valuable tools in a lively and engaging format that draws the reader into the minds of great problem solvers—revealing what you can learn from them and apply in your own work. This book is indispensable to anyone who aspires to be a leader in the new economy." —Donald Gips, Group Vice-President, Global Marketing & Sales, Level 3 Communications

"The Problem Solving Journey combines the best from the fields of leadership, managerial decision making, problem solving, and knowledge management. Hoenig's six problem solving ‘personalities’ will frame these fields and the very nature of professional work for years to come." —Guilbert Hentschke, Professor of Education and Management, Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California

"From the challenge to the complete solution, this seminal work on problem solving is a ‘must- read’ for all senior executives and those aspiring to be. Certain to become a graduate level text/reference book, it should also be every project manager's bible. Chris Hoenig has captured and blended the art, science, discipline and psychology of problem solving in a unique and thoroughly credible, and easily understood guide, applicable to any-sized problem—the bigger the better. Breaking the process into six basic and logical elements, he beautifully defines and explains them using highly topical, interesting and relevant real cases, leaving little or nothing to the imagination. If I were a CEO, I would have a copy in the hands of all my senior staff!" —Major General Don Lasher (ret), and former Chief Information Officer, USAA

"For journalists, executives, teachers and all professionals, this book is an entertaining and accessible guide to problem solving. Chris Hoenig outlines six essential ‘skills,’ mapping a clear path through the process. The book offers the reader both inspirational and practical tools to achieve personal and professional goals." —Roberta Oster Sachs, Emmy award-winning network news producer

"This is the best business book since In Search of Excellence. Instead of telling the ‘what’ stories of great companies, Hoenig explains the ‘how’ behind great problem solvers. The result is a timeless recipe for business success that is a must-read for everyone from Fortune 100 CEOs to Web entrepreneurs." —Tom Melcher, former Executive Vice-President for Strategic Development at CNET and currently CEO of There, Inc.

"Having the right knowledge is vital to survival in the age of information overload. Hoenig provides the precisely tailored, high value knowledge we all need to get ahead and stay ahead." —James Adams, CEO of IDefense, Inc.

About the Author

Christopher Hoenig is Chairman and CEO of Exolve, Inc., a software products and consulting firm. Formerly Director of Information Management and Technology Issues at the General Accounting Office, a consultant with McKinsey & Co., and a successful entrepreneur, he works with a wide variety of organizations in the public, non-profit, and private sectors. He also writes and presents frequently on issues of problem solving, leadership, and technology. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Product Details

• Paperback: 283 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (November 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738202800
• ISBN-13: 978-0738202808
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,402,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You were expecting maybe a map?, January 24, 2001

By 

James Fee (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Problem Solving Journey: Your Guide for Making Decisions and Getting Results (Paperback)

As an unsigned supporter of the Cluetrain Manifesto I am enthusiastic and amazed at the power of the internet to open the conversation which is our human condition. Somehow, though, anonymity undermines the verisimilitude of opinions expressed. I feel this is the case in some of the reviews of this fine book. I can understand a reader not 'getting' the message because it is a difficult one. If someone picks this book up expecting to be given a recipe to achieve an immediate, concrete solution they will be unsatisfied just as someone looking for God will be disappointed not to find Him/Her in church. What Chris Hoenig has labored so successfully to accomplish is to to draft a process by which a person can develop the insight and awareness to use all the tools and resources available to bring to bear on obstacles (problems). A powerful and energized imagination is critical to this path. Were you really expecting a map?

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars See You On The Journey!, January 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Problem Solving Journey: Your Guide for Making Decisions and Getting Results (Paperback)

What a terrific read! Unlike so many "business" books, The Problem Solving Journey offers detailed and inspiring examples that make the author's approach really come alive. Hoenig's breakdown of the problem-solving personalities and their corresponding problem-solving essentials are easy to grasp. I couldn't help but think about the various colleagues I've teamed with while reading the descriptions. Hoenig nails them. And the book offers clear insights into why some teams aren't so productive or successful, despite the good people involved -- too many Discoverers, not any Performers or Playmakers, etc. Read this book. But, also, go to the author's company Web site and take the online problem-solving personality assessment. Great stuff. I look forward to running into Chris Hoening on my personal problem-solving journey.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Essence of Leadership in today's Economy, May 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Problem Solving Journey: Your Guide for Making Decisions and Getting Results (Paperback)

Not many authors take the trouble to look at the best problem solving approaches from business, science, art, government, engineering, medicine and other disciplines -- exploring the commonalities and distilling the common elements in how great problem solvers think, work and communicate. The key principles are illustrated with brief, compelling stories, which give the reader not only practical advice but an enjoyable way to think about how to apply it. This is one for the bookshelf of anyone who is interested in improving the way they get things done.