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Propose solutions: When the root causes are identified, consultants propose solutions targeting them directly. A few notes when using this methodology Simon London: Hence, these are absolutely critical steps. If you don’t do this well, you’ve just got a bunch of analysis. Simon London: Problem solving is a really interesting piece of terminology. It could mean so many different things. I have a son who’s a teenage climber. They talk about solving problems. Climbing is problem solving. Charles, when you talk about problem solving, what are you talking about? Last but not least, look for the best practice. Find out what the best performers in the field are doing and learn from them. On brainstorming: there are no bad ideas; no dumb questions; be prepared to kill your ideas; take notes.
Simon London: Now, is there a danger that your logic tree can be impossibly large? This, I think, brings us onto the third step in the process, which is that you have to prioritize. Covet your personal space (physical and mental) when on projects. It is easy to yield to all consuming work and then feel drained out.
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Start with some general and open-ended questions then move on to specific ones. Let the content flow naturally. You are looking for an intellectually stimulating and exhaustive book on strategy and consulting ideologies. The Lords of Strategy would be a better book for that. With both types, the number 1 option is to subtly trade them out of your realm. When that is not possible, the next best option is to play ignorant. Leak out information only with the right “secret audience”.
I recently took part in the Women Academy Initiative to organize training courses for women entrepreneurs in Vietnam. I was excited to support fellow women leaders in the country and help them think through a platform for their career development. Chapter 7: The Fact-Based Approach This chapter explains the importance of using data to support one’s arguments. It provides advice on how to gather and analyze data effectively, and how to present data in a way that is compelling and persuasive.Charles Conn: It can be revolutionary. There are some areas in which the pattern recognition of large data sets and good algorithms can help us see things that we otherwise couldn’t see. But I do think it’s terribly important we don’t think that this particular technique is a substitute for superb problem solving, starting with good problem definition. Many people use machine learning without understanding algorithms that themselves can have biases built into them. Just as 20 years ago, when we were doing statistical analysis, we knew that we needed good model definition, we still need a good understanding of our algorithms and really good problem definition before we launch off into big data sets and unknown algorithms. When faced with an amorphous situation, apply structure to it.”– Kristin Asleson, New York office, 1990-93; now working in Silicon Valley There are many tips on client management, but the general principle is to bring the client to your side. You never win by opposing the client. Remind them about mutual benefits. Do it everyday! So if you wanna save time and effort. Always try to find those 20% and act upon them! Tip 7: Don’t try to analyze everything Business problems often resemble each other more than they differ. With suitable techniques, you can apply what you and the firm learned from other projects. After all, one of the values consulting firms bring is to provide the “best practice”– what the top players in the game are doing
If you don’t take shortcuts, there is simply too much to do. Be selective. Find the key drivers. Focus on the core problem, then apply analysis. This helps avoid going down blind alleys and boiling the ocean. Tip 8: The Elevator Test What stays with me is the rigorous standard of information and analysis, the proving and double-proving of every recommendation, combined with the high standard of communication both to clients and within the Firm.”– Former associate in the Boston and New York offices When you spend more time at client location than with your peers it is very easy to lose sense of belonging. Don't forget it's the client>>firm>>you. If we add the leg, which is “What’s the asset base or investment element?”—so profit divided by assets—then we can ask the question “Is the business using its investments sensibly?” whether that’s in stores or in manufacturing or in transportation assets. I hope we can see just how simple this is, even though we’re describing it in words. Structure is the most important ingredient in consulting. It frees the mind to think in a logical manner, allows clarity of thought and clear communication of ideas. This is represented perfectly by how well the book has been organised. With each ‘part’ and chapter starting off with an introduction and executive summary. Each section beginning with an assertion, followed by reasons and facts. The book flows seamlessly, with each topic logically and effortlessly transitioning to the next.Stephen Keague, The Little Red Handbook of Public Speaking and Presenting Getting your Presentations Right Chapter 2: Thinking About Thinking — This chapter discusses the importance of critical thinking and the ability to challenge assumptions. It provides several techniques for improving one’s thinking skills, such as using analogies, questioning assumptions, and brainstorming. On making presentation: be structured; resist the temptation to tweak your presentation up to the last minute; keep it simple. Charles Conn: I love the way you’ve described that, because, again, some people think of problem solving as a linear thing, but of course what’s critical is that it’s iterative. As you say, you can solve the problem in one day or even one hour.
Someone needs to step up to the plate. Implementation is tough and requires a great deal of work. After delivering the solution, it’s vitally important to put specific people (within the organization receiving the consulting services) in charge of implementing the solutions. If there isn’t a person responsible for the changes required, chances are the changes will not be implemented efficiently, if they are implemented at all.Simon London: I am slightly torn about the nomenclature of problem solving because it’s on paper, right? Until you motivate people to action, you actually haven’t solved anything. Business problems often resemble each other more than they differ. With suitable techniques, you can apply what you and the firm learned from other projects. After all, one of the values consulting firms bring is to provide the “best practice” – what the top players in the game are doing Simon London: But they have to respect each other’s methodology and be prepared to flex, maybe, a little bit, in how this process is going to work. Chapter 4: The Problem-Solving Mindset — This chapter provides advice on how to approach problem-solving with the right mindset. It emphasizes the importance of being systematic, thorough, and creative in one’s approach to problem-solving.
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