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

Cracked It! presents a systematic problem-solving methodology developed through decades of experience at top strategy consulting firms. The book breaks down complex business challenges into manageable components while providing practical frameworks and real-world examples. The authors lay out a structured approach called SCAN that guides readers through the key phases of problem diagnosis, analysis, and solution development. This method incorporates techniques from design thinking, decision science, and hypothesis-driven consulting to create a comprehensive toolkit for tackling business problems. Through case studies spanning industries and scenarios, the book demonstrates how consultants identify root causes, test assumptions, and build compelling recommendations. The methodology emphasizes both analytical rigor and the human aspects of problem-solving, including team dynamics and stakeholder management. The work stands as a bridge between academic decision theory and practical business problem-solving, offering insights into how professional consultants approach and resolve complex challenges. Its frameworks provide a foundation for more structured thinking that can be applied across business contexts.

Readers value the clear problem-solving framework and practical examples drawn from consulting experience. Many note the IDEA method (Investigate, Design, Execute, Adjust) provides a structured approach to complex problems. Positive feedback: - Step-by-step tools and techniques that can be applied immediately - Real business cases that demonstrate concepts - Strong focus on avoiding common problem-solving biases - Visual frameworks and diagrams aid understanding Common criticisms: - Too focused on consulting/business context vs. broader applications - Some examples feel oversimplified - Writing style can be dry and academic - Limited coverage of implementation challenges Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (150+ ratings) One reader noted: "The book's strength is making consulting frameworks accessible to non-consultants." Another mentioned: "Could have used more examples outside of business strategy." The methodology resonates with business professionals but may be less relevant for general problem-solving applications.

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💡 Author Olivier Sibony spent 25 years as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he was a senior partner, giving him firsthand experience with the problem-solving methods he describes in the book. 🔍 The book's problem-solving framework, CRACKED, stands for: Create a frame, Reframe the problem, Analyze the problem, Come up with solutions, Keep refining, Execute and monitor, Decide and adapt. 🎓 The methodology taught in the book is used at leading business schools including HEC Paris, where Sibony teaches, and INSEAD, where co-author Bernard Garrette is a professor. 📊 The book draws from cognitive psychology research, particularly the work of Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, to explain why traditional brainstorming often fails and how to overcome common decision-making biases. 🌐 While the book's methods originated in strategy consulting, they have been successfully applied across various fields, from healthcare and education to technology startups and government policy-making.