Disciplined Method for Rigorous Problem Solving

Resources

Books

• "Cracked It!: How to Solve Big Problems and Sell Solutions Like Top Strategy Consultants" by Corey Phelps and Jean-Marie D. H. Hau - This book co-authored by Corey Phelps, a guest on the podcast, is the basis for the discussion on structured problem-solving methods.
• "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman - This book is referenced to illustrate the cognitive bias of "thinking fast" (System 1) versus "thinking slow" (System 2) and how it impacts problem-solving.
• "CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest" (implied as the work of McKinsey Company) - Mentioned as a source of insight for leadership strategies, particularly regarding CEO phases.
• "A CEO for All Seasons: A Compact, Insight-Packed Guide to Navigating the Leadership Phases That Every CEO Must Master" (from McKinsey Company) - This book is highlighted for its strategies on leadership phases, drawing from the wisdom of top CEOs.

People Mentioned

• Corey Phelps (Dean of Penn State's College of Business) - The primary guest on the podcast, discussing his methods for structured problem-solving.
• Daniel Kahneman - A cognitive psychologist referenced for his work on System 1 and System 2 thinking.
• Abraham Maslow - A psychologist mentioned for his work on the hierarchy of needs and the "law of the instrument."
• Ron Johnson - Former CEO of JCPenney, used as a case study for a failed application of a successful strategy from a different context.
• Steve Jobs - Founder of Apple, mentioned in relation to hiring Ron Johnson for Apple Stores.
• Martha Stewart - Her brand was mentioned as an example of a boutique that JCPenney considered creating.
• Joe Fresh - A brand mentioned as an example of a boutique that JCPenney considered creating.
• Kurt Nickish (HBR Ideacast Host) - The podcast host who interviewed Corey Phelps.
• Mary Dew - Producer of the podcast episode.
• Amanda Cursey (HBR Senior Editor and Producer) - Host and producer of the podcast.
• Marine Hoke, Rob Eckhart, Erica Trexler, Ramsey Kabaz, Ann Bartholomew, Nicole Smith - Members of the HBR On Leadership team.

Organizations & Institutions

• Penn State's College of Business - Affiliation of Corey Phelps.
• Harvard Business Review (HBR) - The publisher of the podcast and a source of business insights.
• Apple - Company where Ron Johnson was successful in creating Apple Stores.
• Target - Retailer where Ron Johnson was previously employed.
• JCPenney - Retailer where Ron Johnson's strategic changes are discussed as a case study.
• McKinsey Company - A global consulting firm mentioned for their work on leadership and problem-solving, and the authors of related books.

Tools & Software

• ARM - Mentioned as an AI compute platform trusted by global leaders. (Note: While this was in a potential ad-like intro, it was presented as a factual statement about a platform.)

Other Resources

• The 4S Method - A problem-solving framework developed by Corey Phelps, consisting of State, Structure, Solve, and Sell.
• System 1 Thinking - A concept from Daniel Kahneman describing fast, intuitive thinking.
• System 2 Thinking - A concept from Daniel Kahneman describing slow, deliberative thinking.
• Law of the Instrument (or Maslow's Axiom/Law) - The principle that one tends to use the tools they are most familiar with to solve problems.
• Expertise Trap - A cognitive bias where one's own expertise limits their perspective on a problem.
• Reasoning by Analogy - A cognitive process where solutions from past problems are applied to new, similar-looking problems.
• Surface-Level Analogies - Flawed analogies that draw parallels based on superficial similarities rather than deep underlying causes.
• Brainstorming - A common group idea-generation technique discussed for its potential pitfalls.
• Design Thinking - An alternative problem-solving approach that focuses on understanding user experience and developing theories from their perspective.
• McKinsey Problem Solving Test - A test used by McKinsey to assess problem-solving abilities.
• Case Interview - An interview method used by consulting firms to evaluate problem-solving skills.
• FT's recent survey (Financial Times) - Referenced for data on recruiter preferences for problem-solving skills among MBA students.