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12 Best Problem Solving Books to Read in 2023

You found our list of top problem solving books .

Problem solving books are guides that improve critical thinking capability and the ability to resolve issues in the workplace. These works cover topics like bias and logical fallacies, problem prevention, and prioritizing. The purpose of these books is to help workers remain calm under pressure and come up with solutions more quickly.

These guides are similar to decision making books , negotiation books , and conflict resolution books . To improve competency in this area, one can also play problem solving games .

This list includes:

Here we go!

List of problem solving books

Here is a list of books to improve problem solving skills in the workplace.

1. Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving by Amy E Herman

Fixed is one of the most useful new books on problem solving. The book calls for problem solvers to look beyond instinctual and obvious answers and provides a framework for more creative thinking. While most folks think about problem solving in terms of logic, reason, and disciplines like math and science, this book shows the role that art and imagination play in the process. Amy Herman consulted on leadership training with Silicon Valley companies and military organizations and brings this expertise into the text to train readers on how to adopt a more innovative critical thinking approach.

Notable Quote: “Working through problems is critical for productivity, profit, and peace. Our problem-solving skills, however, have been short-circuited by our complicated, technology-reliant world.”

Read Fixed .

2. Cracked it!: How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants by Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps, and Olivier Sibony

Cracked it! is one of the best creative problem solving books. Drawing inspiration from the tactics of consultants, this guide is a practical playbook for approaching business problems. The authors outline a “4S” method– State – Structure – Solve – Sell– to tackle obstacles and get support from stakeholders. While many problem solving books simply focus on how to think through issues, this guide also demonstrates how to gain approval for ideas and get others onboard with the solution. The book explains how to best use these techniques, and presents case studies that show the theories in action. Cracked it! is a handy reference for any professional that faces tough challenges on the regular.

Notable Quote: “If you want to know how a lion hunts, don’t go to a zoo. Go to the jungle.”

Read Cracked it!

3. Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath

Upstream takes a proactive approach to problem solving. The book urges readers to not only be responsive to issues, but also try to prevent obstacles from occurring. The guide opens with an exploration of “problem blindness,” and the psychological factors that cause folks to be oblivious to issues, along with a reminder that many problems are more controllable and avoidable than first assumed. The pages that follow outline a series of questions leaders can ask to fine-tune the system and steer clear of major headaches, for instance, “How Will You Unite the Right People?” and “How Will You Avoid Doing Harm?” Upstream is full of real world examples of how minor tweaks achieved major results and allowed organizations to sidestep serious holdups.

Notable Quote: “The postmortem for a problem can be the preamble to a solution.”

Read Upstream .

4. Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe

Problem Solving 101 is one of the most fun problem solving books for adults. Written by legendary samurai actor Ken Watanabe, the guide draws on Japanese philosophy as well as the author’s experience as a consultant at McKinsey to help readers understand and approach problems in productive ways. The pages provide blueprints for problem-solving methods such as logic trees and matrixes, and include scenarios and illustrations that help readers visualize the process more clearly. Problem Solving 101 breaks down the problem solving procedure into the most basic parts and lays out step-by-step instructions for choosing the best action in any situation.

Notable Quote: “When you do take action, every result is an opportunity to reflect and learn valuable lessons. Even if what you take away from your assessment seems to be of small consequence, all of these small improvements taken together make a huge difference in the long term.”

Read Problem Solving 101 .

5. What’s Your Problem?: To Solve Your Toughest Problems, Change the Problems You Solve by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg

What’s Your Problem? insists that the most important step in the problem solving process is to start by honing in on the correct problem. The root of much frustration and wasted efforts is that professionals often pick the wrong points to focus on. This book teaches readers how to reframe and approach issues from a different perspective. The guide outlines a repeatable three step process “Frame, Reframe, and Move Forward” to ensure that workers prioritize effectively and stay on track to achieve desired results. What’s Your Problem? teaches professionals of all levels how to be less rigid and more results-focused and adopt a more agile approach to fixing issues.

Notable Quote: “The problems we’re trained on in school are often quite different from the ones we encounter in real life.”

Read What’s Your Problem?

6. Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, et al

Sprint is one of the best problem solving books for programmers. The authors are the creators of the five-day-process at Google. This guide describes best practices for conducting sprints and solving problems in limited timeframes. The book provides a day-by-day breakdown of tasks for each day of the workweek, with the final steps being designing a prototype and a plan for implementation. Though this idea originated in the tech world and is most widely used in the software industry, this problem-solving and product design approach can be useful for any position that needs to find fixes in a time crunch.

Notable Quote: “We’ve found that magic happens when we use big whiteboards to solve problems. As humans, our short-term memory is not all that good, but our spatial memory is awesome. A sprint room, plastered with notes, diagrams, printouts, and more, takes advantage of that spatial memory. The room itself becomes a sort of shared brain for the team.”

Read Sprint , and check out this guide to virtual hackathons and this list of product design books .

7. Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life by Ozan Varol

Think like a rocket scientist book cover

Think Like a Rocket Scientist lays out formulas and instructions for thinking more strategically. The guide reveals common problem solving approaches used by rocket scientists when exploring the unknown and testing new technology. The book is split into three sections– launch, accelerate, and achieve– with deep dives into concepts such as moonshot thinking and overcoming failure. The anecdotes revolve around space exploration and rocket science yet the methods can be applied to more commonplace and less complex problems as well. Think Like a Rocket Scientist proves that one does not need to be a genius to be a genius problem solver and lets readers learn tricks from one of the most complex professions on the planet.

Notable Quote: “Critical thinking and creativity don’t come naturally to us. We’re hesitant to think big, reluctant to dance with uncertainty, and afraid of failure. These were necessary during the Paleolithic Period, keeping us safe from poisonous foods and predators. But here in the information age, they’re bugs.”

Read Think Like a Rocket Scientist .

8. Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything by Charles Conn and Robert McLean

Bulletproof Problem Solving is one of the best business problem solving books. This workbook-style-guide breaks down a “bulletproof” method of problem solving favored by consultants at McKinsey. The authors distill the process into seven simple steps–define the problem, disaggregate, prioritize, workplan, analyze, synthesize, and communicate– and give numerous examples of how to follow this cycle with different dilemmas. The chapters explore each stage in depth and outline the importance and finer points of each phase. The book also provides practical tools for readers to build skills, including an appendix with exercise worksheets.

Notable Quote: “Problem solving doesn’t stop at the point of reaching conclusions from individual analyses. Findings have to be assembled into a logical structure to test validity and then synthesized in a way that convinces others that you have a good solution. Great team processes are also important at this stage.”

Read Bulletproof Problem Solving .

9. Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving by by V. Anton Spraul

Think Like a Programmer is one of the top problem solving books for programmers. The guide lays out methods for finding and fixing bugs and creating clean, workable code. The text emphasizes that programming is not merely a matter of being competent in the language, but also knowing how to troubleshoot and respond to unexpected occurrences. The chapters present examples of problems and puzzles and work through the answers to help strengthen professional competencies. The book provides an introductory crash course and practical toolkit for beginning coders, with a focus on C++. Yet since the text outlines general theory and approach, the book is also helpful for dealing with other programming languages, or for solving problems in non-tech industries as well. The point of the text is to provide a proper mindset and attitude for reacting to these developments, and the book can be a benefit for folks in any field.

Notable Quote: “Don’t Get Frustrated The final technique isn’t so much a technique, but a maxim: Don’t get frustrated. When you are frustrated, you won’t think as clearly, you won’t work as efficiently, and everything will take longer and seem harder. Even worse, frustration tends to feed on itself, so that what begins as mild irritation ends as outright anger.”

Read Think Like a Programmer .

10. The Founder’s Dilemmas: Anticipating and Avoiding the Pitfalls That Can Sink a Startup by by Noam Wasserman

The Founder’s Dilemmas lays out the most common problems entrepreneurs face and gives advice on how to avoid or solve these issues. The book tackles topics such as managing relationships, hiring, and rewarding or correcting employees. The chapters outline the mistakes inexperienced leaders often make and offer strategies for handling these tough situations with more smarts and skill. By reading this book, founders can learn from predecessors and avoid making obvious and avoidable errors in judgment. The Founder’s Dilemmas is a problem-solving resource for startup leaders and team members who lack more traditional guidance.

Notable Quote: “Ideas are cheap; execution is dear.”

Read The Founder’s Dilemmas , and check out more entrepreneurial books .

11. The Scout Mindset: Why Some People See Things Clearly and Others Don’t by Julia Galef

The Scout Mindset challenges readers to move beyond gut reactions and preconceptions and rethink problems. The book offers instructions for overcoming bias and central beliefs to gather more objective data. Julia Galef encourages readers to act more like scouts than soldiers and gather information without judging to make more informed decisions. The text outlines the common reasons folks jump to conclusions and offers advice on how to avoid incorrect assumptions and conduct level-headed analyses. The Scout Mindset is a call to action for objectivity and an instruction manual for breaking away from unhelpful mental patterns that can lead to poor choices.

Notable Quote: “Discovering you were wrong is an update, not a failure, and your worldview is a living document meant to be revised.”

Read The Scout Mindset .

12. Super Thinking: The Big Book of Mental Models by Gabriel Weinberg and Lauren McCann

Super Thinking is a comprehensive resource that explains various mental models for problem solving. The book identifies logical fallacies and shows readers how to avoid these pitfalls. The pages also lay out appropriate strategies, tools, techniques to use in different situations, such as matrices, pointed questions, and philosophies. The point of the guide is to teach readers how to evaluate information and make quick yet accurate judgements. The guide helps readers decide the best approach to use for each circumstance. Though packed with information, the pages also contain images and humor that prevent the material from getting too dry. Super Thinking is the ultimate cheat sheet for thinking rationally and acting with intention.

Notable Quote: “Unfortunately, people often make the mistake of doing way too much work before testing assumptions in the real world.”

Read Super Thinking .

Final Thoughts

Problem solving is one of the most essential skills for modern industry. With the breakneck pace at which the current business world changes, there is no shortage of new developments that professionals must contend with on a daily basis. Operating the same way for years at a time is impossible, and it is almost guaranteed that workers at every level will have issues to unravel at some point in their careers.

Books about problem solving help professionals predict, prevent, and overcome issues and find more viable and sustainable solutions. These guides not only provide skills, but also methods for survival in a highly competitive business landscape. These texts show workers that they are more capable than may first appear and that sometimes, seemingly insurmountable obstacles are beatable with a combination of creativity, teamwork, and proper process.

For more ways to beat the odds, check out this list of books on innovation and this list of books on business strategy .

We also have a list of the best communication books .

FAQ: Problem solving books

Here are answers to common questions about problem solving books.

What are problem solving books?

Problem solving books are guides that teach critical thinking skills and strategies for resolving issues. The purpose of these works is to help professionals be more creative and strategic in problem solving approaches.

What are some good problem solving books for work?

Some good problem solving books for work include Sprint by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, et al, Upstream by Dan Heath, and Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol.

Author: Angela Robinson

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The 5 Best Books on Problem Solving (in 2022)

If you are looking for the best books on problem-solving, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we will cover the top 5 books on problem-solving that you can use to help you solve problems faster, easier, and better. I have personally read each one and recommend them.

The 5 Best Books on Problem Solving

1. stop guessing: the 9 behaviors of great problem solvers by nat greene.

Top, best problem solving books - Stop Guessing cover

Stop Guessing teaches 9 main actions you need to take when solving problems. It doesn’t teach a problem-solving “method”, but steps you need to take to be able to solve the right problem and solve it well.

The 9 behaviors/actions are:

I personally enjoyed this book and found it very informative. If you aren’t necessarily looking for a method but the steps you need to take to solve problems more effectively, this book is for you.

You can get it on Amazon here .

(Note: The links for Amazon are affiliate links. Thanks!)

Read More: The 5 Best Books on Decision Making

2. Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills by Michael Kallet

Top, best problem solving books - Think Smarter cover

As the title says, Think Smarter is about using critical thinking to improve your problem-solving and decision-making .

What sometimes hurts us in our problem-solving is that we don’t really take the time to think critically. Kallet gives 3 main steps for solving problems and making a decision:

Conclusions

If you want to learn more about critical thinking when it comes to problem-solving and steps to take to really clarify your problem and come to better conclusions, and ultimately decisions, this is a good book for you.

Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe

Top, best problem solving books - Problem Solving 101 cover

Problem Solving 101 is a neat little book on problem-solving. It was originally meant for a younger audience, but it has taken widespread appeal to all ages for people who want to solve problems better.

In the book, through some simple examples, Watanabe teaches how to find the root cause, how to set and test hypotheses, how to make better choices, how to use a logic tree, and more.

If you want a simple, easy book on problem-solving for yourself and/or your kids, this one is for you.

The Thinker’s Toolkit: 14 Powerful Techniques for Problem Solving by Morgan D. Jones

Top, best problem solving books - The Thinker's Toolkit cover

In The Thinkers Toolkit , the author gives detailed information on methods you can use to solve problems better and make better decisions.

Too often we use “trial and error” to try to solve problems, and that is incredibly ineffective. Jones teaches about the errors we often have when solving problems, how our brain sometimes works against us, and 14 techniques we can use to solve our problems better.

If you want a detailed guide on how we often do it wrong and the different methods you can use to solve problems better, this book is for you.

You can get it on Amazon here.

Systematic Problem-Solving and Decision-Making by Sandy Pokras

Top, best problem solving books - Systematic problem solving and decision making cover

Systematic Problem-Solving and Decision-Making is an old book (published in 1989); however, it is still chock full of great information.

In the book, Pokras goes over, step by step, the steps you can take in your organization to solve problems.

She discusses not only the steps to do it but how to do it together as a group so that everyone is on board with what the problem is and how to solve it.

There are 6 main steps she recommends that she dives into:

Step 1: Problem recognition Step 2: Problem Labeling Step 3: Problem-Cause Analysis Step 4: Optional Solutions Step 5: Decision Making Step 6: Action Planning

If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on how to solve problems within an organization (and even by yourself), this book is a great resource.

Why Not?: How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big And Small by Barry Nalebuff and Ian Ayres

Top, best problem solving books - Why Not? cover

Why Not? is, as the title suggests, how to use everyday ingenuity to solve problems.

The authors dive into different methods and tools you can use to help solve problems, including:

You can get the book here on Amazon .

Which decision-making book will you choose?

We’ve covered 5…err..6 books on problem-solving. I personally have read each one and recommend them.

I’d also recommend checking out books on decision-making , as the topics are intertwined and related.

Now to you: What do you think? Have you read any of these? Are there any we are missing?

Book summary: eat that frog by brian tracy [with infographic].

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Aug 2 Our Top 5 Books On Problem Solving

Problems. Let’s face it, we all have them.

And we'd all like less of them.

Yet, we are never taught how to solve them effectively at school.

As a result, problem solving is a skill that is in high demand. Whether it’s in your current job or at home, your life is guaranteed to become a lot easier if you can get better at it.

The good news is it isn’t a talent limited to the lucky few.

It’s actually a skill and habit you can learn and here are five books to set you off on your merry way:

1. Problem Solving 101 by Ken Watanabe

Originally written to help Japanese school children learn how to be better problem solvers, this book ended up as the county’s best selling business book of 2007.

Watanabe uses three fun and simple-to-follow case studies to illustrate various practical tools and methods you can start using straight away. As its name implies, Problem Solving 101 is a short, easy read that offers a good introduction to the craft.

2. Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger by Peter Bevelin

Peter Bevelin has done us a great favour by gathering together the practical wisdom of some of the world’s greatest minds and putting it all in one book. It covers everything from the way our minds evolved to the psychology of misjudgement and how we can become better thinkers.

As well as trawling the history books for timeless insights from distinguished thinkers like Confucius, Richard Feynman and Michel de Montaigne, Bevelin has also consulted the minds of top level thinkers like the billionaire investor Warren Buffett and his partner Charlie Munger.

It’s the type of book that you should probably return to every once in a while to keep your problem solving skills razor sharp.

3. T he Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli

One of the greatest challenges we face when solving problems is our own mind. We are prone to many cognitive biases; more than 180 of them to be precise. These ‘impediments’ of thought lead us to think irrationally or illogically, which makes us less effective.

Dobelli’s book references a number of fascinating real world examples of how the most common biases we suffer from impact our thinking. Just being aware of them will make you a better problem solver by helping you to recognise and avoid your own blind spots.

4. One Step Ahead: Notes from the Problem Solving Unit by Stevyn Colgan

S tevyn Colgan spent thirty years in the Metropolitan Police. Twelve of those were spent as part of Scotland Yard’s award-winning Problem Solving Unit, a specialist team with an extraordinary brief: to solve problems of crime and disorder that were unresponsive to traditional policing methods. His book shares some amazing true stories of problem solving in action and is a joy to read.

It’s one of the most interesting books we've read in recent memory and will equip you with endless fodder for dinner party conversations.

5. Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes by Maria Konnikova

Konnikova has written a brilliant and very thorough book that examines the mind and ways of thinking of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle’s most famous character. It’s a little dense at times but it’s worth persevering with for all the brilliant nuggets contained within.

Holmes is one of the world's most proficient problem solvers and Konnikova highlights the key characteristics that make him so effective. Highly recommeded.

Can’t wait for the books to arrive? Then check out our 'Think Like Sherlock' online master class taught by a former Scotland Yard detective. You won't regret it.

Aug 3 The ‘Four Stages of Learning’

Aug 2 25 ways to seek inspiration

Jul 26 Our Top 5 Books About Storytelling

Dec 18 Problem Solving - 10 Skills To Future Proof Yourself

Jan 7 The CIA’s Problem Solving Checklist

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11 Books That Help Empower Little Kids to Solve Big Problems

by Meghan Fitzgerald

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts

Mindset: There are problems to solve all around us.

The only thing better than Beatty’s masterful rhymes are her marvelous characters. In Ada Twist, Scientist , she nails the curiosity and inquiry that drives a true problem seeker and solver. Our kids love this one, and we hope it inspires them to take on the mindset that there are problems to solve all around us. As parents, we love how this book both acknowledges some of the lumpier parts that come along with supporting genuine problem solving in our kids and reminds us that it’s so worth it in the end.

Stuck by Oliver Jeffers,

Mindset: Problem solving can be fun (or at least quite silly).

Although we would never advocate throwing objects into trees, we cannot help but love this book. This whimsical tale shows a young boy, Floyd, as he attempts to solve an all too familiar problem—his kite is stuck in a tree! Floyd’s approach makes kids of all ages smirk and squeal with delight. When we read this, we enjoy acting amazed as the situation grows more and more outrageous. The book gets our kids talking, too. Even our youngest has ideas about why Floyd’s plan is not ideal and can share how she’d go about getting that kite un-stuck.

What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom

Mindset: I have the resources to solve problems.

Even though our goal is for problem solving to be joyful , sometimes real problems are daunting, especially to kids who may not yet realize that they have the capacity to solve them. This beautiful follow up to Yamada and Besom's What Do You Do with an Idea helps kids see a child really wrestle with a problem and gives everyone a way to talk about the opportunity available in every problem, even the ones that seem hard.

Cat and Bunny by Mary Lundquist

Mindset: Sometimes the key to solving a problem is teamwork and inclusion.

When a new friend asks to join Cat and Bunny’s tight-knit two-friend circle, Bunny says yes, but Cat’s not so sure. The changing dynamics of friendship can be tough for kids to navigate, and flexibility solves a lot of tricky issues.

Going Places by Paul A. Reynolds, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Mindset: Every problem has many different solutions.

Talk about thinking outside the box: Some kids love to follow directions. Others prefer to let their imaginations take them from challenge to solution. This book about a go-cart race that takes flight celebrates both sets of strategies.

Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Boris Kulikov

Mindset: Creative thinking is at the heart of problem solving.

We love that this fanciful story about a dad inspired by his child’s question (“have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a fish?”) to invent the submarine is based on a real-life inventor! This story gets school-aged kids’ imaginations whirring.

The Boy and the Airplane by Mark Pett

Mindset: Problem solving is joyful.

A little boy’s beloved toy airplane gets stuck on a roof. Through the beautiful illustrations in this wordless book, kids can work through the problem with the protagonist, and wonder how they’d go about solving it themselves.

To the Sea by Cale Atkinson

Mindset: I have the capacity to solve any problem.

“I see you” are the magic words that kick off an epic adventure. When Tim meets a big blue whale no one else can see (no one else can see Tim, it seems to him sometimes), he’s tasked with helping his new friend find his way back to the sea. Kids will love discovering Tim’s process as he methodically sketches solutions for this massive problem. The winning strategy is a sweet surprise.

Solutions for Cold Feet (and Other Little Problems) by Carrie Sookocheff

Mindset: There are problems to solve everywhere.

Solutions abound for many of life’s little problems, as illustrated by a little girl and her dog. What if you’re caught in the rain? Faced with a boring day? Eating a fast-melting ice cream cone? Strategies range from clear to creative.

Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg

Mindset: I have experience that I can use to solve new problems.

Kids’ problem-solving comes with lots and lots of mistakes along the way, which is the most wonderful thing about the process. This interactive book celebrates mistakes as an opportunity for new discoveries. Read it together and then make “Beautiful Oops” a family catch-phrase for turning problems into launching pads for progress.

Journey by Aaron Becker

A girl yearning for adventure in this Caldecott Honor book makes it herself with a swipe of her red crayon. That single tool takes her on a magical trip and it’s what she uses to draw her way out of each dilemma.

Meghan Fitzgerald

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The 5 Best Books on Problem-Solving to Overcome Any Challenge

Problem-solving is a critical skill that can be used in all aspects of life.

Whether you’re trying to figure out how to complete a project at work, or how to fix an issue with your car, learning the critical thinking skills necessary to formulate a solution is essential.

There are many titles out there on the topic, but which ones are worth your time?

In this article, we will discuss the 5 best books on problem-solving and why you should read them.

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Best Books on Problem-Solving

1. what’s your problem: to solve your toughest problems, change the problems you solve by thomas wedell-weddellsborg.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to be able to make quick, informed decisions .

However, our brains are hardwired to think in certain ways that can lead to errors in judgment.

These “cognitive biases” can lead us to make suboptimal choices, even when we’re trying to do our best.

In his book, “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman spells out these biases and shows how they can lead us astray.

This book, in contrast, provides practical solutions and innovative strategies for reframing difficult situations, making it an essential resource for anyone needing to make important decisions quickly and effectively.

Clear examples, step-by-step guidelines, and straightforward diagrams provide easy-to-follow instructions for mastering the art of reframing and effectively communicating with others.

Additionally, the book offers tips and techniques for working successfully with resistant team members or other individuals who may impede progress on a project.

With its comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this important skill set, this guide is sure to be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their decision-making abilities and achieve success in personal or professional endeavors.

2. Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe

In today’s business world, being able to think critically and solve problems is more important than ever before.

That’s why Ken Watanabe wrote The Problem Solving and Decision Making Toolbox.

In it, he adapts his proven consulting techniques to help shift the focus in Japanese education from memorization to critical thinking.

As a result, adults can learn the simple yet powerful skills they need to succeed in any industry.

And because the book is written in both English and Japanese, it’s accessible to businesspeople all over the world.

Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re a seasoned executive, this problem-solving and decision-making toolbox will give you the resources you need to get ahead.

3. Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work by Chip and Dan Heath

Making decisions is not always easy, but it is an important part of life, and a skill that is often dependent on problem-solving.

In this book, The Heath brothers, authors of international bestsellers Switch and Made to Stick, identify the main issues that can present barriers to effective decision making.

These include a tendency towards overly narrow problem-solving, an over-reliance on short-term emotions, and a lack of consideration for how our decisions may affect the future.

With its in-depth exploration of the thought processes that influence our decision-making, this book provides invaluable insight into how we can work to overcome these obstacles and make better choices.

This includes utilizing techniques like the “WRAP” mnemonic, which signifies widening your options, reality-testing your assumptions, and preparing to be wrong.

Making better decisions doesn’t guarantee that you’ll always make the right choice, but it does increase your chances of success.

So if you’re ready to take charge of your own decisions and develop true clarity in your thinking, look no further than this essential guide.

4. Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything by Charles Conn and Robert McLean

As a consultant, one of the most important skills you need to master is effective problem-solving.

Whether you’re navigating a complex business scenario, tackling unforeseen obstacles on a project, or simply seeking to improve your strategy for overcoming issues, it’s essential that you employ a systematic and repeatable approach.

While this book offers a useful 7-step program for complex problem solving, its approach can be somewhat overcomplicated and difficult to apply to everyday problems.

The heavy use of logic tree techniques presupposes a familiarity with these concepts, which may leave beginners confused.

Additionally, while there are plenty of case studies presented in the book, many of them feel dry and unremarkable, failing to provide much insight or inspiration for problem solvers.

However, despite these drawbacks, this book does offer some valuable techniques for tackling complex problems in an efficient and replicable way.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply looking to develop your problem-solving skills, this book is worth considering.

5. Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky and Brad Kowitz

Looking for a quick and effective method for developing new products and ideas, but struggling with the requirements of scrum and user-centered design?

Look no further than this book on 5-day sprints.

With clear instructions and helpful tips, it provides an engaging introduction to the key concepts of product vision development.

Design sprints are a pre-planned five-day system for solving tricky problems using design, prototyping, and testing ideas with customers.

The Google Ventures design sprint team has developed this process to help startups rapidly prototype and test ideas with customers, so they can get feedback early and iterate quickly.

Filled with useful checklists that you can access online, this book is perfect for anyone looking to run efficient, user-focused sprints with minimal effort.

Whether you are new to scrum or well-versed in the principles of user-centered design, you will find this guide both informative and engaging.

So if you are ready to start taking your ideas from concept to reality at lightning speed, look no further than this book on 5-day sprints.

Problems are inevitable in life and will test us no matter how skilled or knowledgeable we may be.

Effective problem solving requires us to step back and examine the situation from multiple angles in order to determine the root cause of the issue and find a robust solution.

Reading the five book recommendations above will provide the tools and strategies to do so.

By practicing their teachings, we can begin to make more effective decisions, benefitting us both personally and professionally.

Check out more recommended reads by clicking here .

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8 Best Problem Solving Books of All Time

Our goal: Find what the internet ranks as the best Problem Solving books (instead of one person's opinion).

(Updated 2023 )

Best Problem Solving Books

Problem Solving 101

A simple book for smart people.

Ken Watanabe

Seeking Wisdom

From darwin to munger.

Peter Bevelin

The Art of Thinking Clearly

Rolf Dobelli

How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days

Think smarter, critical thinking to improve problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Michael Kallet

How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes

Maria Konnikova

Cracked It!

How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants.

Bernard Garrette

Bulletproof Problem Solving

The one skill that changes everything.

Charles Conn

How was this Problem Solving books list created?

We searched for "best Problem Solving books", found the top 5 articles, took every book mentioned in 2+ articles, and averaged their rankings.

How many Problem Solving books are in this list?

There are 8 books in this list.

Why did you create this Problem Solving books list?

We wanted to gather the most accurate list of Problem Solving books on the internet.

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9 Problem-Solving Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

9 Problem-Solving Books Every Entrepreneur Must Read

You need problem-solving skills to succeed in work and in life. Whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee with an entrepreneurial approach, solid decision-making is paramount. We recommend each of these books to hone your problem-solving skills and level up in business and life.

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

By Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps, and Olivier Sibony

Poor decision-making leads to undesired outcomes. But what is the source of poor decisions in the first place? The flaw often resides in our own biases. For instance, we may think we understand a situation better than we do. Or we fall victim to confirmation bias . Cracked It! presents a four-step approach developed from the worlds of consultancy and cognitive psychology to achieve better outcomes. Avoid the pitfall and learn how to solve problems like a pro.

Think in Systems: The Art of Strategic Planning, Effective Problem Solving, And Lasting Results

By Zoe McKey

A systems approach to problem-solving can dramatically improve outcomes both in business and in your personal life. Best-selling author and lifestyle coach Zoe McKey shows you how to see beyond the individual parts of a problem you want to resolve. Rather, you will learn to take in the whole. And you will discover that every issue is but a piece of a larger system. McKey’s concise, enjoyable is a must-read for strategic problem-solving.

Solving the People Problem: Essential Skills You Need to Lead and Succeed in Today’s Workplace

By Brett M. Cooper and Evan Kerrigan

It sometimes seems your biggest problem can be other people. We all think and behave differently. That is the core strength of any team. But it can also lead to workplace conflicts . In Solving the People Problem , authors use the DiSC (Dominance, influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness) model of self-awareness to help the reader develop emotional intelligence , or EQ. Build your EQ, and learn to solve “the people problem” for a stronger, more productive workplace.

Creative Acts for Curious People: How to Think, Create, and Lead in Unconventional Ways (Stanford d.school Library)

By Sarah Stein Greenberg

As an executive director at Stanford, Sarah Stein leads designers, faculty, and other innovative thinkers to discover and apply their creative abilities. In Creative Acts for Curious People , she guides you to build your own creative skills with a fun, often light-hearted approach. But make no mistake: her enjoyable exercises are fully based in research and practice. Boost your creativity and learn to solve complex problems in new ways with Creative Acts for Curious People .

The Collaborative Path: 6 Steps for Better Communication, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making

By Patrick Aylward

We rarely solve problems in isolation. We typically solve problems and make decisions collaboratively. And successful collaboration depends mostly on quality communication. Author Aylward lays out a six step approach for better decision-making as a team. Learn to de-escalate conflicts and reduce tensions for stronger, more successful team decision-making.

You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake: How Biases Distort Decision-Making and What You Can Do to Fight Them

By Olivier Sibony

One thing often holds us back from making a decision: we are afraid we will make the problem worse. It doesn’t matter how smart you are. We all make mistakes . These can be errors based on bias, or simply poor judgment. In You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake , professor and strategic thinking advisor Olivier Sibony investigates nine common decision-making traps. More importantly, he provides ample methods on how to best avoid them. Filled with great examples and plenty of humor, this book serves as a great tool toward overcoming our biases and making better decisions.

Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts

By Annie Duke

We rarely have all the information required to make the best possible decision. This uncertainty can lead to self-doubt and analysis paralysis : failure to move forward as we over-analyze. Amazon best-selling author Annie Duke shows you how to make decisions by approaching them as bets. Is there ever a 100% chance that your decision will result in exactly the outcome you imagined? Rarely. But if there’s a 90% chance of reaching 80% of your goal… that’s a good bet.

Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills

By Michael Kallet

An older book on the list, Think Smarter stands out as much today as it did in 2014. Founder of Headscratchers , author Michael Kallet has helped business leaders solve problems for more than 30 years. In this book, he provides 25 tools to help you ask the right questions, avoid errors, and think more critically in any dilemma. Ample exercises train your brain to reach solutions and solve problems with innovation and clarity.

Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything

By Charles Conn and Robert McLean

Are you ready for logic trees? Those of you who have used them for problem-solving may have just cringed. That’s because many of us have used them without knowing how. In Bulletproof Problem Solving , authors Conn and McLean provide clarity through a simple, seven step method. Learn more effective brainstorming practices and how to overcome biases . Plus, they’ll show you how to turn your outcomes into a great story. With 30 detailed case studies, you’ll learn how to effectively solve problems from the micro all the way to global leadership.

Photo by @Asheesh/Twenty20

Bryan Lindenberger

Bryan enjoys the digital space where arts and technology meet. As a writer, he has worked in education, health and wellbeing, and manufacturing. He also assists smaller businesses in web development including accessibility and content development. In his free time, he hikes trails in central Florida.

The 11 Best Problem Solving Books

Adventurer, Tech Geek and Lover of Productivity Hacks.

The 11 Best Problem Solving Books for 2020

Learn how you can improve your problem solving skills with this curated list of the 11 Best Problem Solving Books on the market.

Looking for new insights and best practices when it comes to coming up with proven, quality solutions to the problems we face both at home and in the workplace?

Fortunately, there are a variety of problem solving books out there that are filled from front to back with new and exciting ways to conquer the issues that we deal with on a daily basis.

Whether we like to admit it or not, problem solving skills are high in demand these days whether it’s in the workplace or in the comforts of your own home.

One thing that is for sure is that life is definitely easier when you have the skills to solve problems with ease.

The best part is that problem solving is that it’s a skill that anyone can learn.

Below, you’ll find a list of the best problem solving books that should be helpful for those interested in really diving into the art of problem solving.

Best problem solving books, sprint, how to solve big problems and test new ideas in just five days, the innovator’s dilemma, switch, how to change things when change is hard, problem solving 101, seeking wisdom: from darwin to munger.

The Art of Thinking Clearly

Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes

How to solve it: a new aspect of mathematical method, what do you do with a problem.

The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures

Author Dr. Jason Selk and Tom Bartow

Sprint offers a transformative formula for testing ideas that work whether it is for yourself or for a large corporation. The ideas that Sprint provides you are already tested and successful ones therefore you have nothing to lose giving them a try. Whenever you are feeling stuck and don’t know how to solve an issue, check out these ideas and test them out to see which one works best in your favor.

Author Clayton M. Christensen

Named one of 100 Leadership & Success Books to Read in a Lifetime by Amazon Editors, The Innovator’s Dilemma offers a different approach to problem-solving. This book helps you look at your problem from an outsider point of view. Whenever you don’t know where to go next and how to solve an issue, the best thing is stepping out of the box and seeing whatever is that you are missing to identify in order to solve it.

Authors Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Psychologists have discovered that our minds are ruled by two different systems: the rational mind and the emotional mind that compete for control. The concept of this book is using our internal “switch” and learning when to use each type of mind. Mainly, allowing ourselves to have full control on when we decide to use the emotional side and the rational side. These factors will allow you to make decisions in a more concise manner and therefore have a smarter mentality when it comes to problem-solving.

Author Ken Watanabe

Originally written to help Japanese schoolchildren learn how to be better problem solvers, this book ended in every businessman’s desk as the information was just too valuable. This book is filled with simple-to-follow case studies to illustrate different solutions to problem-solving.

Author Peter Bevelin

This book covers everything from the exact moment we come up with an idea, to the point where we are stuck and don’t know how to move on past the issue. Through a psychological point of view, the author helps us understand the way our minds evolve. He essentially leads out a misjudgment point of view to one of a better and wiser thinker.

The Art of Thinking Clearly

Author Rolf Dobelli

The Art of Thinking Clearly isn’t just another one of the best problem-solving books, but it is a guide to living a more convenient life, where every step that we take has its own action and consequence. Understanding that problem-solving comes from having an organized mind is the first place to get started when we are capable of thinking clearly, the solutions come to us in a clear manner as well.

Author Maria Konnikova

Who wouldn’t want to have the mind and the skills of problem-solving that Sherlock Holmes has? Well with this book you are able to acquire some of those astounding skills to use into your daily life. Holmes is one of the world’s most proficient problem solvers and Konnikova highlights the key characteristics that make him so effective in order for the reader to apply them.

Author George Pólya

George Pólaya uses this mathematical method to help people to think straight. Through his brilliant method he has helped a lot of people tackle their problems only by changing the way that they think. Our mind is more powerful than we know, and therefore knowing how to work our way around it might help people deal with daily life struggles.

Author by Kobi Yamada

What Do You Do with a Problem? Especially one that you can’t get rid of and can’t find a way to fix? Kobi Yamada tackles this exact scenario and offers the reader multiple ideas to deal with that one problem that seems to not go away. The key in the book is to never avoid a problem, the more we avoid dealing with one issue, the bigger it will become.

The Art and Craft of Problem Solving

Author Paul Zeitz

This text offers unique skills and solutions to approach a problem. Not only it helps to identify how to fix the problem but also to understand the problem itself. Understanding how the problem developed and when it started to become a problem for us, is important in order to avoid future conflicts. Tackling the problem is one thing, learning how to stop problems for developing is another great quality.

Author Dan Roam

Herb Kelleher was brainstorming about the traditional method we deal with problem solving and it was in this exact moment where he grabbed a bar napkin and a pen and decided to scribble what problem solving would look like. He believed that people could understand something better by looking at it, and for that reason he decided to incorporate this lesson into his book.

Used properly, a simple drawing was more demonstrative than a simple PowerPoint, but it can help crystallize ideas, think outside the box.

Did you find this list of problem solving books to be helpful? If I missed one that you recommend, please leave a comment below.

You Might Also Enjoy: Top 25 Books About Productivity & The Top 25 Productivity Blogs for 2020

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