The US space program faced a problem. Astronauts didn't have a pen that
could write inside a zero-gravity capsule. NASA invested upward of $1
million to devise a pen that could. Their rivals faced the same problem,
but they solved it for less than a dollar. They decided to use a pencil.
This story is emblematic of two styles of critical thinking and problem
solving. America defined its quandary as a pen problem. "Fix the pen"
became the marching order. Others defined the issue as a writing
challenge, so alternatives were more likely to be considered and
adopted. Most people lose friends, happiness, and career opportunities
because they employ inadequate thinking skills and allow biases, false
beliefs, and superstitions to govern their behavior. Even highly skilled
professionals, such as physicians and attorneys, are not immune from bad
thinking and runaway emotions. They can cost their clients fortunes and
even their lives through poor advice and misdiagnoses. This unique book
will help you to: Identify the strengths and limitations of your
dominant thinking styles Consider various models for tackling common and
unusual challenges Apply case studies and hands-on opportunities to use
different methods to analyze problems and generate multiple effective
responses Adopt easy methods for creating clarity in thought and written
and verbal communications Take practical pathways to success