How can you improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills with business strategy books?

During my pursuit of a Masters in Economics, my colleagues pursuing PhDs offered valuable advice: abstain from relying solely on books, as they tend to become outdated by the time they are published. Embracing this counsel, I turned to alternative sources like articles in The Economist magazine and YouTube videos. The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has catalyzed a transformative shift in business strategy. As a result, the traditional domains of marketing, sales, finance, HR, and technology within industries are converging. To stay abreast of the latest developments in these fields, I recommend exploring these contemporary learning tools.

Select books tangentially relevant to field & interests, actively read diverse titles, analyze critically, discuss with peers, and continually learn for enhanced critical thinking.

Pick your books carefully. Most business books that I have read are a waste of time and money, apparently written as PR pieces for consultants or former CEOs who wish to start a consultantinig firm. The best ones are usually not a breezy read that can be finished while you are watching television.

'Business strategy' being a wide term, I would group several genres under this category, some of them being: - Specialist books on the specific industry - Books on technology adoption by industries and businesses - Geopolitical insights - Sales Business strategists must consider several factors such as the above while making strategic business decisions, and hence need to read more widely than the traditional 'strategy' books.

Business strategy books provide comprehensive guidance into corporate mechanics and the philosophical aspects of decision-making, risk-taking, and innovation. They are invaluable resources for learning and validation, resonating with both entrepreneurs and executives. With the digital age reshaping traditional operations, newer books explore topics like digital transformation, sustainability, and the role of data analytics in planning. Alternative formats such as Harvard Business Review articles, video lectures/webinars, podcasts, and audiobooks offer additional ways to engage with business strategy content. Embrace these formats to enhance your understanding and effectively apply strategic tools in the real world.

Business strategy has been part of business for a long time, but as the business environment changes, so do areas of thinking and new ideas or adaptations. The great thing about books is their flexibility. If you have years of expertise, there is no need to read them end-to-end. You can focus on the areas that help you close a knowledge gap, If you need to learn new models, strategies, or concepts, then you can immerse yourself in the thoughts and recommendations of experts in the area.

I mention the term 'framework' in several answers around this topic. It is vital to develop a framework of thinking about business problems, and good books help to develop width of knowledge as well as depth in core competencies of the business.

Business books are useful only when you put their wisdom to work. Many great books are probably sitting idle on your shelf. In this era of short attention spans and content overload many books remain unread. We recommend making a list of the top 5-10 books relevant to your key challenges, business stage, industry, and goals. Review a brief YouTube summary of each, then pick the top one to three to listen to on Audible. From there, select 1 or 2 as your top resource books. Purchase those books and use them as study guides: highlight key points, jot down notes, and flag essential pages. Revisit them annually or until a new book replaces them.

The best strategy books are the ones talked about at least a year after publication. In my view, "Competitive Advantage" (1985) by Michael Porter is still the best business strategy book ever. In fact, I will not read a new strategy book that doesn't at least mention Porter in the book index.

- Go with reviews and recommendations from senior people in your field of work - Books by thought-leaders in your industry (CEOs, subject matter experts) - 'Fill in the blanks' in your knowledge/experience, i.e. read a book on technologies in your industry, if you feel you are not adequately informed on this topic; this approach is by far the most important way to select books, since each of us in unique in our education/experience/perspective. Be honest with yourself.

There’s no book to teach you practical wisdom and solving problems,you learn from people who touch in your life and show you how to use a common sense and logic,those people who took the time to teach you how to solve problems.

Most business strategy books have some simple case studies and then an explanation that the author feels is important. So, when you read about the business puzzle, shut the book and think about the problem for 5-10 minutes and sketch out a solution. Then continue your reading and see what the author suggests. You will become more engaged with your reading this way.

I find drawing out a map of interconnected topics/aspects of the business a very useful way to understand strategy books. Use pencils, a blank sheet of paper, an eraser and coloured pens. Visualisation helps in understanding and memory, and I find this a very effective and interesting way to learn new concepts.

Clearly I'm about as biased as you can be on the subject I suggest you read my book Conventional Wisdumb all about critical thinking:-)

Business strategy books are excellent tools for enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When reading, actively engage with the material by asking questions, challenging assumptions, and considering how the concepts apply to real-world situations. Apply the frameworks and models discussed in the books to analyze complex business problems and develop strategic solutions. Use case studies within the books to practice decision-making and learn from the successes and failures of others. The key is to approach business strategy literature as a practical guide for honing your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, making you a more effective entrepreneur or business leader.

Reading business strategy books without taking action is like having a roadmap but never starting the car—you won't get far. Plus, revisiting the same book can offer fresh perspectives; it's a dynamic process, not a one-time info dump. Knowledge and execution must go hand-in-hand for effective business strategy. These books serve as accelerated wisdom, distilling years of experience from those who've been in the trenches. You have two choices: Learn through trial and error, or leverage the lessons from those who've been there to make more informed mistakes. In either case, the aim is to evolve and contribute to the collective business wisdom—maybe even penning your own insights into the next must-read strategy book.

Business strategy and thought-provoking books that allow you to think and draw connections between various aspects of your industry and business are great resources to improve your problem-solving skills. The only mistake people make is considering reading the book cover to cover. It's much better to pick one or two ideas and apply them. And it's not important for the idea to give $1M of revenue; what's important is how you connect the concept to the real world.

"A Dynamic Approach to Enhancing Critical Thinking ??: 1) Choose a variety of business strategy books that cover different industries, contexts, and approaches. 2) Opt for books that present real-world business cases. ?? 3) Business strategy books often present established frameworks and models. Challenge assumptions underlying these models. ?? 4) After learning a strategic framework from a book, apply it to real business challenges you face or observe. ?? 5) Read books that present conflicting viewpoints on business strategy. Understanding opposing arguments helps you develop the ability to assess and synthesize divergent opinions, a key aspect of critical thinking. ?? 6) Stay updated with the latest business strategy literature. ??"