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Ken Watanabe Books

1 book·~10 min total read

Ken Watanabe is a Japanese management consultant and author. After graduating from the University of Tokyo, he worked at McKinsey & Company before dedicating himself to education and social issues.

Known for: Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People

Books by Ken Watanabe

Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People

Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People

education·10 min read

Problem Solving 101 is a concise and engaging guide to logical thinking and problem-solving, originally written for Japanese schoolchildren by former McKinsey consultant Ken Watanabe. Using simple diagrams and relatable stories, the book teaches readers how to identify problems, analyze causes, and develop effective solutions—skills that are valuable in both business and everyday life. Its clear and practical approach has made it a global favorite among readers seeking to improve their critical thinking abilities.

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Key Insights from Ken Watanabe

1

Defining a Problem

The first and most common mistake people make when facing a challenge is that they try to fix it before understanding it. In consulting, I saw this often—clients would rush to implement solutions without clearly identifying the real issue. The same happens in everyday life: we mistake symptoms for p...

From Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People

2

The Framework of Problem Solving

After defining a problem, we need a practical process to tackle it. My consulting experience taught me that systematic thinking doesn’t eliminate creativity—it enhances it. The framework I share in *Problem Solving 101* has four main stages: understand the current situation, identify root causes, ge...

From Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People

About Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe is a Japanese management consultant and author. After graduating from the University of Tokyo, he worked at McKinsey & Company before dedicating himself to education and social issues. He is known for promoting logical thinking and problem-solving skills through his writing and teaching...

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Ken Watanabe is a Japanese management consultant and author. After graduating from the University of Tokyo, he worked at McKinsey & Company before dedicating himself to education and social issues. He is known for promoting logical thinking and problem-solving skills through his writing and teaching.

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Ken Watanabe is a Japanese management consultant and author. After graduating from the University of Tokyo, he worked at McKinsey & Company before dedicating himself to education and social issues.

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