Cracked It!: How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants by Bernard Garrette Summary

1. Cracked It! outlines a four-step framework for solving complex business problems strategically
2. Hypothesis-driven problem solving prevents confirmation bias in decision-making processes
3. Structuring problems correctly avoids jumping to flawed solutions prematurely
4. Diverse perspectives are critical for comprehensive problem analysis and innovation
5. Solution selling requires clear communication of non-obvious logical reasoning
6. Design thinking principles enhance problem reframing through fresh perspectives
7. Case studies demonstrate how cognitive pitfalls derail organizational decision-making
8. Technical feasibility and strategic alignment determine optimal solution selection
9. The "state-structure-solve-sell" method mirrors top consulting firm approaches
10. Business storytelling techniques transform abstract solutions into compelling narratives
11. Problem diagnosis failures account for 70% of implementation disasters
12. Cracked It! combines consulting rigor with behavioral science insights practically

About the Author of Cracked It!

Bernard Garrette, author of Cracked It! How to Solve Big Problems and Sell Solutions Like Top Strategy Consultants, is a renowned strategy professor at HEC Paris and former McKinsey senior consultant. A leading expert in corporate problem-solving, Garrette combines academic rigor with practical consulting insights honed through decades of teaching and advising global organizations. His book merges cognitive psychology, design thinking, and proven consulting frameworks to address complex business challenges.

Garrette co-authored the influential Cooperative Strategy and the 8th edition of Strategor, France’s premier strategic management textbook. A recipient of BNP Paribas’ Pierre Vernimmen Teaching Award, he has served as visiting professor at IESE, London Business School, and Cambridge University. Beyond academia, he self-published Vous voulez de mes nouvelles?, a collection of illustrated short stories, showcasing his creative approach to communication.

Cracked It! reflects Garrette’s dual expertise in analytical frameworks and human-centered solutions, with methodologies adopted by top MBA programs and Fortune 500 leaders worldwide. The book’s four-step problem-solving process has become a benchmark in strategic education and professional training.

FAQs About Cracked It!

What is Cracked It! by Bernard Garrette about?

Cracked It! provides a four-step framework for solving complex business problems and selling solutions, blending strategies from top consultants, cognitive psychology, and design thinking. Authors Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps, and Olivier Sibony emphasize problem structuring, hypothesis testing, and stakeholder communication, using real-world cases like retail CEO missteps and MRI scanner redesigns.

Who should read Cracked It!?

Professionals, managers, and consultants facing complex organizational challenges will benefit most. The book equips readers with tools to avoid confirmation bias, structure ambiguous problems, and persuasively present solutions—ideal for strategy teams, product developers, and leaders driving innovation.

Is Cracked It! worth reading?

Yes—it’s praised for merging academic rigor with actionable methods, offering rare insights into consulting techniques rarely shared publicly. Case studies illustrate both successful and failed problem-solving, making it valuable for avoiding common pitfalls like solution bias or poor stakeholder alignment.

What is the four-step problem-solving process in Cracked It!?

The method includes:

• Stating the problem (aligning with stakeholder needs).
• Structuring (breaking into components).
• Solving through hypothesis-driven analysis.
• Selling solutions via persuasive storytelling.

How does Cracked It! address cognitive biases in decision-making?

The authors stress empathy-driven stakeholder analysis and hypothesis testing to counter confirmation bias. For example, they show how a CEO’s overreliance on past strategies led to failure, while redesigning MRI scanners through a child’s perspective succeeded.

What real-world case studies does Cracked It! include?

Notable examples include:

• A retail CEO’s flawed replication of prior strategies.
• An MRI designer reimagining patient experiences.
• A scientist’s failed sugar-obesity advocacy versus a rival’s successful fat-focused narrative.

How does Cracked It! teach readers to "sell" solutions effectively?

It emphasizes tailoring communication to audiences, using storytelling to bridge knowledge gaps. For instance, the book contrasts dry scientific arguments with compelling narratives that simplify complex data.

What role does design thinking play in Cracked It!?

The authors integrate design thinking to reframe problems empathetically. The MRI case study demonstrates how viewing a problem through end-users’ eyes (e.g., frightened children) led to transformative solutions.

How does Cracked It! compare to other problem-solving books?

Unlike generic self-help guides, it combines consultancy tactics with academic research, offering structured tools like hypothesis trees and stakeholder maps. This makes it more actionable than theoretical works.

Who are the authors of Cracked It!?

Bernard Garrette, Corey Phelps, and Olivier Sibony—seasoned strategy professors and consultants with decades of combined experience at firms like McKinsey and HEC Paris. They’ve advised Fortune 500 companies and governments.

What are common pitfalls Cracked It! helps avoid?

Key traps include:

• Jumping to solutions without problem structuring.
• Ignoring conflicting evidence due to bias.
• Failing to communicate reasoning clearly to stakeholders.

Can Cracked It!’s methods apply to non-business problems?

Yes—the framework’s emphasis on empathy, systematic analysis, and storytelling suits personal decisions, nonprofit challenges, or policy design. The MRI case, for instance, highlights cross-industry applicability.