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Variable Analysis: A Problem Solving Method to Help You Stop Guessing and Solve the Hardest Problems
Solving hard problems to root cause requires using both effective behaviors and an effective problem solving method. This book develops and teaches a problem solving method, called variable Analysis. Variable Analysis provides the structure that a skilled problem solver can use to deterministically find the root cause of a problem. The root cause is found by identifying one or more out of spec variables that are directly under your control. You then implement a solution to bring the variables within specification. This allows you to solve the problem without ever guessing, listing potential causes, producing ideas, deriving hypotheses, etc.
184 pages, Paperback
Published January 22, 2019
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About the author
Nat Greene
7 books6 followersNat is a business leader, author, and champion of great problem-solving. He helps smart people make radically better decisions and all his activities and interests are tied to this mission. Nat helped found and run Stroud international and is the author of two books. Wedged is a look into some of the drivers behind political dysfunction in the US and Stop Guessing explores the behaviors of great problem-solvers.
Nat's upbringing ingrained an intense drive to help people develop an Abundant Thinking mindset, understanding that more is always possible. Nat was born and raised in Hong Kong, during a period of immense growth in social mobility, influenced by not only dreamers but also by those looking to push educational and professional boundaries. His father, a professor of material science, taught him about problem-solving at a young age by taking him around the city and helping him to explore what was broken and why.
Nat remains inspired by the belief that anything is possible and has chosen to dedicate his life to productively challenging the conventional limits of the status quo. He takes an approach that is hands-on, data-driven, and follows a rigorous process to break constraints. He always delivers results; a model Stroud follows. Nat's curiosity, determination, and passion extends beyond his work to every corner of his life. He enjoys spending time with his family, and learns a great deal from his children, who are not bound by the same pre-conceived notions and experiences that constrain many adults. Nat, his wife, and four children reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts by the ocean, a symbol of infinite possibility that inspires him.
Nat has a Masters of Engineering from Oxford University and studied design, manufacturing and management at Cambridge University, in addition to executive education coursework in Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management program.
Nat's upbringing ingrained an intense drive to help people develop an Abundant Thinking mindset, understanding that more is always possible. Nat was born and raised in Hong Kong, during a period of immense growth in social mobility, influenced by not only dreamers but also by those looking to push educational and professional boundaries. His father, a professor of material science, taught him about problem-solving at a young age by taking him around the city and helping him to explore what was broken and why.
Nat remains inspired by the belief that anything is possible and has chosen to dedicate his life to productively challenging the conventional limits of the status quo. He takes an approach that is hands-on, data-driven, and follows a rigorous process to break constraints. He always delivers results; a model Stroud follows. Nat's curiosity, determination, and passion extends beyond his work to every corner of his life. He enjoys spending time with his family, and learns a great deal from his children, who are not bound by the same pre-conceived notions and experiences that constrain many adults. Nat, his wife, and four children reside in Marblehead, Massachusetts by the ocean, a symbol of infinite possibility that inspires him.
Nat has a Masters of Engineering from Oxford University and studied design, manufacturing and management at Cambridge University, in addition to executive education coursework in Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management program.
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August 8, 2020
Fantastically compelling method of structured problem-solving. It is not as "cookie-cutter" as LEAN methods and deliberately calls out the pitfalls of Six Sigma "everything is a nail" approach.
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