Whether or not you explicitly define one of your roles as being a project manager, chances are very high that you are one. While this book's stated objective is to provide "Effective Processes for Problem Solving & Decision Making," I've found it an invaluable resource for helping managers develop and successfully execute operational projects, from launching a new product line to implementing a comprehensive competitive and market analysis initiative.

Bill's approach (it's ok, I can refer to him familiarly; we're fellow certified management consultants, CMCs, who go back more than a decade) to reducing the risk of making bad decisions is thorough, but never dull. He shows you through practical examples the way to get results quickly: days instead of weeks or months of research or arguing. That's totally in synch with the warp speed of today's Internet- time business activities.

This is a book you'll inevitably need, both as a guide for do-it-yourself problem-solving sessions and for knowing when it's time to call in an expert. You can purchase this valuable "Toolbox" published by Oxford University Press by following this link to Amazon: