The Power of the 2 x 2 Matrix: Using 2 x 2 Thinking to Solve Business Problems and Make Better Decisions (Jossey Bass Business & Management Series) 1st Edition by Alex Lowy (PDF)

Description

By studying the work of hundreds of the most original and effective business minds, the authors present a common architecture that illuminates exceptional analysis and creative performance. 2 x 2 Thinking is characterized by a fundamental appreciation for the dynamic and complex nature of business. The best strategists go out of their way to tackle dilemmas rather than merely solve problems. They use opposition, creative tension, iteration and transcendence to get to the heart of issues and involve critical others in finding the best solutions. The authors demonstrate how to apply the 2 x 2 approach to a wide range of important business challenges.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Such a practicañ book so many great ideas

⭐When I got this book, at first I was a little disappointed, because of the price. It had a book cover, it’s not hard cover, its pages are not full color, as you would expect to see in a text book, and it’s a bit on the slim side in size.I got it at about 60 USD at the time. It was about 80 USD when it came out, and now I see why it’s worth every penny even at 80.The main focus of the book is to both teach and illustrate how to apply the 2×2 thinking matrix for problem solving. They illustrate several examples of real companies which have succeeded and failed in the past and present.It’s worth more than its weight in gold, if you have the intellectual hunger and ambition to see what it offers. At first they illustrate the theory of how to set up the 2×2 matrices. It’s a little on the, what-do-I-need-this-for side, but when you get to the applied scenarios, you really start to see the great power in this kind of thinking and realize we use this every day, just not in an ordered way, as they aim to teach in this work.I own a couple of small businesses, and almost every scenario in the book can be applied to their scale. Furthermore, each scenario gives you the steps to apply the matrix yourself with your own variables aiming to illustrate a particular matrix for decision making.It all boils down to DECISION MAKING. It’s important to make that note, because the aim, as they themselves explain in the back of the hard copy is to consider not just the either/or but the both/and (sorry if I got that last part wrong, I don’t have the copy in front of me, but I’m sure you get my point) scenario.With applied calculus and your math software of choice, excel and access work great, you can take this work a step further, as it deserves, and draw scenarios at a professional level.Rebutting the negative review of 2 stars; yes, I understand it’s a basic level for consulting firms. It’s still a great book and a way to if not altogether suspend the use of consulting firms services, a way perhaps to understand what to expect from them, how they work, and what to ask from them.In these matters, it’s common sense and a very particular scenario, your environment, you must know to succeed. I believe the 2 star review was precisely because it challanges a consulting firm in not using their services, as the saying goes, “Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day; teach him how to fish, and he’ll eat forever.” Well, again, you get my point.The book goes as far as illustrating personal scenarios of mind vs heart and the like. So, this is very POWERFUL stuff. I recommend this for anybody who wants to hone their skills at critical thinking and optimization scenarios.The only thing I regret, why haven’t they written another book like this or the second part of this piece. Thank you Lowy and Hood.

⭐If you want to learn about how to go deep in strategy this is a really good book. The authors propose a method to help you define core dilemmas facing your business and then use that as a starting point for developing strategy. They say that dynamic tension and conflict are the starting point for change and growth, both in the firm and as managers.The second half of the book is devoted to 55 classic and not-so classic 2 x 2 matrices. The typical business student may be aware of many of these such as BCG portfolio grid and Stephen Covey’s urgency and importance. However, the best value is the 2 x 2 models and cases in areas such as marketing, risk, and organizational processes. I think every organization will see itself in these examples. The authors include a method for each 2 x 2. You can literally begin to apply the thinking right away. I think anyone in business or a business strategy course would benefit.

⭐A great book !I really enjoy the book. This is a great book for person who looks for way to improve his/her problem solving approach. It will help your problem solving method more structure. It contains proven 2×2 Matrix ranging from Strategic framework, Organization framework and Individual framework.I strongly recommend for everybody who are preparing for the case interview with big consulting firms. Also, this is the great book for all managers.

⭐For years, people have thought that complex thought was the best way to address complex problems. What utter fools! Complex problems are just simple problems if you ignore enough variables. Alex Lowy and Phil Hood throw the idea of “Thinking outside the box” outside of the window! Or the Walls!

⭐I did not find the book very useful. The explanation are not insightful. If you are a management consultant already, then the content would be too light for you. The only thing i like is that they have collected a nice list of 2×2 matrix, some of which is a relaxing and fun matrix to know.

⭐Every now and then we get management consultants writing a book about an extremely simple idea that nobody would expect would need more introduction and analysis than a footnote in another book. Nevertheless, sometimes these books can be surprisingly rich and interesting. Richard Kock’s “The 80/20 principle” is one such book. This one about the 2×2 matrix is another. Although the list of 55 different examples of the 2×2 matrix put to use is extremely useful in itself, it is only an illustration of the power of the 2×2 concept itself. This book has almost changed my life in the sense that I now try to categorise everything I meet into 2×2 matrices. Not only is the result of a 2×2 analysis highly useful, but the process of trying to create the matrix is highly rewarding in itself. The only think I felt was missing in the book was an attempt to use 2×2 matrices in the chapters where they introduce different categories of matrices and different uses. Wonderful book.

⭐The clue is in title, this is a great book

⭐Unique book with a significant number of examples. Very helpful for determining how best to describe something in a powerful, concise way.

Keywords

Free Download The Power of the 2 x 2 Matrix: Using 2 x 2 Thinking to Solve Business Problems and Make Better Decisions (Jossey Bass Business & Management Series) 1st Edition in PDF format
The Power of the 2 x 2 Matrix: Using 2 x 2 Thinking to Solve Business Problems and Make Better Decisions (Jossey Bass Business & Management Series) 1st Edition PDF Free Download
Download The Power of the 2 x 2 Matrix: Using 2 x 2 Thinking to Solve Business Problems and Make Better Decisions (Jossey Bass Business & Management Series) 1st Edition 2008 PDF Free
The Power of the 2 x 2 Matrix: Using 2 x 2 Thinking to Solve Business Problems and Make Better Decisions (Jossey Bass Business & Management Series) 1st Edition 2008 PDF Free Download
Download The Power of the 2 x 2 Matrix: Using 2 x 2 Thinking to Solve Business Problems and Make Better Decisions (Jossey Bass Business & Management Series) 1st Edition PDF
Free Download Ebook The Power of the 2 x 2 Matrix: Using 2 x 2 Thinking to Solve Business Problems and Make Better Decisions (Jossey Bass Business & Management Series) 1st Edition