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A review by anitaashland
To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth about Moving Others by Daniel H. Pink
3.0
I finished this book a few weeks ago and have noticed that every day since then I've had opportunity to recall his point about how we should be problem-finders instead of problem-solvers.
So much emphasis is placed on problem-solving in our society, but simply solving the problem doesn't often address the underlying issue. He gives the example of buying a new vacuum cleaner to replace a broken one. This solves a problem but it would be better to find the problem instead. That is, what causes the dirt that needs to be vacuumed? By merely solving the problem you are simply reacting and not getting to the heart of what is causing the problem in the first place. This approach is especially useful in a workplace setting.
He also says problem-finders are far more creative than problem-solvers. He cites research that shows that artists are "“significantly more successful — by the standards of the artistic community — than their peers.”
He also says: "It is in fact the discovery and creation of problems rather than any superior knowledge, technical skill, or craftsmanship that often sets the creative person apart from others in his field."
So much emphasis is placed on problem-solving in our society, but simply solving the problem doesn't often address the underlying issue. He gives the example of buying a new vacuum cleaner to replace a broken one. This solves a problem but it would be better to find the problem instead. That is, what causes the dirt that needs to be vacuumed? By merely solving the problem you are simply reacting and not getting to the heart of what is causing the problem in the first place. This approach is especially useful in a workplace setting.
He also says problem-finders are far more creative than problem-solvers. He cites research that shows that artists are "“significantly more successful — by the standards of the artistic community — than their peers.”
He also says: "It is in fact the discovery and creation of problems rather than any superior knowledge, technical skill, or craftsmanship that often sets the creative person apart from others in his field."