Are Your Lights On?

No items found.

by Donald C. Gause & Gerald M. Weinberg

The fledgling problem solver invariably rushes in with solutions before taking time to define the problem being solved. Even experienced solvers, when subjected to social pressure, yield to this demand for haste. When they do, many solutions are found, but not necessarily to the problem at hand.
Whether you are a novice or a veteran, this powerful little book will make you a more effective problem solver. Anyone involved in product and systems development will appreciate this practical illustrated guide, which was first published in 1982 and has since become a cult classic.

Offering such insights as "A problem is a difference between things as desired and things as perceived," and "In spite of appearances, people seldom know what they want until you give them what they ask for," authors Don Gause and Jerry Weinberg provide an entertaining look at ways to improve one's thinking power. The book playfully instructs the reader first to identify the problem, second to determine the problem's owner, third to identify where the problem came from, and fourth to determine whether or not to solve it.

Our thoughts on Are Your Lights On?

Our favourite quote from Are Your Lights On?

There's two kinds of people in the world, those that do work and those who take credit. Keep in the first group—there's much less competition there.

Book Summary

Similar recommendations

There's two kinds of people in the world, those that do work and those who take credit. Keep in the first group—there's much less competition there.

— Donald C. Gause & Gerald M. Weinberg, Are Your Lights On?