The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems and How to Solve Them

Management consultant Best debuts with an intermittently helpful guide to business leadership in a post-Covid world. The core of her advice comes in the form of her SOLVE method, which she contends can be applied to almost any leadership challenge (it stands for “State the problem, Open the box, Lay out your solution, Venture forth, and Elevate your learning”). She puts her method to the test in a variety of workplace scenarios, including boosting employee engagement (sprucing up workers’ physical environment can help); dealing with hybrid and remote working (she encourages companies to make sure their policy is evidence-based); and establishing company values (ensure they’re inclusive). The author is at her best when she challenges conventional wisdom, as when she warns that multitasking is actually more time-consuming and less effective than deliberately focusing on one project at a time. However, her advice can skew simplistic and generic. “You can demonstrate competence by doing a good job, doing what you say you will, and highlighting your success,” she tells readers, reminding them to “make eye contact while speaking.” Even so, Best is consistently upbeat and generous. Those new to their leadership roles will find this an encouraging resource. Agent: Jeff Shreve, Curious Minds. (Aug.)