This book is meant to provide a glimpse into differing facets of organizational management that allows for continued success through refinement of skills promoting operational awareness in today's rapidly evolving world of business.
Louis J. Pepe is assistant superintendent/CFO for the City of Summit Public Schools in Union County, New Jersey. He has more than 30 years of leadership experience between military, private and public service focused on leadership, management, operations, and administration. Lou is a speaker, mentor, and adjunct professor at Montclair State University. His knowledge and success have positioned him as a go-to resource for other professionals throughout the industry.
Foreword Preface Acknowledgments PART I The Need for Problem Solving Chapter 1 - The Importance of Problem Solving Skills (Beyond I.Q.) Chapter 2 - A Step-by-step Process to Problem Solving Chapter 3 - Factors Affecting Our Approach to Problem Solving Chapter 4 - The Power of Reason PART II The Value of Problem Solving Chapter 5 - The Importance of Research Chapter 6 - The Importance of Networking Chapter 7 - Empowering Leaders at Every Level PART III Implementing Solutions Chapter 8 - The Role of Communications Chapter 9 - The Courage to Solve Chapter 10 - Controlling our Environments Epilogue/Conclusion References Notes
The one thing that separates a leader from everyone else in an organization is that he or she DECIDES, and they must decide when they are going to decide. Decision-making is in many ways the essence of leadership and Louis Pepe's Problem-Solving Today gives every leader practical advice to deal with daily challenges of maneuvering their organization in an increasingly complex environment. -- Jeff McCausland, PhD, Founder and CEO, Diamond6 Leadership and Strategy, LLC, Visiting Professor of International Security Affairs at Dickinson College and a former Distinguished Visiting Professor of Research and Minerva Chair at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Penn Real problem solving takes strength, courage, and determination - all skills that Lou Pepe has in abundance. Problem Solving, part of the Reality Based Leadership series, is essential reading for all of us, and never more than right now. Pepe shares through his real-life experiences how to face today's problems and how to move forward in meeting the challenges of tomorrow. -- Siobhan McMahon, Chief Operations Officer, ASBO International PROBLEM-SOLVING TODAY provides leaders with a practical instrument that incorporates a pragmatic approach to an overlooked, yet much needed, essential skill set of solving real issues within intricate and fluid organizational environments. Kudos to Lou Pepe for sharing this long overdue framework of problem-solving that combines a very successful practitioner's experience with relevant research. -- Brian Zychowski, EdD, Chief Education Officer, North Brunswick Twp. Schools; 2019 Middlesex Co. Superintendent of the Year, 2018 NJASA Distinguished Educator Award, Past President NJASA 2014-15, President NJASA Education & Research Foundation, President - Seton Hall Superintendent Study Council The secret's out - even seasoned professionals appreciate a mentor when facing what seems to be an insurmountable problem. Lou Pepe's Problem-Solving Today is like having that calm voice of reason in your back pocket ready to lead you through a step by step process for problem-solving. A must-read of examples from his 30+ year career with common sense advice based on research-based practices of how to define, analyze, and create solutions to the problem. Learn from failures and successes of others as you learn what to do or not do to find the best path to resolution. -- Claire Hertz, CSBA, SFO, Deputy Superintendent, Business & Operations, Portland Public Schools, Portland, OR; 2015 ASBO International Eagle Award Winner and President ASBO International, 2020
