Praise for The Conclusion Trap
Markovitz reminds us, clearly and concisely, of the risks we take when we make decisions too hastily. The Conclusion Trap is a quick and fun read that gets you thinking about a simple practice that can really make a difference in your work.
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that an issue could be solved if there were more people, more resources, or more time, I’d be enjoying a life of leisure now. The Conclusion Trap’s simple framework for getting to better decisions is something I plan to share broadly—I’d be thrilled if my teams practiced Dan’s ideas everyday.
Dan Markovitz shows us why we so often fail to achieve the results we expect and teaches us a straightforward process to produce better outcomes. He will challenge you to more regularly stop and think -- and you’ll be a better leader for it.
This wisdom packed gem deserves a spot on your bookshelf next to Good to Great, and more importantly, a spot in your everyday use tool kit!
Dan Markovitz brings astute observations and concise prescriptions to change knee-jerk reaction to thoughtful consideration, and acting smart to behaving wisely. The Conclusion Trap is an oasis of wisdom for these challenging times.
A must read for business executives who want to improve their problem solving abilities
Markovitz provides a 360 approach to establishing the root cause of every day and not-so-every-day problems that paves the way for creative and effective solutions. The style is easily digestible, and the lessons are imprinted on my brain and incorporated into the way I think.
Dan Markovitz writes with clarity on a topic important to anyone who is trying to solve problems in business (or in life). The process he presents is compelling, easy to follow, and supported with numerous case studies—anyone can benefit from Dan’s advice.
I can safely say that I am absolutely not jumping to this conclusion: Dan Markovitz has penned an excellent crash course on how to fix the world’s most prevalent thinking flaw with the lost art of framing problems properly.
Jumping to conclusions is dangerous for leaders and their organizations. This book shows you how to make sure you’re solving the right problems. . . and creating the right solutions.
Dan Markovitz helps organizations improve execution. He has worked with clients throughout the US and Europe. Past clients have included Microsoft, WL Gore, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Jabil, CamelBak, Clif Bar, Goodyear Tire, and dozens of smaller companies.
He is a faculty member at the Lean Enterprise Institute and teaches at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, the Stanford Continuing Studies Program, and the Ohio State University’s Fisher School of Business.
He’s a dynamic speaker who has keynoted conferences around the world, and the author of two books—A Factory of One and Building the Fit Organization—both of which were honored with Shingo Research Awards.
Markovitz lived in Japan for four years and is fluent in Japanese. He holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
The Conclusion Trap in the media: interviews with me, and reviews of the book.
This Working Life with Lisa Leong
Australia Broadcasting Company’s Lisa Leong interviews me about the book for her weekly radio show, This Working Life. It’s cheaper than therapy and more fun than LinkedIn. Think of this episode as your digital water cooler.
Barry Moltz’s Small Business Radio
Interview with Barry Moltz, creator of the Small Business Radio show. Skip to 36:15 to understand the distinction between facts and data.
Art Petty’s Leadership Caffeine
Podcast interview with Art Petty, author, speaker, executive coach, and expert in leadership development.
The Roth Effect with Carol Roth
Interview with Carol Roth, business advisor, investor, speaker and author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Entrepreneur Equation.
Impruver Podcast
Interview with Calvin Williams, who presents the latest in breakthrough thinking on Continuous Improvement topics.
Rever Frontline Excellence Summit
Panel discussion on the three key mistakes in framing a problem.
Lean Blog Podcast
Interview with international speaker and author Mark Graban.
The Globe and Mail
Harvey Schachter’s book review.
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