On Sale: Aug 26, 2025
Page Count: 336 pages
Publisher: Basic Venture
ISBN-13: 9781541704640

$30.00

$40.00 CAD

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A renowned leadership consultant offers “a powerful and timely resource for leaders at every level” (Marshal Goldsmith, author of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There), drawing on decades of her in-the-field research and consulting

As an executive coach, Dr. Katie Best has helped countless leaders achieve powerful results. But getting the right coaching isn’t always possible, whether because the problem is too urgent or because the resources aren’t there. That’s when leaders can turn to this book.

The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems and How to Solve Them is an essential self-coaching handbook for leaders at any level. Best helps leaders struggling to avoid burnout, make good decisions, increase influence within their organization, align with or shift a company’s culture, improve employee performance, engage staff, manage teams, implement strategy, lead change, and navigate the hybrid workplace. Her SOLVE framework breaks problem-solving into five manageable steps: state the problem, to untangle complex, interrelated issues; open the box, to gather information;lay out the solution, to make a plan to fix the problem;venture forth, to put that plan into action; and elevate your learning, to further develop relevant skills.

The product of two decades of coaching and executive education work, this practical book equips leaders with the tools they need to solve these ten common problems and any other tough challenges they may face.

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Dr. Katie Best is the founder and director of KatieBest Associates, a leadership development consultancy that works with leaders at companies including EY, Goldman Sachs, and Verizon. She leads the MBA Essentials executive education program at the London School of Economics, and is a visiting senior research fellow at King’s College London, where she earned her PhD in management. She lives in London.

Longlisted for a Porchlight Business Book Award
“Dr. Katie Best has written the kind of leadership book every leader wishes they had sooner —clear, compassionate and immediately useful. The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems doesn’t just diagnose the challenges leaders face—it guides them through them, step by step. Whether you’re in a high-stakes boardroom or navigating everyday team dynamics, this book offers smart, grounded strategies to move forward. A powerful and timely resource for leaders at every level.”

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times bestselling author of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
“Reading Katie Best’s book is like having a no-nonsense leadership coach whisper sanity-saving advice in your ear, minus the hefty invoice. The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems doesn’t sugarcoat the messiness of leading today. If you’ve ever wanted to yell, ‘Why is this so hard?!’—this is the practical handbook that will help you actually figure it out.”

Adrian Gostick, New York Times bestselling author of The Carrot Principle
“Katie Best’s The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems is an invaluable tool that belongs in every leader's kit. A ‘pocket leadership coach,’ it's an accessible, practical and vital resource for solving the kinds of sticky problems that all leaders face. Once you read it, you’ll be equipped to face any situation with thoughtfulness, skill and grace.”

Peter Bregman, author of Leading with Emotional Courage
“Packed with relatable leadership challenges and solutions, Best’s book is essential for senior leaders and managers. The insights on fostering healthy conflict and aligning goals for effective collaboration are invaluable. With 13+ years of coaching expertise, Best delivers a gem of a guide for improving team communication, engagement and morale.”

Dr. Heidi Gardner, Washington Post bestselling author of Smart Collaboration
“In The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems, Katie Best provides specific, actionable advice that will help solve the hardest of leadership problems. It’s a powerful guide and an important resource for leaders at any level.”

Lorraine K. Lee, author of Unforgettable Presence
“In order for a company to do great things in the world, its leaders must successfully navigate all kinds of challenges. This book gives managers and executives the insight they need to make smart decisions and lead with confidence.”

Daniel Hulme, CEO, Satalia
“Katie Best’s book is a brilliant exploration of some of the most common, and yet trickiest issues that all leaders (whether brand new to the role or seasoned pros) will face during their tenure. This is an essential guide for anyone aspiring to lead with bravery, vision and impact."

Jo Farmer, joint managing partner, Lewis Silkin LLP
“The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems truly identifies the trickiest problems to deal with in business, from age-old problems like Staff Motivation to newer challenges like Hybrid Working. Katie looks at these from every angle and provides clear actions for resolution. A great read and a useful reference for anyone in business. Brilliant!”

Nick Rice, CEO, Consolite
“Whatever your leadership style, this book is thought-provoking and applicable in equal measure. An essential guide for every leader whatever their discipline, sector or size of business.”

Lizzie Penny, cofounder and joint CEO, Hoxby and Workstyle Revolution
“Leadership is hard—and getting harder. What Dr. Katie Best offers in The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems is exactly what ambitious professionals need: clear, practical solutions without the BS. Leadership is always the problem, and the only solution—so if you want to lead with impact and confidence, this is a must-read.”

Chris Hirst, author of No Bullsh*t Leadership
“When Katie Best teaches her students at LSE, they appreciate her ability to provide insights grounded in research and evidence. Her book reflects that evidence-based, practical approach, enhanced by her extensive experience as a coach. The many examples and depth of advice make this book an important reference tool for any leader. This book is a valuable one-stop shop that contains Katie’s evidence-based tips on how to handle big leadership problems. Each chapter goes deep into a complex issue, including contemporary topics such as hybrid and remote working, using her SOLVE framework as a structure. This makes it easy to read and use. Keep this by your desk as a reference tool for when you face those tough leadership problems.”

Connson Locke, author of Making Your Voice Heard
“This book addresses the most significant challenges leaders face, and Dr. Katie Best provides practical insights and a useful framework for how to tackle these challenges. Every leader should read this valuable book!”

Dr. Rebecca Newton, author of Authentic Gravitas
"Best is consistently upbeat and generous. Those new to their leadership roles will find this an encouraging resource."
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