Jack's Notebook
A Business Novel About Creative Problem Solving
By: Gregg Fraley
Published: Feb 13, 2007
ISBN: 9780785221661
Format: Hardcover, 242pp
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc
Creativity is about problem solving, decision making and self expression, writes author Gregg Fraley in the introduction to his wonderful and ingenious business fable Jack's Notebook: A Business Novel About Creative Problem Solving. The concept and techniques of creative problem solving are presented within the business novel itself, and form the basis for the intriguing, and page turning plot.
Gregg Fraley uses the plot device of a young man named Jack, trapped in jobs he dislikes and feeling lost in the world, who discovers creative problem solving through a chance meeting with a stranger. The plot begins with Jack filling his notebook with lists of ideas for changing his life, on the advice of his mentor Manny. Jack later meets a waitress named Molly, and begins a friendship that turns into romance. All is not a fairy tale for the couple, however, and the adventure that follows requires teamwork, as well as creative thinking and problem solving, to avert disaster.
Gregg Fraley (photo left) blends the exciting narrative skillfully with his teaching of creative problem solving techniques. The author understands that complex ideas are often best learned and remembered through storytelling. The result is a business fable that demonstrates the power of creative thinking to solve business problems, that is applicable to personal lives as well. The steps to creative problem solving are presented in a logical manner, and are summarized at the end of the book in a handy table format.
The main character Jack symbolizes the power of creative solutions to simple or complex problems. Difficult situations, that are seemingly without solutions, find many positive options through the application of the prescribed techniques. Manny represents the patient teacher and facilitator who guides Jack through the six stages of creative problem solving. Molly provides additional assistance through more detailed use of simple, yet powerful creative thinking methods. The resulting novel is a metaphor for the power of a simple notebook, filled with lists and ideas, to change people's lives for the better.
For me, the power of the book is in its simplicity. Complex creative thinking techniques are illustrated, several ways, through the story line. The imaginative use of examples within the novel reinforces the prescribed six steps to creative problem solving. The use of the notebook shows the importance of list making and of writing down every idea, no matter how unrealistic or unworkable it may appear at first glance. The adventure portion of the novel demonstrates the power of group problem solving, the strength of team work, and that even life and death issues can be solved in a positive way.
I highly recommend Jack's Notebook: A Business Novel About Creative Problem Solving by Gregg Fraley to anyone who seeks powerful solutions to problems in business and in life. Every obstacle represents a gift to be cherished as an opportunity to improve your business or your personal situation.
Read Jack's Notebook: A Business Novel About Creative Problem Solving by Gregg Fraley and you will never again look at problems as having no solutions again. Instead of avoiding difficult problems, you will be seeking them out as the paths to a better future, through creative problem solving.
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