The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems
20 August 2026Synopsis
As seen in Forbes and Harvard Business Review.
'Clear, compassionate and immediately useful . . . A powerful and timely resource for leaders at every level' – Dr Marshall Goldsmith, Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of Triggers
Drawing on decades of in-the-field research and consultancy work, renowned leadership expert Dr Katie Best cuts through the jargon to tackle the real problems leaders face every day. She provides clear, authentic and actionable advice that feels instantly relatable.
Dr Best's signature SOLVE framework provides a simple, systematic approach to break down complex challenges, find the root cause and develop a solution tailored to your specific context. It's the practical tool you can employ immediately, even when time or resources for coaching are scarce.
Each chapter uses this framework to tackle a genuine and tough leadership problem:
- State the Problem: Gain clarity on what's really going wrong.
- Open the Box: Unpack the underlying causes using data and research.
- Lay Out Your Solution: Develop a realistic, tailored action plan.
- Venture Forth: Anticipate and overcome obstacles during implementation.
- Elevate Your Learning: Build on your new skills for lasting leadership growth.
Whether you're struggling with burnout, tricky decision-making, leading change or navigating the new hybrid workplace reality, this is the book you need to become a better leader now.
'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, #1 Executive Coach and bestselling author of 18 Minutes and Leading with Emotional Courage
'Reading Katie Best’s book is like having a no-nonsense leadership coach whisper sanity-saving advice in your ear, minus the hefty invoice' – Adrian Gostick, New York Times bestselling author of All In and Leading with Gratitude
Details
20 August 2026
9781035082230Reviews
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
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
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
When Katie teaches our 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
