Advance Praise for Know What You Don't Know

"Far too many books on mishap prevention seem to be at one end of a spectrum—providing thoroughly researched but unfortunately dry material, or providing an engaging but perhaps lightweight presentation. In contrast, Dr. Roberto has skillfully managed to blend in-depth research with his straightforward and enjoyable style, and in doing so painted a masterpiece that should be considered by any institution or individual looking to detect or solve problems. Presenting cases and their lessons from multiple venues, he offers wisdom readily applicable to any arena. Well done."

Duane Deal, Brigadier General, United States Air Force (Retired)

"Solving problems is one thing, finding them early enough to do something about it is quite another. In this entertaining book full of insight and examples, Michael Roberto provides managers with hands-on recommendations on how to avoid falling into decision-making traps by getting a step ahead."

Sydney Finkelstein, Steven Roth Professor of Management,Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and author of Why Smart Executives Fail and Think Again.

"In typical style, Mike Roberto gets right to the heart of a major challenge facing businesses in today's rapidly changing landscape. He provides not only a burning platform for thinking differently, but practical tools for busy leaders to implement following an 'action learning' approach. His engaging storytelling style makes this book not only informative, but fun to read from cover to cover."

Jon Shepherd, Chief Learning Officer, Mars Inc.

"Michael Roberto has a unique knack of looking at fascinating, complex events and drawing relevant parallels into all aspects of business management. His latest book is no exception."

Jonathan Saxe, Chief Information Officer - International, Morgan Stanley

"Professor Roberto presents a fascinating and relevant topic in his new book, Know What You Don’t Know. With the speed at which business can change, the ability to see around corners is paramount for business leaders. This book offers wisdom and practical ideas about how to identify (and bring to light) the most critical issues facing an organization. Leaders cannot afford to ignore his insight and advice!"

Paul Dominski, Former Vice President, Organizational Effectiveness, Target Corporation

"Discovering problems when they are still minor is a vital skill in today's fast moving business environment. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is the only thing I intend to do at work every single day. This book will guide you to become an 'effective problem-finder.'"

Shin Odake, Chief Operating Officer, UNIQLO USA, Inc.

"It's the rare business book that provides leaders with an actionable roadmap for dealing with an eternal business challenge. The shift from fire-fighting to problem-avoidance is just such as challenge, and Know What You Don't Know tackles it head on. With a engaging mix of memorable illustrations and sage advice, Roberto shows how you can avoid organizational disaster. A must-read for every manager who aspires to leave their company better off than when they arrived."

Michael Watkins, author of The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at all Levels

 "Insightful, useful and richly illustrated book about the proverbial ounce of prevention−Integrating stimulating case studies and a range of psychological research, Roberto's thought-provoking book shows you how to forestall crises by finding problems you didn't know existed."

Amar Bhide, Lawrence D. Glaubinger Professor of Business at Columbia University, and author of The Venturesome Economy: How innovation sustains prosperity in a more connected world

"Michael Roberto's latest book provides an innovative and fresh approach to problem solving by focusing on problem finding. Know What You Don't Know offers real world advice on becoming an effective problem hunter - on detecting the minuscule cracks before they turn into irreparable crevasses. A must-read for anyone interested in the long-term success of their project, team or organization."

Scott Posner, Executive Vice President, The Bank of New York Mellon

"Loaded with engaging examples, but also grounded in rigorous research findings, Roberto's book is a rare treat. If you want to avoid getting blind-sided as a leader, you should read Know What You Don’t Know."

Donald C. Hambrick, Smeal Chaired Professor of Management, The Pennsylvania State University

"Michael Roberto has hit a home run with this book. The ability to anticipate is an essential trait to possess for any great leader of today and tomorrow. I strongly recommend this book for leaders moving from good to great."

Joseph F. Raccuia, President and CEO, SCA Tissue North America

"Hospitals are complex organization where patients' lives are in our hands. Know What You Don't Know gave me many practical and proactive ideas to try with my leadership team to identify problems before they become catastrophes, when they can be used as opportunities for improvement."

Constance A. Howes, President and CEO, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

"The secret to succeeding in business is to understand that the human side of the business equation is the driver. What Michael Roberto has developed is the critical foundation to make it the reality. This is a must read!"

John D. Callahan, Former President at Allstate Insurance

"Have you ever asked: 'How did this issue get so far?' or 'Why did we not see the early warning signs?' Wouldn't it be rewarding to know you could prevent problems, rather than just instituting corrective actions? Michael Roberto's fresh perspective provides practical approaches to developing problem discovery skills and capabilities. A must read!"

Gerardine Ferlins, President and CEO, Cirtronics Corporation

"This book describes useful techniques by which a leader can spot a problem early. It is written in an easily-understandable manner, with a number of dramatic and specific examples. Professor Roberto demonstrates the global applicability of field-oriented approaches practiced by many distinguished Japanese managers."

Shozo Hashimoto, Chairman of the Board, Nomura School of Advanced Management