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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Andrew Munro and Robert Bolton’s Breaking Open The Boxes revitalizes the 2×2 matrix into a dynamic tool for life and business, blending analytical and creative thinking to navigate modern complexities.
Breaking Open The Boxes
Andrew Munro and Robert Bolton’s “Breaking Open the Boxes” has ignited a wave of enthusiasm, earning widespread acclaim as a transformative resource for business leaders, consultants, and creative thinkers alike. This isn’t just another self-help or business manual; it’s a paradigm shift, offering a fresh and powerful approach to navigating the complexities of modern life and business.
The book’s unique ability to seamlessly blend left-brain analytical thinking with right-brain creative intuition sets it apart. Readers are not only captivated by the intellectual rigor of the framework but also empowered by the practical, hands-on tools provided. “Breaking Open the Boxes” challenges ingrained assumptions, pushing readers to reconsider their perspectives and unlock new avenues for leadership, decision-making, and personal growth.
What makes this book a rare achievement is its ability to combine intellectual depth with engaging, actionable advice. Munro and Bolton have effectively revitalized the classic 2×2 matrix, transforming it from a stale business tool into a vibrant and dynamic framework for creative problem-solving. They demonstrate how this powerful tool can be applied to a vast array of challenges, from personal development to strategic business planning.
But can 100 quadrants truly make sense of the intricate tapestry of life? “Breaking Open the Boxes” boldly answers in the affirmative. The book addresses a wide spectrum of critical areas, including decision-making, project management, interpersonal skills, communication impact, leadership, change management, culture, strategic analysis, technology, and the future of the workforce.
Munro and Bolton’s “field book” provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the “wicked dilemmas” we encounter in our daily lives. By harnessing both analytical and creative thinking, readers are equipped to break free from outdated paradigms and lead with greater clarity and confidence. “Breaking Open the Boxes” is more than just a book; it’s a catalyst for transformation, empowering individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential and embrace the challenges of the modern world.
Our book isn’t just about the 100 quadrants, although they bring much insight, sometimes on quite controversial topics such as whistleblowing and leadership team cover-ups.
The style is intentionally quite quirky and edgy. Providing the history to the quadrant and we also introduce the reader to what we term Grid Thinking. This is a way to tackle dilemmas beyond those in the book. Grid 101 draws on the groundbreaking research of Ian McGilchrist on ways of attending, and a way to recognise and integrate left and right brain patterns of thinking and deciding. Our grid thinking advice can apply to individuals as well as small groups wishing to tackle an issue.
The book therefore has application in both the business and academic domains. Finally, I would say that it is chock full of great quotes from the likes of Bertrand Russell, Warren Buffett, Taylor Swift, Bruce Lee and Stephen Fry. Plus many more.
-Robert Bolton
Andrew Munro
Andrew’s journey began in psychometric testing, quickly revealing its limitations within the broader context of business success. Transitioning to corporate roles in financial services, he navigated assessment, talent development, and succession planning, gaining a deeper understanding of organizational complexity.
A pivotal moment came under a progressive leader, co-author Robert Bolton, who introduced him to systems thinking, highlighting the interconnectedness of business elements. Recognizing the tendency for organizations to overcomplicate, Andrew returned to consulting, specializing in talent management and change for two decades.
He’s authored several books, including “Personality Testing in Employee Selection” and co-authored “A To Z And Back Again: Adventures and Misadventures in Talent Management” with Masoud Golshani-Shirazi.
Robert Bolton
Robert Bolton’s career, spanning retail, local government, and NGOs, accelerated within a major UK financial services firm, where he collaborated with exceptional talent—and briefly, managed Andrew. Gaining MSc and MA degrees, he embraced systems thinking, a powerful tool for tackling complex organizational challenges. This approach became his cornerstone, proving invaluable during his time as a management consultant at KPMG.
Recognized as HR Consultant of the Year by the Management Consultancy Association, he served diverse clients in government, telecoms, and other sectors. More recently, he led KPMG’s global People and Change communities, driving innovative solutions and thought leadership, including the “Future of HR” report.
Beyond consulting, Robert is also an emerging minimalist fine art photographer.
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