This course surveys the practical frictions managers encounter when solving problems and getting organizations to do things. These frictions include ambiguity, imperfect information, politics, and flawed human beings. In working through a series of difficult cases, drawn from both academic and popular sources, students learn a set of techniques for overcoming these frictions. Students emerge with a broader appreciation for the general manager?s job, and with the ability to avoid getting stuck on issues which can otherwise fluster junior executives.