Client Pet Peeves to be Avoided at All Costs
Clients play a central role in our consulting careers. Yet, in our attempt to over-deliver, we often lose sight of how we are being perceived by members of the client organization. Here are some things you can do to avoid these classic client pet peeves.
Tell it like it is: The truth hurts. But not acting on a problem situation will be more painful for the client in the long run. If the current state assessment you just completed identifies areas of concern, let your client know - don’t try to "dress up" the answer just because you think that’s what the client wants to hear. Clients appreciate objectivity - that’s why you were hired. - Don’t play favorites (or partake in client politics): Sure, you may have...
Pre-Project Checklist: Are You Ready for the Next Engagement?
Consultants roll on and off client projects all the time - it’s the nature of the business. Especially on larger projects, it is not uncommon to find the consulting team cycle through new junior and senior associates as roles are revised and retired. And with new associates comes the opportunity (and need) to inform and educate; not doing so hampers the transition and prevents resources from hitting the ground running.
Before being deployed on your next assignment, take the time to carry out some focused research. You will find this exercise to not only be educational but also a smart way to considerably reduce the dreaded ramp-up time. Here are a few suggested activities. What other items appear on your pre-project checklist?
- Industry 101 - Familiarize yourself...
Case Interview Questions (Part 1: Estimation)
This is a follow-up piece to the article I wrote earlier about Case Interview Basics. Part 1 of a three-part series, this article focuses on questions of estimation that are found in case interviews.
Estimation questions cover the guesstimate and market sizing form of questions and are some of the most unnerving (and fun) interview questions you will come across. Simply put, estimation questions are meant to test your composure in the face of a very bizarre line of questioning. Indeed, as a management consultant you may very well have to answer such unusual client questions, and so the interviewer is trying to see whether you will “crack” under the pressure, or maintain your professionalism while answering the question in a logical manner.
In this article I will look at two estimation questions and the approach you may take when answering them:
- Question 1: ...