I have done a lot of cases and always tend to get the same type of feedback such as that I need to interpret the numbers after calculations and bring them to the context of the case. It is on my mind at the beginning of every case, but somehow I always forget. Is there a way for me to break this habit?
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Hi,
A mindset shift that often helps is to stop thinking “I do a calculation → then I extract an insight”. Instead, at every step of the case (calculations, brainstorming, interpreting charts, etc), pause and ask yourself: how does this help answer the main question of the case?
If you constantly anchor your thinking back to the prompt, the interpretation tends to come more naturally because you are always connecting the analysis to the decision the client needs to make.
In terms of building the habit, there isn’t really a shortcut; it mainly comes from deliberate practice. During practice cases, force yourself to always close each analysis with a short takeaway linked to the main question. Over time it becomes automatic.
Hi, a few things that can help:
- Live case maths: If you are aware of the feedback but not able to implement it as part of a broader case, try to work on case math problems on their own. Over the next few sessions, ask peers or coaches to specifically focus on case maths rather than all parts of the case. They can give you information and context to help facilitate this accordingly
- Offline math drills: Even in your individual offline prep, focus specifically on this topic and ensure you do not move to the next question unless you've developed insights and tied it back meaningfully to the wider case problem
- Insight-building as part of overall case: Developing insights and linking them to the main case problem are essential at all steps of the case, not just maths. Incase this is a broader problem, you can write "make sure to develop insights and connect to case problem" in big bold letters in your notes and actively practice it at every point in the case. Ultimately, awareness of the problem and acting on it are the only two ways this will work.
Good luck and happy to support you in your prep. Please feel free to reach out.
This is quite common, actually.
You should redefine what you understand as being 'done' with a calculation in a case.
The last step in a calculation should be the interpretation and you should be proactive with it once the interviewer confirms that the number is correct.
Practice this technique in a chain on your own and then it should come naturally in live practice as well.
If you need any help, do reach out.
Best,
Cristian
The problem is not memory. If it were, reminding yourself at the start would fix it. It has not, your brain is so focused on getting the math right that interpretation becomes an afterthought. You finish the calculation, feel relieved, and move on.
The fix is mechanical, not mental. After every calculation in every practice case, force yourself to pause and say out loud "what does this number mean for the client." Do not move forward until you have said it. Do this until it becomes automatic.
Also practice the interpretation separately. Take cases you have already done and just drill the "so what" on the numbers without redoing the full case. That builds the muscle faster.
More cases without fixing the mechanic will just reinforce the bad habit.
