tell me about a time you had to solve a problem without managerial input, and how did you do it and what was the result?
Hey there,
great question and definitely one that is asked quite frequently in interviews.
My recommendation is to pick an example that actually mattered. Maybe you were working on a financial model, preparing a client pitch, or analyzing a deal (ideally something where the outcome wasn’t just academic). Walk the interviewer through it naturally: What was the situation? What were you supposed to do and what made it tricky to handle the situation without guidance? Focus on how you stepped up. Maybe you used insights from past work, reached out laterally to colleagues, or double-checked your assumptions with data.
Most importantly, show the result. Did your solution lead to a good outcome? Did someone senior later back your approach? That’s what makes the story stick. Keep it short, keep it real, and make sure it sounds like something you would actually do.
If you need any support in your further preparation, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Hey!
That’s a great (and very common) interview question. It’s all about showing that you can take initiative and solve problems without always needing managerial input. And by the way: this kind of question doesn’t just come up in consulting interviews – it can be asked in all kinds of roles where independence and ownership matter.
Here’s an example you can use as inspiration or adapt to your own experience:
“In my previous role as a Marketing Coordinator, our newsletter platform suddenly went down — right on the day of a major product launch. My manager was in back-to-back meetings and unreachable. Instead of waiting, I checked the system logs and identified that a recent update had caused the crash. I contacted the provider’s support team and, in parallel, created a backup version of the newsletter using an alternative tool. I got it sent out just in time, and the launch went ahead with minimal disruption. Later, I proposed a backup protocol to the team, which we implemented.”
To answer well, focus on what the problem was, how you approached it, and what the outcome was, especially any positive impact you had.
Also, this is a great question to talk through with friends. Ask them what situations they’ve faced like this. Sometimes it helps to hear others’ stories to remember your own!
Let me know if you want help shaping your own example 😊
Simon
Hey
When answering this question, aim to show your initiative, problem-solving skills, and ability to take ownership. Start by briefly describing the situation and the problem you faced. Then explain the steps you took independently to analyze and resolve it, highlighting your critical thinking and resourcefulness. Finally, share the positive outcome or impact your solution had, quantifying results if possible.
For example, you might say: “In my previous role, I noticed a recurring data error that was delaying monthly reports. Without guidance from my manager, I investigated the source, identified a process gap in the data entry system, and proposed a simple fix to automate checks. After implementing this, report accuracy improved by 20%, and the team saved several hours each month.” This structure shows you can act proactively and deliver results.
