Second personal impact story McK

Question

Hey,

I'm in the McK final round and currently thinking about an imapct story. For a non experienced hire this is the hardest dimension in my opinion.

Particularly the fact that there should be a strong underlying conflict of interest and the event should at best go on for several weeks.

I have one such story that fits the dimension quiet well.

However, I don't see any story that fulfills the dimension beyond that. It either does not have a strong conflict of interest (i.e. I had to convince my professor to write a certain research topic that he would not like at the beginning) or it does not really involve a lot of conflict or hard convincing abilities (i.e. convincing a colleauge in a group work to use my approach)

Is there anyway to come up with a good backup story?

If I have to tell a second story should I tell straight that I don't really had something that fit quite well than the (presumably) the first?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Not sure where you got the information that it needs to be

a strong conflict of interest
over several weeks

Both assumptions are not correct.

For this dimension, you will be asked to tell a story in which you influenced or persuaded an individual. This can either be about them adopting a certain idea or plan of yours, helping you with achieving your own goals and driving something together, etc. Focus on stories that showcase how you

worked with challenging individuals, ideally more senior than your own role
needed to understand their concerns and reservations first
were able to convince them by using a mix of the right set of arguments and effective communication
created a sustainable way of working together or even a solution to a difficult problem

You can read more about structuring and delivering your PEI here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/mckinsey-pei

All the best,

Florian

Answer 2

Hi there,

I would argue you might be being a bit too literal here. There doesn't need to be a conflict of interest. There just has to be a strong difference in opinions/viewpoints. I'm not sure where you got the conflict of interest from!

Importantly, we need to hear the whole story in order to assess if it fits hollistically.

I highly recommend you hire a coach for this - they'll be able to make sure your story is “perfect". For the outcome (an elite, high paying job), the investment is really a no-brainer.

Answer 3

Look, conflict of interest and that the issue goes on for weeks is something you made up; in McK interviews they do not want necessarily to see this.

Look, other coaches will not agree, but your stories should not be perfect, or strictly adhere to some preconceived framework. Your stories should show that you can manage a team and work with others. This is the prerequisite to being a consultant (EM level).

Focus on that.

Answer 4

Hey,

For every dimension, think through and prepare two stories — from professional and from extracurricular circumstances.

1. Personal impact dimension is not only about the direct conflict, but also about the misunderstanding the situation. Try to memorise a situation which you could understand better than your counterpart and then to convince then you’re right. On top of that, remember that it all is about negotiation — this can be done by many means e.g. decisive (expertise-wise), data-driven, emotionally, psychologically, etc.
2. I highly encourage you to start with extracurricular story especially when personal impact dimension is asked. They hear tons of stories where prof or some senior person in your hierarchy was convinced by you but much fewer stories from your sport community, or vacation situation, or discussion club, etc. These ones excite them anf make you different.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Feel free to DM me your story for feedback