Skill/Level differences

Hi Anonymous!

Having led multiple McKinsey projects across the Middle East, I’ve seen this difference up close. And it really reshaped how I understand what “good consulting” really means.

The consulting craft doesn’t change across regions. 

But the rules of influence do.

Many consultants transferring from Western MBB offices to the Middle East expect differences in content depth or analytical rigor. In truth, the real difference sits elsewhere: in the client’s decision-making DNA.

In Western markets, clients often engage consultants as analytical partners. They value precision, structure, benchmarks, and proof. The consulting craft is about logic, evidence, and intellectual clarity.

In the Middle East, decision-making is far more relational and intuitive. Senior clients often rely on trust, personal credibility, and perceived judgment over data density. 

It’s not that analysis doesn’t matter. It’s that it’s rarely decisive. The key question is not “Is the logic sound?” but “Do I trust you to be right about this?”

That means success depends less on technical horsepower and more on subtle authority:

• Reading the room before the words start.
• Framing ideas with confidence, not conditionality.
• Building credibility through tone, empathy, and timing as much as through charts and numbers.

The most effective consultants in the region learn to flex between both worlds. They master logic in the Western sense, but lead with human judgment. Because in environments where trust precedes truth, the messenger shapes the message.

So in my experience, in the Middle East, consulting is less about the model you built, and more about the conviction you project.

Hope this helps!
Sidi

___________________

Dr. Sidi S. Koné

Former Senior Engagement Manager & Interviewer at McKinsey | Former Senior Consultant at BCG | Co-Founder of The MBB Offer Machine™ (500+ mentees now consultants at McKinsey, BCG, and Bain)

I did cross projects with both Europe/Middle East before. 

IMO - there isn't a significant difference in the expectations of the quality of work. This is also because many transfers from ME come from Europe, versus say South East Asia. 

What would be different would be the nature of the projects - there is definitely a nuance to this given the nature of the biggest buyers of consulting in ME... just talk to a few of your colleagues and you'll know the good the bad and the ugly ;)

All the best!

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, the core consulting skill set obviously is consistent across regions, so you won’t find a big difference in basic capability or expectations between offices.
• Moreover, however, based on my personal experience and those of people in my network, I would advise you to expect differences in project types and client behavior. In the Middle East, clients are often public sector organizations, and decision-making can be more top-down and relationship-based. This can mean more ambiguity, less data, and a greater focus on trust and executive presence.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hey there :)

Good question, overall, the skill level and expectations are quite similar across regions, but the focus and pace differ. In the Middle East, projects often move faster, with slightly less structure and more client exposure early on, since teams tend to be smaller and clients expect quick, tangible impact. In Europe, the work can be more structured and analytical, with deeper problem-solving rigor. So you won’t find a skill “gap,” but rather a difference in style and emphasis.

best,
Alessa :)

Hi there, 

The training and types of opportunities that the consultants receive are virtually the same, especially for MBBs where the models are developed at firm level. 

What you can expect to be different are the clients and thus the types of engagements. Also, you can expect for you as a consultant a different compensation package (fin and non-fin). 

Best,
Cristian