In my opinion, you are 1000% correct.
Always go top down. Always!!!
Observations and insights are irrelevant if they are not leading to a recommendation or solving the specific problem. If they are not tied up to the case objective, they are just “random (and irrelevant) interesting facts”. Bain calls this being “answer-first”.
Moreover, top down communication, particularly when analyzing a chart is much more effective from a time management point of view. You only focus on what is important and you convey immediately WHY it is important.
You are communicating as CEOs (and consultants) want you to communicate. You start with the answer upfront, and then provide your arguments. As such, the consultant/CEO can analyze your arguments already knowing where it leads to.
If you go bottom-up, the interviewers have no idea where you are heading to (and most likely you don't know as well). Worse, if you start with observations you are basically telling them what they already know. They don't need your help to read slides. They need your help to draw insights and provide recommendations based on them.
This is actually the MOST IMPORTANT rule to follow when looking at exhibits. You first think about the case goal, and then look at the exhibit to understand how it impacts the recommendation. If you are going bottom up, it is VERY UNLIKELY that you will follow this thought process. Once again: always be “ANSWER FIRST”. Particularly for Bain interviews, this is a MUST.
Of course, other may have a different opinion, but I am quite adamant on this one. Top-Down!
(editiert)