How about starting the case structuring with key questions before structuring the key buckets areas to look at?

In your journey to becoming an efficient consultant, understanding various work management systems is crucial. One such system that has made a profound impact, particularly in the world of technology and services, is Kanban.Before we dive into the current applications of Kanban, it's important to acknowledge its origins. Kanban was born in the late 1940s within the walls of Toyota's manufacturing plant in Japan. Taiichi Ohno, an industrial engineer at Toyota, introduced Kanban to improve manufacturing efficiency. The word 'Kanban' translates to 'billboard' or 'signboard' in English, emphasizing the visual nature of the system. Ohno was inspired by the supermarket model of product replenishment, where stock is replaced as soon as it depletes. He applied the same principle to Toyota's production lines, effectively aligning inventory levels with actual parts of consumption. The implementation of Kanban led to significant improvements in Toyota's productivity and efficiency, setting the foundation for what we now call 'Lean Manufacturing'.Fast-forward to the present, Kanban has evolved beyond manufacturing and found its way into the technology and services industries. The system, still true to its origins, is designed to maximize efficiency, limit work in progress, and, most importantly, visualize your work. Derived from the Japanese word for 'visual signal', Kanban is an effective tool for making intangible or invisible work more understandable.By understanding the roots and evolution of Kanban, you, as a consultant, can better appreciate its applicability across industries and harness its principles to improve operational efficiency on diverse projects. It is also important to realize that Kanban is a process management system that aids decision-making in a collaborative manner. Understanding Kanban PrinciplesOne of the defining characteristics of Kanban is its adherence to existing work structures. Kanban isn't a disruptive force like Scrum; it's a set of four principles that respect current roles and responsibilities, thereby easily integrating into your current workflow.The focus is on improving the flow of work, not changing what you're already doing. This pragmatic approach encourages leadership from all levels, fostering a team-wide commitment to making Kanban work.If these principles resonate with you, you may want to take the first step into the Kanban world by creating a Kanban board.Utilizing Kanban BoardsA Kanban board is a visual tool designed to categorize the various stages of work, from inception to completion. This process of transitioning tasks from one phase to another is referred to as the 'workflow'. Each stage in the workflow is represented by a column on the Kanban board.Kanban boards can be as simple or as complex as required. While it's usually recommended to start simple, more columns can be added to represent additional stages in the workflow as needed. Digital tools like Trello and Jira, as well as physical boards on walls or whiteboards, can all serve as Kanban boards.The Power of Kanban CardsThe basic units of a Kanban board are Kanban cards. Each card represents a work item and is moved across the board as it progresses through the workflow. Each card should have a title, a description, and an owner. It can also include additional details, such as due dates.It's important that the tasks represented by Kanban cards are manageable in size. Too large, and a card could stagnate, clogging up the workflow. Too small, and your board could become chaotic and difficult to manage.The use of cards in this way has several benefits. For instance, bottlenecks in the workflow become visible as cards start to pile up, and over time, teams can better gauge the size of tasks that can be handled efficiently. Understanding Flow and Lead Time'Flow' refers to the smooth transition of work from the backlog to the 'done' state. By visualizing the work process, Kanban helps teams improve this flow, increasing productivity.Once you've mastered the concept of flow, the next metric to consider is 'lead time'. Lead time measures the time it takes for a card to traverse the entire workflow, from the moment work begins on it to the point when it's completed and delivered to the customer.In conclusion, understanding and implementing the Kanban system can significantly enhance your efficiency as a consultant. By visualizing work, managing tasks, and optimizing flow, Kanban can bring method to the madness, even in the most chaotic (remember the Stacey-Matrix) of work environments.Why Should I Know About Kanban When I Want to Be an IT Consultant?Understanding and utilizing the Kanban system can be particularly advantageous for IT consultants. In the ever-evolving world of IT, where multiple tasks and projects run concurrently, the visual nature of Kanban can significantly aid in managing complex workflows. It can help identify bottlenecks early, enabling consultants to streamline processes and enhance productivity.Furthermore, by measuring lead time, consultants can gain valuable insights into project timelines, improving their capacity for accurate planning and forecasting. As a result, they can provide more reliable delivery estimates to clients, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust. Additionally, the adaptability of Kanban allows for its use in a variety of IT projects, irrespective of the methodologies being used, be they Agile, Scrum, or others. Therefore, a strong understanding of Kanban equips IT consultants with a versatile tool that can improve their efficiency and deliver better results for their clients, especially those who are in digital transformation.

The McKinsey Influence Model was developed in the early 2000s and is the result of extensive research and practical experience by consultants. Originally designed to help companies tackle challenges, the model has now established itself as an indispensable framework in the field of consulting. What Is the McKinsey Influence Model About?The McKinsey Influence Model is based on the fundamental assumption that successful change can be achieved through the skillful combination of four main elements:Understanding and Conviction: When the relevant employees understand what the change is intended to achieve and why it is being pursued, the "why" contributes to behavior change. For understanding and acceptance of the change to occur, the goal must be clearly communicated.Reinforcing Change: By creating positive incentives for employees, behavior changes can occur more quickly and sustainably.Developing Talent and Skills: Encouraging new skills motivates employees to take responsibility and also creates the competence to apply new abilities. This factor can determine whether employees actively drive the change forward.Role Modeling: By exemplifying desired behaviors, goals can be made more tangible and understandable. Especially in leadership positions, it is important to encourage employees to follow a good example.These components are crucial for motivating and enabling employees to actively embark on new paths and shape changes.The Influence Model was developed by McKinsey consultants based on the observation that many change initiatives in companies fail when they do not adequately consider the human component of change. It is a model that targets not only structures and processes but also the attitudes and behaviors of the people who need to actively shape these changes. Each of these elements plays a critical role in shaping effective change processes and can be applied to case interviews to solve complex business problems.💡 Prep Tip: Schedule mock interviews with like-minded individuals on the meeting board or book a coaching session to practice applying the Influence Model in simulated interviews. You will receive direct feedback, can compare approaches with those of other users, and develop a deep understanding of the four main elements of the Influence Model. Why Is the McKinsey Influence Model Relevant for Your Case Interview in Consulting?For applicants preparing for case interviews, the McKinsey Influence Model offers a structured approach to analyzing and solving diverse business problems. It facilitates an in-depth engagement with the factors crucial for the successful implementation of strategies within a company and prepares them to apply these insights in real consulting situations.In a case interview, not only are your analytical thinking and business understanding tested, but also your strategic planning abilities. The McKinsey Influence Model proves particularly valuable when it comes to understanding the complex dynamics of business scenarios such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), market entry strategies, or growth strategies.M&A: In M&A transactions, for example, the model can be used to analyze the cultural and organizational aspects that often determine the success or failure of a merger or acquisition. It helps to understand how to gain the approval and commitment of stakeholders, which is essential for a smooth integration.Market Entry: Regarding market entry strategies, the Influence Model allows for deeper insights into the necessity of understanding and influencing local market conditions and customer preferences. It supports the development of a compelling value proposition tailored to the specific needs and expectations of the new market.Growth Strategies: For growth strategies in an existing market, the model provides a framework to identify the driving forces behind market penetration and expansion. It helps recognize which skills need to be developed and what internal changes must be made to foster sustainable growth.In all these scenarios, the Influence Model teaches candidates how to build a clear line of reasoning and communicate persuasively. These skills are crucial in case interviews as they enable you to manage different business situations and present informed, compelling solutions. By applying the model, you can demonstrate to the interviewer that you not only possess the analytical ability to interpret data but also the strategic acumen to have influence and drive change. Practical Applications of the Influence ModelThe McKinsey Influence Model is applied across a variety of business scenarios, ranging from launching new products to addressing challenges such as increasing profitability, determining market size, or analyzing competitive responses.In increasing profitability, the model can help identify internal and external factors influencing a company's cost structures and revenue streams. By analyzing these profitability drivers, strategies can be developed aimed at more efficient resource allocation, process optimization, and customer retention.In the context of determining market size, the Influence Model provides a framework to evaluate the various factors influencing market potential. These include economic indicators, customer needs, and competitor behavior. This analysis is crucial for developing market entry strategies and prioritizing business investments.When launching a new product, the model helps understand the key elements influencing market adoption and acceptance. In addition to customer persuasion, this includes analyzing competitive reactions carefully to plan proactive measures positioning the new product against existing and new competitors.Competitive reactions are another critical aspect illuminated by the Influence Model. Companies must anticipate potential responses from competitors to their own strategic moves. The model can help predict likely competitor actions and develop corresponding counter-strategies.In all these scenarios, the Influence Model enables a structured approach to penetrate the multifaceted aspects of a business problem and develop a comprehensive, strategically informed plan. It is a tool that enhances the likelihood of success in various business contexts and thus is an indispensable part of your toolkit as an aspiring consultant. Developing Arguments with the Influence ModelThe McKinsey Influence Model can serve as a guide to develop a clear and persuasive argument in case interviews. The following checklist will help you systematically approach argument development during the interview:Building Understanding and Conviction:Define the core problem of the case.Identify the key messages you want to convey.Gather data and facts to support your argument.Develop a clear thesis or hypothesis for the case.Reinforcing Change:Consider which structures or systems could support your solution.Identify potential resistance and plan how to overcome it.Create a plan to strengthen your argument with evidence and examples.Developing and Fostering Talent and Skills:Demonstrate how your analytical skills contribute to problem-solving.Use logical structures and frameworks to organize your arguments.Prove your ability to effectively communicate complex information.Identifying and Using Role Models:Refer to best practices or case studies that support your argument.Explain how specific behaviors or decisions of leaders can serve as a role model for your solution.Show how you apply similar successful strategies in your proposed solution approach.By following this structured approach with the Influence Model, you can effectively build and present compelling arguments in case interviews, demonstrating both your analytical prowess and strategic thinking abilities.💡After considering the four main elements in your case solution, you should also keep in mind the following tips that can help you in your case interview:Integrate the identified main elements into your case solution. Ensure that your argumentation is focused on the core problem. Check if your reasoning is logical, consistent, and comprehensive. Prepare to adapt your argumentation flexibly to new information.Practice presenting your arguments clearly and concisely. If possible, use visual aids to underscore your points. When practicing with coaches or peers, train to respond confidently and substantively to questions and objections.By carefully considering and internalizing these points, you can establish a strong argumentative foundation for your case interviews. The Influence Model serves as a structure to ensure that all aspects of your argument are considered and effectively communicated.In addition to analytical skills, the Influence Model also enhances important soft skills such as communication and persuasion. These competencies are crucial not only in interviews but also in your future professional life. Sharpen Your Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving Skills with Various ModelsThe Influence Model is just one of many strategic tools that can provide you with a deep understanding of business functions and the drivers of change.Similar models that also offer valuable insights for strategic thinking and problem-solving include:👉 SWOT Analysis: A classic strategic planning tool that evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a company or project.👉 Porter's Five Forces Model: A framework for analyzing competition within an industry and developing corporate strategies.👉 PESTEL Analysis: A method to examine macroeconomic factors that could influence a company, categorized into political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors.👉 BCG Matrix: An analytical tool developed by the Boston Consulting Group to assess and manage a company's portfolio of products or business units.👉 Kotter's 8-Step Change Model: A process comprising eight steps to lead and embed changes within organizations.These models complement the Influence Model by offering additional perspectives and approaches to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by businesses. Key Takeaways on the McKinsey Influence ModelThe McKinsey Influence Model is a tool that every candidate preparing for case interviews should be familiar with. By integrating this model into your preparation, you can increase your chances of impressing in case interviews and lay the groundwork for a successful career in management consulting. Good luck! 🚀