How "rigid" should the brain storming structure be? (with example)

Hi,

In the case interview, you are expected to be structured in your thinking and problem solving approach - and this applies to brainstorming as well. 

• It is always better to be MECE and structured than unstructured
  • “I feel that somehow, trying to force the structure to be 100% MECE, would limit some ideas, especially under limited timing” → this is a legitimate concern and struggle for many candidates, but to me this is often because candidates have not yet built the right habit/ability to be structured in their thinking
• That being said - the above point applies if your structure makes sense / is logical
  • Trying to force fit something that doesn't make sense also isnt ideal
  • If i take a look at what you wrote - I get that you are trying to generate ideas based on the process of fostering, but the question is really about the number of recruited families. This means that what you are optimizing for is up until point where the families are recruited (and not really the process that comes after that, per se)

Lastly - do note that case books aren't the gospel and the suggested solutions aren't often the most optimal. If i had to put a structure or distill a structure from the case books suggestions, it would probably be closest to a pipeline/funnel, although the articulation of it isn't very sharp

Hi there,

Remember that the bar is a bit lower when it comes to brainstorming (as opposed to frameworking). 

Ultimately, I view brainstorming as “framework” light. If you can group your ideas into 2-3 categories, even if they are not perfectly MECE, this is ok!

The answer in that case book is wrong. Please de careful with casebooks…think about who they were written by! (They are heplpful, but not the bible!) 

Careful with your framework…it sounds like the prompt is asking about recruited families, not total…in which case you're not in the right scope!

HERE ARE 6 FRAMEWORK OPTIONS

Option 1

1. Reach out to more families/make more aware
2. Increase conversion of families who are aware

Option 2

1. Improve outreach - going to families
2. Improve “in”reach - families coming to us
3. Improve inherent offering/pitch

Option 3

1. Reach out to more families
2. Reach out to “better” families (higher inherent likelihood of saying yes)
3. Increase conversion of families

Option 4

1. People - improve sales/recruitment team
2. Processes - improve recruitment processes
3. Tools/Tech - bring in better recruiting tools, data analytics, etc.

Option 5

1. Ethos - persuade on character/legitimacy
2. Pathos - persuade on emotion
3. Logos - persuade on logic

Option 6

The 4 Ps

1. Product - “bundle” fostering in a better way (make it seem better, improve the experience, etc)
2. Price - compensation
3. Place - where it occurs, where the outreach is (online, in person, etc.)
4. Promotion - how we market/advertise

Hi there!

This is a great question.

Basically, you should think of brainstorming questions the same way you think about the initial case framework - they are both structures (though the latter is usually deeper, broader, less targeted than that of a brainstorming question).

Then, in terms of how ‘rigid’ it should be - aim to have it as MECE as you can, but be willing to sacrifice MECEness in exchange for creativity. 

Interviewers are bored out of their minds by now by the typical structures. So they always appreciate more a candidate that comes up with a structure on the spot that shows lateral thinking and is well adjusted exactly to the context of the client. 

Sharing with you below a guide that lays out the core techniques for structures and addressing brainstorming questions:

• Free Guide: Mastering Structuring & Brainstorming

Best,
Cristian

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Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

Hi there

I agree with Ian here - brainstorming is a light version of structruing. There are many options that can work, but key is to categorize so you can maximize your creativity. Some options (not exhaustive)

• process
• algebraic
• conceptual frames (4Ps, People / Process / Tech)  
• opposites (e.g. financial vs non-financial, tactical vs strategic)
• problem areas / pain points
• segments
• ..

Whatever you pick, make sure the categories are MECE and help you come up with tangible ideas.

Hope this helps.

Regards, Andi

Case books are decent at providing questions - unfortunately they are not usually very good at providing suggested answers…

The suggested answer is a weak answer. It's a random collection of ideias in a laundry list kind of approach. While one may get some points for insightful ideas, you won't get any points for structuring ability.

Of course, after Ian's detailed answer, I have nothing to add regarding suggestions on how to possible approach this.

Hello,

It's always best practice to be structured and MECE in all your answers, including brainstorming questions. That said, it's very hard to come up with and present a perfectly MECE structure off the top of your head when brainstorming. It's completely understandable if your buckets are a bit broader or not perfectly structured when you are brainstorming. Rather than worrying about getting to 100% MECE, I would focus on practicing brainstorming questions live, and trying to get as MECE as you can on the fly.