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McKinsey PEI - Conflict with Boss

McKinsey PEI
New answer on Jun 24, 2020
4 Answers
1.7 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jun 23, 2020

Hi all,

Can anyone kindly share an example of resolving a disagreement with a boss? Thank you!

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Best answer
Udayan
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 24, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Hi,

here are some examples of situations you can use where you might have disagreed with your boss to begin with and then worked towards a solution

  • Approach to solving a problem - this is the most common type of issue that comes up. Sometimes people have different approaches to the same problem and usually one method is better than the other
  • Methodology for analysis - similar to above but the focus here is on the analysis aspect of the issue at hand - e.g., which data set to use
  • Team dynamic related - examples include things like not being allowed to present to senior leaders in meetings or not being asked to lead meetings when you know the content well

There are of course other examples of things that work as well. Avoid anything too personal here and stick to professional conflicts

All the best,

Udayan

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Anonymous replied on Jun 23, 2020

Hello,

For these kinds of questions I recommend not to talk about experiences where you had a real conflict.

You should rather favor an example where you did not agree with a managerial decision and how you reacted.

As usual: situation, action, impact, learnings.

Best

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 23, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

This is the classical "Personal Impact" question, and it´s very frequenly asked.

Other ones withing this bucket are:

  • Describe a time when you had to persuade an uncooperative stakeholder
  • How would you deal with an uncooperative client in order to get the data you need?
  • What is your way of dealing with conflict? Illustrate it with an example
  • Describe a recent crisis you handled
  • Describe a situation when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize tasks
  • Describe a situation in which you influenced or persuaded a key stakeholder or group

Precisely on these topics, the "Integrated FIT guide for MBB" has been recently published in PrepLounge´s shop (https://www.preplounge.com/en/shop/tests-2/integrated-fit-guide-for-mbb-34)

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jun 24, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I'd rather not share, however, for my personal story I made sure it showed

1) Ability to listen and see my boss's perspective

2) Ability to persuade/compromise and be an effective communicator

3) A positive + value-adding resolution and future relationship with my boss

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Udayan gave the best answer

Udayan

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Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience
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