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Role play / simulation - key success factors

meetings preparation roles
New answer on May 16, 2021
4 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on May 15, 2021

Hi all,

My situation:
I am going to face a remote role play (20 min prep with written instruction, 25 min execution, 5 min self-reflection), whereas I'm going to be in the position to moderate a meeting as consultant and to assign tasks for a project to 4-5 members (different personality types/functions, e.g. pushy, much-talking, angry, bored) in the meeting.

My questions:

  • What would be the best way to prepare/practice myself for this role play?
  • What are key success factors?
  • What are K.O. criteria?

Thanks in advance and best regards!

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 15, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

What to Expect

First, the short answer is to expect anything! So, be prepared to react professionally and calmly to any scenario.

Expect them to act out a client scenario. Expect the client to be angry about something, unclear on a recommendation, bring up a new issue or unexpected scenario, etc. etc. No matter what, you need to keep your cool, communicate well, and act appropriately.

How to Prepare

My main recommendation is to hire a coach for one session! They can effectively roleplay for you as they've worked with clients and know what to expect AND how to behave.

How to Succeed

In general, the following statement applies to all interviews/cases. Try and exhibit the following traits and you should do just fine!

"Someone who can approach a complicated problem and think + communicate in a structured way in the right context+objective of the case, while being personable, adaptable, and coachable, so that, ultimately, the interviewer can see themselves working with this individual and putting them in front of a client."

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Adi
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on May 15, 2021
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Hey,

If you are looking for some tips & tricks, have a look at these threads on the "group case interview". You can borrow some tips.

  • https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/what-to-expect-in-role-play-interviews-and-how-to-prepare-for-them-8439
  • https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/accenture-strategy-team-case-9722

If you can, I think best way to prepare will be to book a session with a coach to talk through your game plan and get tailored corrections & advice.

Feel free to send me direct message if you want to discuss further. I can help you breakdown the meeting moderation activities, create chemistry, help you understand social styles & how to tackle them, navigate difficult conversations etc

(edited)

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 16, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

That is indeed a very intesting type of interview!

I would advise you to read the do´s and dont´s about role plays and team dynamics in interviews, there is tons of literature about it of people who are highly specialized on it -and that is not going to be the coaches in this platform, tbh, since what we are used to is something very different-.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 15, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, an important and underestimated leadership skill to show in role-play interviews is allowing everyone to add values and participate in brainstorming and be the collector of the most impactful points raised

Best,
Antonello

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
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