Role play / simulation - key success factors

Question

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!

Answer 1

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."

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

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