Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 448,000 Peers!

Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!

How does the Consulting Q&A work?

Anyone can ask a question
Anyone can write an answer
Upvotes let answers rise to the top
What would you like to ask or discuss?

Brainstorming - prioritisation vs creativity

brainstorming brainstorming questions Case Interview
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Feb 10, 2021) is from:
Cagatay
Expert
Consultant at Bain & Company | Passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate and had multiple MBB offers
Cagatay
Expert
gave the best answer on Feb 10, 2021
Consultant at Bain & Company | Passed >15 MBB interviews as a candidate and had multiple MBB offers
Hi, I would recommend following a step-by-step approach to impress the interviewer without knowing their intention to ask this brainstorming question. Sometimes the interviewers want to evaluate your creativity, somet ... (read entire answer)
10
Answers
1.4 k
Views
110
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Brainstorming vs Brainsteering

brainstorming McKinsey
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 06, 2020) is from:
Clara
Expert
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Clara
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 06, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut
Hello! Indeed both of them are used, just at different stages/seniorities during the engagements. When you do LOPs (letter of proposal, so the docs you do to sell an engagement to a client) and present it, it´s whe ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
2.1 k
Views
27
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Can you tell me about some good frameworks for brainstorming that can apply to different types of cases?

brainstorming brainstorming questions Interviewer-led mckinsey style
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Aug 10, 2018) is from:
Dorothea
Expert
Ex-Oliver Wyman with 100% interview success rate - specialized in female career coaching
Dorothea
Expert
gave the best answer on Aug 10, 2018
Ex-Oliver Wyman with 100% interview success rate - specialized in female career coaching
Hi Kay, hope this finds you well. There is indeed no one size fits all approach, but certain frameworks may be good as a first starting point: Internal / external = used for market entry (internal - capabi ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
3.3 k
Views
9
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Clarifying question during brainstorming

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 26, 2021) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 26, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, There is a simple rule: Always ask questions whenever you feel it would improve the quality of your outcome / answers. So, yes - go ahead! :-) Cheers, Florian
7
Answers
627
Views
27
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

How much time should I take when it comes to a brainstorming question?

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 30, 2022) is from:
Francesco
Expert
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Francesco
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 30, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
Hi there, It depends on the question, but in general I would keep the following as a benchmark to write down a structure / brainstorm: Initial structure: 1-2 minutes Brainstorming during the case: 30 seconds - 1 minute ... (read entire answer)
9
Answers
744
Views
67
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Brainstorming structure McK vs Bain/BCG

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Jul 26, 2021) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 26, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there,    At the core, McKinsey wants to see creative ideas communicated in a structured manner, the more exhaustive the better. Your goal should be to come up with a tailored and creative answer that fits t ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
743
Views
33
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Brainstorming McK - how can you optimize store format?

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Oct 17, 2021) is from:
Mariam
Expert
Ex-Bain | ~5 years of consulting experience in the Middle East (UAE) | 4 years of candidate coaching with Bain
Mariam
Expert
gave the best answer on Oct 17, 2021
Ex-Bain | ~5 years of consulting experience in the Middle East (UAE) | 4 years of candidate coaching with Bain
I would break it down into 2 1) what is meant by store format and its components:→ store size (i.e. hypermarket vs supermarket vs small mart vs booth)-→ store look and feel (store inside design, lighting, how modern it ... (read entire answer)
6
Answers
770
Views
26
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Brainstorming - number of buckets needed

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Oct 31, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 06, 2021) is from:
Mariam
Expert
Ex-Bain | ~5 years of consulting experience in the Middle East (UAE) | 4 years of candidate coaching with Bain
Mariam
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 06, 2021
Ex-Bain | ~5 years of consulting experience in the Middle East (UAE) | 4 years of candidate coaching with Bain
Hello, In general, there is no “right” number of buckets. It is better to have 2 great buckets rather than have a 3rd weak/ far fetched one for the sake of adding an additional bucket.. However, the more relevant aspect ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
1.0 k
Views
63
Total Upvotes
on Oct 31, 2023 on Oct 31, 2023
Last Activity

Struggling with recall in framework and brainstorm structuring

brainstorming Framework
Most recent answer on Sep 30, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 30, 2023) is from:
Frederic
Expert
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Frederic
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 30, 2023
ex Jr. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience
Hey! I completely understand your concern, and it's not uncommon for aspiring consultants to face this challenge when preparing for case interviews. Building a robust framework and generating insightful ideas during a l ... (read entire answer)
8
Answers
421
Views
32
Total Upvotes
on Sep 30, 2023 on Sep 30, 2023
Last Activity

How to brainstorm instantly?

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Sep 16, 2023
The best answer (on Sep 14, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 14, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, The short answer is practice, practice, practice. At this stage, I can brainstorm pretty much anything off the cuff. However, years ago I simply could not. The more I've done it, the better I've gotten! Additi ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
281
Views
35
Total Upvotes
on Sep 16, 2023 on Sep 16, 2023
Last Activity

Frustration! HELP

brainstorming Case structure and frameworks creativity issue tree MECE Structure
Most recent answer on Feb 01, 2023
The best answer (on Jan 30, 2023) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jan 30, 2023
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, Quite honestly you and I should have an intro call. I specialize in the mindset shift required to learn how to framework. I can't talk about my techniques here (for obvious reasons), but I have a tried, tested ... (read entire answer)
11
Answers
653
Views
102
Total Upvotes
on Feb 01, 2023 on Feb 01, 2023
Last Activity

How to structure a brainstorming case?

brainstorming logistics McKinsey Structure
Most recent answer on Aug 30, 2022
The best answer (on Sep 14, 2018) is from:
Benjamin
Expert
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Benjamin
Expert
gave the best answer on Sep 14, 2018
ex-Manager - Natural and challenging teacher - Taylor case solving, no framework
Hi Serdar, On this topic, I would structure my brainstorming along the value chain of logistics. And for each bloc try to identify what type of trend could impact the future. So breaking down the "european logstics se ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
3.4 k
Views
21
Total Upvotes
on Aug 30, 2022 on Aug 30, 2022
Last Activity

When to ask which questions: Which questions do you ask before you come up with a structure and which do you ask after?

asking questions brainstorming brainstorming questions Case Interview case study Clarifying questions Interview issue tree MBB order of operations preparation rule of thumb Structure
Most recent answer on Aug 30, 2022
The best answer (on Mar 07, 2017) is from:
Vlad
Expert
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Vlad
Expert
gave the best answer on Mar 07, 2017
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Pre-structure questions 1) Clarify the business model. Even if you think you understand it, try to repeat it to make sure that you understand in correctly. 2) Clarify the objective. Here make sure that your goal is: ... (read entire answer)
15
Answers
17.4 k
Views
86
Total Upvotes
on Aug 30, 2022 on Aug 30, 2022
Last Activity

Going to McK 2nd round - Exp hire

brainstorming creativity Experienced Hire McKinsey McKinsey 2nd Round
Most recent answer on Jul 06, 2022
The best answer (on Jul 05, 2022) is from:
Moritz
Expert
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
Moritz
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 05, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
Hi there, Well done on clearing the 1st round! Feedback 1 & 2 are essentially the same i.e. you need to work on your analytical skills, which refers to your ability to identify a long list of relevant and creative d ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
679
Views
42
Total Upvotes
on Jul 06, 2022 on Jul 06, 2022
Last Activity

What are some 'creative' ways to increase topline revenue?

Bain & Company BCG brainstorming brainstorming questions calculation Case Interview McKinsey profitability revenue
Most recent answer on Jul 04, 2022
The best answer (on Jul 01, 2022) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 01, 2022
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, Good question! The creative aspect is super important for McKinsey brainstorming questions. The quality of your answer depends on if you cover the issue broadly at the top-level (exhaustive) and add the neede ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
1.4 k
Views
41
Total Upvotes
on Jul 04, 2022 on Jul 04, 2022
Last Activity

Ask for time for brainstorm and chart reading

brainstorming interpreting charts
Most recent answer on Apr 08, 2022
The best answer (on Apr 08, 2022) is from:
Moritz
Expert
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
Moritz
Expert
gave the best answer on Apr 08, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | 90min sessions with FREE exercises & videos
From my perspective, taking time to think and organize a response is essential in many situations. This applies to charts and other situations you'll encounter throughout case interviews. However, you can't always expec ... (read entire answer)
5
Answers
689
Views
50
Total Upvotes
on Apr 08, 2022 on Apr 08, 2022
Last Activity

Brainstorming new market

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Jul 15, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 15, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 15, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, It really depends on the case and how it's worded. If the case says "We're entering Germany and need to increase profits there", I wouldn't go outside of that directive (i.e. don't "panic" and ignore the que ... (read entire answer)
3
Answers
581
Views
46
Total Upvotes
on Jul 15, 2021 on Jul 15, 2021
Last Activity

Brainstorming decreasing costs

brainstorming
Question edited on Jul 03, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 03, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 03, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, FC and VC is a pretty elementary way of doing it and it doesn't do anything to "impress" the interviewer. industry/business context, the company context, and the situationally/problem context. Only then can ... (read entire answer)
2
Answers
616
Views
35
Total Upvotes
on Jul 03, 2021 on Jul 03, 2021
Last Activity

The “what else” question

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Jul 03, 2021
The best answer (on Jul 03, 2021) is from:
Florian
Expert
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Florian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jul 03, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets
Hey there, There is no single correct idea the interviewer is looking for in such cases but rather they are not satisfied with either your breadth depth insightfulness of you answer, or all points together  ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
567
Views
56
Total Upvotes
on Jul 03, 2021 on Jul 03, 2021
Last Activity

Brainstorming price increase impact on customer loyalty

brainstorming
Most recent answer on Jun 27, 2021
The best answer (on Jun 17, 2021) is from:
Ian
Expert
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Ian
Expert
gave the best answer on Jun 17, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate
Hi there, You have a few options: Explain reasoning for increased prices (i.e. increased outputs, carbon taxing, etc.) - reassure it is not for higher margins but to maintain margins...highlight this is out of the ... (read entire answer)
4
Answers
612
Views
45
Total Upvotes
on Jun 27, 2021 on Jun 27, 2021
Last Activity
1 - 20 of 36 results

Consulting Q&A – Ask Questions about Your Career

In this overview, you will find all the questions asked so far by the PrepLounge community. Anyone can ask questions and write answers. Our coaches are also happy to share their expertise. If you like an answer, give it an upvote so that it rises to the top. Here you can also find our guidelines and FAQs for the Consulting Q&A.

How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely