How would you answer this question in your Personal Fit interview? Receive feedback on your answer and browse through the Q&As to review the approaches of other applicants and experts.
Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 451,000 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!
What is more important, dissent or consensus?
Overview of answers
Upvotes
Best answer
It’s a thin ice to walk on.
- On the one hand, if you answer “dissent” you risk of coming off as stubborn and arrogant, the person who is pushing her opinion no matter what.
- On the other hand, if you answer “consensus” you risk of coming off as a softy, the person who agrees to everything, so that people don’t get upset.
So, if asked that question in an interview I would go with a typical consulting answer of “it depends” :)
- If you disagree with smbd and think that if your opinion is not taken into account, then the client interests are not served the best or your values are compromised, then “dissent”.
- But if you disagree with smbd and your idea is just as good as anybody else’s at the table and it’s important to bring all the stakeholders on board to move things forward, then “consensus”.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Daniel
Was this answer helpful?
Hello!
On top of the insights already shared in the post, 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), adressing topics precisely as your question.
It provides an end-to-end preparation for all three MBB interviews, tackling each firms particularities and combining key concepts review and a hands-on methodology. Following the book, the candidate will prepare his/her stories by practicing with over 50 real questions and leveraging special frameworks and worksheets that guide step-by-step, developed by the author and her experience as a Master in Management professor and coach. Finally, as further guidance, the guide encompasses over 20 examples from real candidates.
Furthermore, you can find 2 free cases in the PrepL case regarding FIT preparation:
Intro and CV questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/introduction-and-cv-questions-fit-interview-preparation-200
Motivational questions > https://www.preplounge.com/en/management-consulting-cases/fit-interview/intermediate/motivational-questions-fit-interview-preparation-201
Feel free to PM me for disccount codes for the Integrated FIT Guide, since we still have some left from the launch!
Was this answer helpful?
I believe this is a matter of where we are at the process of finding a solution. Dissent in the earlier stages of the project might lead to fruitful discussions throughout the process and, therefore, can be is important to identify the most valuable strategies. However, at the final stages of the solution process -once all information and ideas have been shared- it is important to find the best suitable option and, therefore, consensus is more important at the final stage of the project.
Was this answer helpful?
This depends on the situation: in case of high urgency consensus is important, whereas dissent is in my opinion crucial to increase quality.
In general both terms are of course connected and equally important to move teams and businesses forward. A lack of one, would mean an extreme of the other - which both could lead to progress being undermined.
Was this answer helpful?
Well consensus is the most important thing, because even though dissent may bring some reults there can be absolutely no results without consensus.
(edited)
Was this answer helpful?
dissent
Was this answer helpful?
Disagree and commit
- Say your say and make your point - don't be afraid to challenge norms and practices if there is good reason, but you can't always have your way and you will not always be right. That's how you learn.
- If no-one is going to convince the other make a decision through majority or seniority and everyone commits to the course of action
- Don't see it as opportunity for I told you so's but learning opportunity
Was this answer helpful?
consensus
Was this answer helpful?
Power
Genau
Ungeduldig
Was this answer helpful?
Dissent, as I can bring a contribute to the team
Was this answer helpful?
Konsens
Da es eine Schnittmenge für gemeinsames agieren schafft
Was this answer helpful?
Trying to reach consensus is not always practical, as many new ideas come up from discontent.
Dissent brings better opportunity for brainstorming.
Was this answer helpful?
an consensus via desentment
Was this answer helpful?