Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Do's and Don'ts for Being Hypothesis-Driven at McKinsey

Image from keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk
When problem solving at McKinsey, it's considered best practice to use hypotheses to guide your thinking and work.  Your McKinsey boss will often ask you to be more "hypothesis-driven".  If you are interviewing for a job at McKinsey, your interviewer will expect you to be hypothesis-driven when solving the case interview.  In this post, I'll explain what that means and also provide some tips on what to do and not do when being a hypothesis-driven consultant...


What a hypothesis is and is not...

The hypothesis is your best, educated guess of what the answer is to a given problem.  It is not a shot in the dark - instead, it should be informed by background information, preliminary data analyses, and input from Firm experts.

It should not be based on conjecture or solely on opinion.  Early in an engagement there might not be many concrete facts upon which to base the hypothesis.  But the further you get into a client engagement, the more fact base there should be supporting your hypothesis.


The hypothesis should be considered a living document that is constantly revised and continuously improved as it is tested and new information and/or insights come to light.  It is not permanent and it is not the final answer.   It is definitely not thinking that you know the answer at the beginning of a client engagement - that attitude is what gives consultants a bad name and creates perceptions that they are arrogant know-it-alls

What does it mean to be hypothesis-driven?

A hypothesis-driven consultant develops a hypothesis of the answer to a problem early, then focuses on testing and revising that hypothesis over the course of the engagement.  This is also known as "having a perspective on the answer" and considered to be superior to the alternative of searching for an answer in a vacuum.  The hypothesis is used to inform what data needs to be collected, analyses will be performed, and insights must be gained in order to arrive at a final answer.

Important things to do when being hypothesis-driven...

DO:

  • Be sensitive to the fact that most non-consultants are not comfortable working this way
  • Inform your hypothesis with all available information including situational context
  • Involve others - especially your team - in developing and revising your hypothesis
  • Test and improve your hypothesis constantly as new information becomes available

Important things to NOT DO when being hypothesis-driven...

DON'T:

  • Wait until you have every fact you are seeking - you might be waiting forever
  • Waste time trying to make your hypothesis and supporting analyses perfect
  • Forget that your hypothesis should be a living document that is continuously improved...
    • Fail to question your hypothesis
    • Defend your hypothesis blindly
    • Adjust data to fit your hypothesis

75 comments:

  1. Excellent effort to make this blog more wonderful and attractive. http://etudedecas.fr

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks to Dr oniha who helped me brought my ex lover back after eight months of leaving me with three kids and following another lady in Michigan, just because of little misunderstanding we had, but thanx to timely intervention of Dr oniha who uses his spell to bring him back to me, you can also contact him for a similar problem on his email on dronihaspell@yahoo.com or whatsap him on +2347089275769

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the post. Anyway I will further check this out on the same place! http://womenstipsguides.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I’ve been browsing on-line greater than three hours today, but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is beautiful worth sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content material as you did, the net will be a lot more helpful than ever before.
    Restaurant Interior Designers in Chennai
    Home Interior Designers in Chennai
    Home Interiors in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice blog, thanks for sharing this useful information.

    Click More Details Visit Our Website

    Texus
    Texus Systems

    ReplyDelete
  5. Welcome to Kiff Consulting's first online platform. For so little, choose to change your life by applying our practical advice from consultant in Kiff.

    Welcome to Kiff Consulting

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work
    asesoria de imagen

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am glad that I saw this post. It is informative blog for us and we need this type of blog thanks for share this blog, Keep posting such instructional blogs and I am looking forward for your future posts.
    จัดสัมมนา

    ReplyDelete
  8. my Google Plus page
    Hello, I am Jodi, a specialist in treating hemorrhoids
    This is my Google Plus page, which will share useful content on the hemorrhoids here
      I'd love to visit my google plus :mandy jody

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow what a great blog, i really enjoyed reading this, good luck in your work. McKinsey

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am looking for the high-quality and guaranteed business consulting Garland Tx situated agency who are willing to serve their products on the whole Texas area.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. how to home tips

    ReplyDelete
  12. A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up what is a nicad battery

    ReplyDelete
  13. Extremely intriguing online journal. A lot of web journals I see nowadays don't generally give anything that I'm keen on, however I'm most definitely inspired by this one. Recently felt that I would post and let you know. sizegenetics how much tension how long should i wear it

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. access Testogen testosterone booster here!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. dpboss

    ReplyDelete
  16. Excellent post and I acknowledged after reading your post. This post is very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this useful post. Get more information visit here: Lunar Loussia Wellgreens

    ReplyDelete
  17. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing.  cracker barrel employee complaints

    ReplyDelete
  18. Persons appreciate shopping for amazing, appealing, fascinating and from time to time attractive aromas for them selves and pertaining to others. This can be executed conveniently along with inexpensively in an on-line perfume shop. print the cheapest business cards near me

    ReplyDelete
  19. A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. comforterinsight.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. Steel Framers

    ReplyDelete
  21. Slot SCR888,merupakan salah satu jenis Game Betting Online terkenal di dalam dunia betting online dan merupakan salah satu jenis permainan yang populer dikalangan masyarakat di benua asia terutama di benua asia tenggara sebagai Jenis Permainan Yang Menyenangkan Untuk Dimainkan Dan Juga Memberikan Keuntungan yang Besar.scr888

    ReplyDelete
  22. kami menjamin 100% player vs player. Dan itu berlaku untuk semua permainan yang ada. Semua murni tanpa adanya campur tangan robot ataupun admin kami. Bonus Rollingan paling besar yang berlaku untuk semua jenis permainan.
    Proses transaksi yang cepat serta data para pemain dijamin keamanannya.
    Semua permainan dapat anda akses dengan mudah melalui komputer, notebook, dan smartphone Android maupun IOS.
    Situs judi online dengan winrate tertinggi. Win Rate dalam semua permainan mencapai hampir 100%.idn poker

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nice information on here, I would like to share with you all my experience trying to get a loan to expand my Clothing Business here in Malaysia. It was really hard on my business going down due to my little short time illness then when I got heal I needed a fund to set it up again for me to begin so I came across Mr Benjamin a loan consultant officer at Le_Meridian Funding Service He asked me of my business project and I told him i already owned One and i just needed loan of 200,000.00 USD he gave me form to fill and I did also he asked me of my Valid ID in few days They did the transfer and my loan was granted. I really want to appreciate there effort also try to get this to anyone looking for business loan or other financial issues to Contact Le_Meridian Funding Service On Email: lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com / lfdsloans@outlook.com He also available on WhatsApp Contact:+1-9893943740.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks For Sharing this Blog!!!!!!!!!!!
    Cindy Belance is a proficient business consultant who helps new businesses get on track to explore their brands or services worldwide more efficiently than before.
    Contact now to develop your sales leading!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. The Le_Meridian Funding Service went above and beyond their requirements to assist me with my loan which i used expand my pharmacy business,They were friendly, professional, and absolute gems to work with.I will recommend  anyone looking for loan to contact. Email..lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com  Or lfdsloans@outlook.com.WhatsApp ... + 19893943740.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for the good words! Really appreciated. Great post. I’ve been commenting a lot on a few blogs recently, but I hadn’t thought about my approach until you brought it up. 
    best digital marketing company
    digital marketing agency in chennai
    digital marketing services
    website design company

    ReplyDelete
  27. This Blog appears to receive a great deal of visitors or customer if someone is looking for natural stones such as Granite Kitchen Worktops, Marble kitchen Worktops and Quartz kitchen Worktops. How do you get traffic to it? It offers a nice unique spin on things. I guess having something useful or substantial to give info on is the most important thing. https://www.astrumgranite.com/contact/

    Thank You!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for the great informative article. This is one of the best resources I have found in quite some time. Nicely covered about the topic. Thank you
    Recruitment Agency In Nepal

    ReplyDelete

  30. Thank you Dr Williams for what you have done for me am so greatful my lover is back to me and we are now living happily together. Dr Williams love spell is very powerful and effective and it does not have any side effect as he promised I decided to give Dr Williams a try when my lover left me for another he helped me to cast a love spell on my lover that brought him back to me what makes me excited the most is that my lover did not even know he is under a spell if you are passing through relationship love problem I advice you to contact Dr Williams to get your problem solve. It's very hard to loose a love one and I know how it feels so do not let somebody take away your lover from you. Contact Dr Williams today and get your problem solve and if you need his help below here is his email address.
    drwilliams533@gmail. com or you can also reach him on his WhatsApp +2348136785562

    ReplyDelete
  31. Chicago Bears Game Live Streaming Football Online Bears Gameday Online The Chicago Bears are a professional NFL team based in Chicago. You can watch Chicago Bears game live streaming online. Get the latest Chicago Bears schedule, TV channel, news update here.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Canada Immigration consultant can be a time consuming and demanding time if you don’t know where to start. Of course there is nothing stopping you apply yourself, but an immigration consultant who specialises in Canadian immigration can make the procedure a lot smoother and less stressful.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Canada Apply for Express Entry is an immigration procedure that helps skilled employees get selected to work in Canada under the country's central economic programs. Applicants should surrender their online profile to the Canada Apply for Express Entry pool.

    ReplyDelete
  34. call +2348038253815 or add us on whatsApp +2348038253815 or email illuminaticult0666@gmail.com GREETINGS!!!!! FROM THE GREAT GRAND MASTER! IN REGARDS OF YOU BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE GREAT ILLUMINATI, WE WELCOME YOU. Be part of something profitable and special (WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE ILLUMINATI). Are you a POLITICIAN, ENGINEER,DOCTOR, ENTERTAINER,MODEL,GRADUATE/ STUDENT,OR YOU HAVE IT IN MIND TO EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS/COMPANIES TO BECOME GREAT MINDS. It is pertinent to also know that For becoming a member, you earn the sum of $1,000,000 as the illuminati membership salary monthly.Be a part of this GOLDEN “OPPORTUNITY” The great illuminati Organization makes you rich and famous in the world, it will puxll you out from the grass root and take you to a greater height were you have long aspired to be and together we shall rule the world with the great and mighty power of the Illuminati, long life and prosperity here on earth with eternal life and jubilation. You can reach Us on illuminaticult0666@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. It is for the first that I just visited your site and I find it really interesting! Congratulations! please visit for latesetnews

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wow..Amazing blog.. This blog is very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
    If you require about ConsultantsMsme Registration in delhi
    Trust Registration Consultants in delhi
    please click on it.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Good information about the blog. Best Consultancy in Jaipur - List the Consultancy nearby your locality in Jaipur and get Consultancy; contact details, addresses, ratings, and reviews.

    Best Consultancy in Jaipur
    Best Placement Services in Jaipur
    Best HR Consultant in Jaipur
    Best Staffing Solution in Jaipur
    Best Manpower Recruitment in Jaipur
    Best Executive Search in Jaipur

    ReplyDelete
  38. I was diagnosed as HEPATITIS B carrier in 2013 with fibrosis of the
    liver already present. I started on antiviral medications which
    reduced the viral load initially. After a couple of years the virus
    became resistant. I started on HEPATITIS B Herbal treatment from
    ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC (www.ultimatelifeclinic.com) in March, 2020. Their
    treatment totally reversed the virus. I did another blood test after
    the 6 months long treatment and tested negative to the virus. Amazing
    treatment! This treatment is a breakthrough for all HBV carriers.

    ReplyDelete
  39. HOW Pedro Jerome GRANTED ME A BUSINESS LOAN!!!
    Hello everyone, I am Arnnette Speak from the USA and want to use this medium to express gratitude to Pedro Jerome for fulfilling his promise by granting me a loan, i was stuck in a financial situation and needed to refinance and pay my bills as well as start up a Business. I tried seeking for loans from various loan firms both private and corporate organizations but never succeeded and most banks declined my credit request. But as God would have it, i was introduced by a friend named Esther to Pedro Jerome LOAN FIRM and undergone the due process of obtaining a loan from the company, to my greatest surprise within 48hrs just like my friend Esther said, i was also granted a loan of $387,000.00 USD; So my advice to everyone who desires a loan, "if you must contact any firm with reference to securing a loan online with low interest rate of 3% and better repayment plans/schedule, please contact Pedro Jerome LOAN FIRM. Besides, he doesn't know that I am doing this but due to the joy in me, I'm so happy and wish to let people know more about this great company who truly gives out loans, it is my prayer that GOD should bless them more as they put smiles on peoples faces. You can contact them via email on {pedroloanss@gmail.com / whatsapp text: +1 863 231 0632 }

    ReplyDelete
  40. good site Useful information here. I'm sending to some friends ทางเข้า 123betting

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have read Your Article and Learn a lot from it. I can Imagine the time it took to get all this expertise exposed .
    aircon chemical cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  42. Nice to read your blog content, I just go through your blogs daily. And one more thing, if you want to reach your customer easily just go for
    service explicit bangalore they provide different kinds of Bulk SMS services Without DLT | Free SMS API | Free Registration, one of the most effective, reliable and cost-effective ways to establish your businesses. It allows you to get a higher income and get a customer easily.
    Rat SMS is the most popular leading company who provides the best promotional sms coimbatore Services.You can check with also best sms service provider in india

    ReplyDelete
  43. Great Post! I really loved reading through this article. Thanks for sharing such a amazing post with us and keep blogging BM&A is trusted by over one hundred corporate clients, risk and management consultancy firms, IGOs and high net worth individuals.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thank you for all your efforts in this It is very interesting Blog ...
    I believe there are many people who feel like I read this article!
    I hope you continue to have articles like this to share with everyone!
    wordpress
    blogspot
    youtube
    ហ្គេមបាញ់ត្រី

    ReplyDelete


  45. dressing rooms companies in egypt company in Egypt, the latest shapes and the most luxurious designs of different dressing room that suit the tastes of different people, including the service of designing the dressing room from the following: -

    All kinds of styles of dressing rooms are available in forms of dressing room classic, modern, and new classic

    ReplyDelete
  46. I liked the point that you want to elaborate and think it should be under focus. Actually our principal purpose should be to give high-quality content to our blog or web visitors.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I really enjoyed your blog Thanks for sharing such an informative post.
    Mahaveer Interior Company by Mahaveer Interior Brings Affordable and Modern Interior Designing Solutions in Jajpur Get Expert Advice for Living Rooms, Bathroom and Kitchen.

    https://mahaveerinterior.com/

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hello there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it
    and personally recommend to my friends. I’m sure they
    will be benefited from this site.
    #black satta

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks a lot for these fantastic content that help me a lot with my job now.

    Regards,
    IBCBET
    MAXBET
    SBOBET88 Asia
    Pragmatic Play
    Pragmatic Slot
    Joker678

    ReplyDelete
  50. Nice Information. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Akshi Engineers Pvt. Ltd. is an industrial Gear Box Manufacturer in India. We design custom solutions for gearboxes at a feasible cost. For more details, visit our website.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Arab Business Consultant offers comprehensive services for entrepreneurs at Ajman Media City Free Zone Our expert team facilitates company formation, licensing, and provides strategic advice to optimize your business in this dynamic free zone. Unlock growth opportunities with our tailored solutions, ensuring a seamless entry into Ajman's thriving media sector.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I appreciate the practical examples and insights shared in this post, which make the concept of "SMART" problem statements more tangible and applicable. It's evident that the attention to detail in crafting a problem statement not only streamlines the problem-solving process but also contributes to the overall success of McKinsey's problem-solving methodology.
    At Corporate Consulting Associates LLC, we believe in empowering individuals to regain control of their financial freedom by relieving them of the burdens associated with timeshare contracts.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Arab Business Consultant offers expert guidance for entrepreneurs seeking to establish their presence in ajman media city freezone .. Our services simplify the process, ensuring a smooth setup. Ajman Media City Free Zone provides a dynamic business environment, fostering growth and innovation. Partner with us for a seamless business journey.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Playground Shade Houston offers a haven for outdoor play, combining safety with fun under the Texan sun. Our innovative shade structures provide a cool respite, shielding children from harmful UV rays while fostering a vibrant play environment. Crafted with quality materials, our designs seamlessly blend functionality and aesthetics, ensuring durability and visual appeal.

    Whether it's a colorful sail canopy or a sleek tensioned shade structure, each installation is tailored to complement your playground's unique character. We prioritize safety and sustainability, adhering to rigorous standards. Elevate your outdoor space with Playground shade houston expertly crafted shades, where children can play, learn, and thrive while staying comfortably shaded.

    ReplyDelete
  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete