I used to stress a lot about slide design
I spent hours searching for the right layout in a library of documents.
Then, I forced my content into the chosen layout, like squeezing a square peg into a round hole.
As a result, my slides looked like Frankenstein's monster—disjointed and messy.
Needless to say, my managers were unhappy with my outputs.
They provided lots of comments, generating more useless work.
I obsessed over design under the pressure of false expectations.
I thought that's what high-performing consultants did.
They created impeccable outputs.
Sophisticated design and layouts must have been their secret recipe.
But, as a junior consultant, I saw only the tip of the iceberg.
I couldn’t understand the depth of their content.
I falsely attributed their success solely to their design skills.
I tried to copy superstars and was sorely disappointed. I spent too much time on aesthetics instead of solving the actual problem.
I prioritized Form over Substance, creating shallow content with awkward attempts at pretty design.
I ended up creating 'Mickey Mouse' slides.
At some point, I realized my approach wasn't effective. (Duh!)
I made a radical decision.
Every slide could start with a 'bucket list' layout by default.
If that layout didn't work well, I’d choose something else.
When I had clarity of my ideas, the choice was obvious. I didn’t have to contemplate and worry about it.
I allowed the problem and solution to dictate the best layout.
Freed from design decisions, I could finally focus on actual problem-solving.
This approach significantly improved my productivity and confidence.
Focus on content.
Ensure you have worthy ideas.
Answer the main question and solve the ultimate problem.
That's an absolute must for MBB consultants.
When you become a high-performing consultant, you can start adding creativity and sophisticated design.
Not before.
The first thing we focus on in the Hero’s Journey coaching program is helping consultants produce high-quality outputs.
That’s a fundamental step for stabilizing their performance. Only then can we focus on more advanced skills to become a standalone consultant, find exciting projects, and build strong sponsorships.
If you are an MBB consultant and want to achieve high performance, please Book a 1-1 Discovery Session to learn more.
Learn more about the Hero's Journey coaching program.