The most common mistake in slide-making process
Junior consultants often obsess over slide design. But, the most common problem is that they don't allocate enough time to think. Then, they wonder why they produce subpar outputs, upsetting managers.
When do you think about the solution when you create a slide? - I asked James.
This question puzzled him.
He realized he didn’t make time for thinking. It was just not part of his slide-making routine. He was always in execution mode.
James, a first-year lateral hire, sent me his slide for review. He had completed one of the practical exercises in the Hero Journey coaching program.
His output was subpar.
I help consultants calibrate their performance and understand the required quality bar.
Then, we reflected on why it happened.
His problem was in the slide-making routine. After completing the research step, he would look for a suitable layout from a library of slides and then force the researched information into that layout.
James made a very common mistake for junior consultants.
They tend to jump to execution too early, having a vague idea of what needs to be done. They focus more on design than on solving the actual problem.
As a result, they produce poor outputs that disappoint managers.
Managers generate new comments.
Then consultants jump on a hamster wheel of mistakes, comments, and iterations. And it doesn't matter how fast they run; the wheel always produces even more new stupid work.
Instead, consultants must focus on solving problems and allocate time to think deeply. Then, if they form clear messages to communicate, the layout problem will solve itself.
Consultants must integrate three problem-solving moments in their slide-making routine.
If you are an MBB consultant and want to improve your slide-making process and achieve high performance, book a free 1-1 consultation to discuss how exactly I can help you. There is no commitment, and you can ask me any burning questions you might have.
1. Solve conceptually first
A typical example is when a manager asks you to research a topic and create a slide with your findings.
Typically, consultants will jump straight into the research step.
Then, they either waste time researching too much or miss critical information.
Instead, grapple with the problem conceptually before doing any research.
Structure the problem and identify critical elements. Make sure you understand the ultimate question very well.
Then, consider the best approach. What actions do you need to take? How much time can you spend on each activity? Timebox yourself.
This way, the quality and speed of your research will be much higher.
2. Come up and commit to the solution
Another typical problem is when consultants jump to execution straight after the research.
They still have a vague idea of what to do, and the information is still very raw and fragmented.
Then, they try to make a slide based on these immature ideas.
No wonder the quality of the outputs disappoints managers.
Instead, think deeply about the solution.
This is the most important moment in the whole process.
The decisions you take now will make it or break it for you. If you make the wrong decision, your work will be useless.
Usually, I allow myself to spend around 30-60 minutes thinking at this stage.
I grab a notepad and draw, making 5-10 versions until I am clear on what I want to communicate.
There is some magic in working with pen and paper, which activates creativity.
Ensure you address the main questions and solve the problem. Once you know your messages, the layout will usually become clear.
Only then do I start production of the slides.
3. Sanity check the solution
Consultants typically send their slides immediately after creating them.
As a result, they miss many obvious mistakes and then embarrass themselves.
That's how they receive feedback on improving 'attention to detail' or 'zero-defect approach.'
Instead, spend time stress-testing your answer. Do several polishing iterations, making sure it's impeccable quality.
First, ensure you answer the main question. Take a step back and consider what you say in a bigger context. Does it make sense?
Second, consider your audience and how they will perceive your outputs. Would they understand them if they didn't know as many details as you?
Third, anticipate obvious questions your manager might ask and address them in advance, such as specific numbers, facts, anomalies, unclear wording, so-whats, and next steps.
Most questions are easily predictable. Preparing answers to these questions will make you look brilliant.
Where do I find time to think?
One consultant asked me, claiming he never had time.
What’s the alternative? - I asked.
Working without thinking is a recipe for a disaster, especially in strategy consulting.
Often, consultants work in a reactive mode.
This happens because they don't invest time in thinking, leading to a snowball of stupid work.
Break the vicious cycle. Carve out time for thinking and problem-solving.
Initially, it will be hard, but soon, your work will become much easier.
There is no alternative.
That one situation helped James find one impactful upgrade and improve his productivity.
He stopped obsessing over design and layouts.
Instead, he focused on solving real problems.
Learning slide-making skills alone is extremely hard. It takes months and hundreds of repetitions. I couldn’t quite figure it out until one high-performing consultant taught me.
That is why I created a coaching program to help consultants like I got help.
If you are an MBB consultant and want to improve your slide-making skills, I would like to speak with you.
Book a Free 1-1 Consultation to discuss whether I can help you through my coaching program. There is no commitment, and you can ask me any burning questions.
Read this post to learn more about the Hero’s Journey coaching program.
This is gold right here. Solid and no-nonsense advice on slide making. Struggled with this a lot, gotten better but you've penned down some very useful nuanced pointers.