Why performance reviews at McKinsey feel random and unfair
If you receive generic feedback and average ratings, most likely partners either don't like you or know you. They don't advocate for you when it's needed. Learn how to fix that.
Here’s my story.
In my first performance review at McKinsey, I received feedback to improve my top-down communication.
I started religiously working on that feedback.
I communicated everything in a top-down manner. I made sure my managers and partners knew that it was my top development priority.
Fortunately, in the next review, this feedback disappeared.
But then, the structuring feedback popped up.
Again, I worked very hard on fixing that feedback. I structured the hell out of everything.
That feedback also disappeared in the next review.
But then, top-down communication resurfaced.
WHAT!?
I was devastated.
I thought I had fixed that feedback already.
It's impossible that I unlearned this skill, right?
The feedback seemed so random. Was it even mine?
The whole process felt like playing a whack-a-mole game. You chase these random feedback points. But they keep coming back again and again.
I was so confused and demotivated.
I thought the whole process was random, unfair, and too political.
But then, later in my career, I understood why it happens.
Partners simply don’t know you well enough to support you. They don't have evidence to be enthusiastic about you.
That is why they resort to providing generic feedback.
Help your leaders.
Give them enough reasons to be excited about you.
If you are an MBB consultant and want to improve your performance review game, watch my latest YouTube video explaining how performance reviews work at McKinsey and sharing 5 PRACTICAL TIPS on how to prepare for your next review.
The consulting journey is complex and treacherous. Walking it alone is extremely difficult.
It’s helpful to have the support of someone experienced (me, wink wink) who has gone through this journey and helped many others.
That is why I developed a coaching program for MBB consultants to help you achieve high performance and become successful.
If you are an MBB consultant and sick of struggling with performance and development, 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 any burning questions in a risk-free environment.
Read this post to learn more about the Hero’s Journey coaching program.