How to answer this Behavioural interview question about Stakeholder Management for Mid-Level Management Consultant?

Can you describe a time when you had to persuade a resistant stakeholder to adopt your recommendation during a client engagement?

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Management Consultant

Behavioural

Asked at

McKinsey & Company

Difficulty :

Medium

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A popular meme image featuring the Marvel character Thanos with the caption “A small price to pay for salvation,” commonly used to humorously express acceptance of a minor sacrifice for a greater benefit.

Explanation

This question evaluates your stakeholder management and persuasion skills. Recruiters are looking for your ability to manage resistance, communicate effectively, and demonstrate empathy. They want to see how you tailor your approach to different personalities and align your recommendations with stakeholder priorities. Common pitfalls include failing to show adaptability or not providing a clear outcome. Success requires a specific example that demonstrates strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and a focus on results. Preparation should involve reviewing past experiences where you influenced decision-making successfully.

A popular meme image featuring the Marvel character Thanos with the caption “A small price to pay for salvation,” commonly used to humorously express acceptance of a minor sacrifice for a greater benefit.

Answer Example

During a client engagement at a financial services company, I proposed a cost-reduction strategy that included restructuring their vendor contracts. One senior stakeholder was resistant, concerned about potential client backlash. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand his concerns fully and presented a data-backed analysis showing how similar strategies had resulted in positive outcomes elsewhere. I also aligned the recommendation with his personal KPIs, such as maintaining client satisfaction. As a result, he supported the initiative, which led to a 15% cost reduction and improved vendor relationships.

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