The McKinsey Mind: Understanding and Implementing the Problem-Solving Tools and Management Techniques of the World's Top Strategic Consulting Firm

by Ethan M. Rasiel and Paul N. Friga

Book Overview

The groundbreaking follow-up to the international bestseller--a hands-on guide to putting McKinsey techniques to work in your organization McKinsey & Company is the most respected and most secretive... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071374299
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: McGraw Hill
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.2" x 6.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent yet not comprehensive peek inside McKinsey

Mr. Rasiel provides a peek inside the methods used by one of the worlds most elite consulting firms. While he does not disclose any secrets he does offer insights into a methodology used for solving problems quickly. The most helpful insight revealed is the MECE principle. This MECE (mee-see) principle requires the mutually exclusive collectively exhaustive breakdown of issues before conducting higher-level analysis. However, Mr. Rasiel never provides detail into the mechanics of effecting 'MECE Analysis'. While other techniques in the book will help MBA graduates with consulting engagements, the disclosure of the MECE principle as the cornerstone of McKinsey's analytical modus operandi will be this book's legacy.

A helpful and interesting read

The first book was a good intro, but this one has more depth. There is a good level of detail - the authors introduce concepts, then use examples from a wide range of industries to clarify their points.The power of the McKinsey approach is its applicability in many situations. For example, I work for a non-profit organization (going through some major changes). I've found this book and the techniques described help me think through strategic issues facing my organization.A single book couldn't possibly substitute for a McKinsey engagement, and this one doesn't try to. But I've found the tools described in the book helpful in guiding my own analyses and it's helped my colleagues and I make better strategic decisions.

Smooth, Crisp and Careful

The McKinsey Mind is a smooth, crisp and careful explanation about how the world-renowned firm continues to build and rebuild the foundations of top corporations and organizations. The authors, ex-McKinsey consultants, lay bare the mechanism in a methodical format aimed at teaching the reader how the firm does its job. The steps are simple: get data, analyze it well, and sell the results to everyone in sight. The book's main value, though, is illustrating just how to do this in a stylish, subtle, and understated way. The best lesson is imitating the authors.As the back cover says, giving a man a fish will only feed him for a day, but teaching him to fish the McKinsey way is a lesson that lasts forever. Reading the book is certainly cheaper than hiring them to fish for you for a day.

Right on target!

The McKinsey Mind is an easy to read compilation of invaluable lessons on how to succeed in business from corporate leaders around the world. Furthermore, its practical element goes beyond business theory, into how business professionals apply best practices. Structured problem solving, getting "buy-in" on your ideas and interpreting data and information to get the right answer are some of the topics that help the reader deal with any business issue. I really enjoyed it and now I know what I'm getting my department teammates for the holiday gift...The McKinsey Mind!

Fantastic.

This book separates itself from myriad lugubrious tomes by giving theory and execution examples from real-world cases. Complex McKinsey heuristics and processes are demystified piece by piece to get at the true nuggets of tangible value the firm adds. I used to do management consulting, and found at least 50% of it to be an exercise in mental-masturbation. This book (...) gets at the meat.It is also remarkably literate, and refreshingly direct. Forget Michael Porter and the rest... these guys "get it."-- JF (in NYC)