Management Consulting Framework

Build a MECE issue tree to diagnose the following business problem: Company: [DESCRIBE — industry, size, context]. Problem statement: [DESCRIBE — e.g., "Revenue has declined 15% over 18 months"]. Create a 3-level issue tree: Level 1: The 3-4 highest-level hypotheses that could explain the problem (MECE — mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive). Level 2: For each Level 1 hypothesis, 3-4 sub-hypotheses that would prove or disprove it. Level 3: For each Level 2 hypothesis, the specific data or analysis needed to test it. For each branch: flag whether it's likely high or low priority based on the context provided. Identify the 3 analyses that would most quickly resolve the most uncertainty.

Write a Situation-Complication-Resolution narrative for the following consulting engagement: Client: [DESCRIBE]. Engagement: [WHAT YOU WERE ASKED TO DO]. Key findings: [SUMMARIZE]. Recommendation: [SUMMARIZE]. SCR structure: (1) Situation (2-3 sentences — the context the audience already knows and agrees with — establish common ground), (2) Complication (2-3 sentences — what has changed or what problem exists that makes the situation untenable — this is the "so what"), (3) Resolution (2-3 sentences — what the client should do and why it solves the complication). The SCR should work as the opening of an executive presentation. It should create a "burning platform" that makes the recommendation feel inevitable. No jargon. No passive voice.

Structure a consulting recommendation for the following situation: Client: [DESCRIBE]. Problem: [DESCRIBE]. Analysis conducted: [SUMMARIZE]. Recommendation: [DESCRIBE]. Build the recommendation using the pyramid principle: (1) Governing thought (the single most important message — if the client remembers one thing, it's this), (2) Supporting arguments (3 arguments that prove the governing thought — each MECE), (3) Evidence (for each argument: the data, analysis, or logic that supports it), (4) Implications (what this means for the client — so what?), (5) Next steps (3 specific actions, owners, and timelines). Then write the "elevator pitch" version: if you had 60 seconds in an elevator with the CEO, what do you say?