Piotr Gawlicki - Consulting Approach to Problem Solving (Download)

Business problems are complex and overwhelming without a systematic approach. You might know frameworks like Porter’s Five Forces or the BCG Matrix, but struggle to apply them effectively. You waste time analyzing everything instead of focusing on what matters. Without a structured method, you miss critical insights, confuse summarizing with synthesizing, and fail to impress in case interviews or client presentations.

About the Course and Instructor

Consulting Approach to Problem Solving is taught by Piotr Gawlicki, who brings expertise in the problem-solving methodologies used by elite consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Strategy&. This comprehensive introductory course demystifies hypothesis-based problem solving (HBPS), the technique top consultants rely on for consistent, high-quality results across business engagements.

What You’ll Learn

Introduction to Structured Problem Solving

Understand why structure matters in problem solving and discover the power of hypothesis-based approaches. Learn the fundamental steps of HBPS and grasp why experts at leading firms choose this method over traditional trial-and-error approaches.

Step I: Problem Formulation

Master the art of defining problems clearly using the SMART framework. Learn to establish proper context so you’re solving the right problem, not just addressing symptoms.

Step II: Problem Structuring

Apply the “divide and conquer” principle through mindmapping and issue trees. Understand MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive)—a core consulting concept that ensures your analysis is comprehensive yet organized.

Step III: Work Prioritization and Planning

Discover how to validate hypotheses through targeted analysis and data requirements. Learn prioritization techniques that help you avoid “boiling the ocean”—wasting resources on low-impact activities. Apply the 80/20 rule effectively to focus on what drives results.

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Step IV: Communicating Solutions

Learn the critical difference between synthesizing and summarizing. Master storyboarding techniques to present solutions persuasively, ensuring your insights land with stakeholders and decision-makers.

Bonus Resources

Access a consulting jargon dictionary to decode industry terminology and understand how hypothesis-based problem solving differs from merely guessing answers.

Who Benefits Most

This course serves aspiring consultants preparing for case interviews, junior analysts starting their careers, entrepreneurs tackling business challenges, and managers solving workplace problems. Students at business schools and anyone seeking a proven problem-solving framework will gain practical skills applicable immediately.

Stop feeling overwhelmed by business complexity. Learn the structured approach that makes top consultants indispensable and transforms how you tackle any business challenge.