Maybe you want to sound like a $5,000 a day strategy consultant.

Maybe you think if you sound like a McKinsey consultant the CEO will suddenly pay
attention to what youre saying.
Heres a start.
Listed here are fifteen quintessentially McKinsey expressions. Some of them my
colleagues and I noted down while we were at the Firm. Others have been
suggested by other former McKinseyites.
Pepper these into your conversations and youre part of the way there.
(Click here to read Ten Management Secrets You Learn At McKinsey & Co. )

1. Whats the so-what?

Translation: How is this analysis useful?
Real meaning: Youre one up on me because youve done a ton of complex
analysis and I havent. Allow me to reassert my authority by challenging you to
explain the purpose, and implying that while you are living inside a spreadsheet, Im
actually living in the real world.
Example: OK, so youve found that the client sells more beer in Australia than in
New Zealand. But whats the so-what?

2. MECE
Translation: Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive.
Real meaning: Tell me you havent missed something big in your analysis that is
going to bite us in the Heini.
Example: Have you checked your analysis for MECE-ness?
MECE is short for Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive. It is a grouping
principle that originated at McKinsey and refers to creating subsets of items to
ensure all relevant information is covered. This is typically utilized when conducting
research or designing presentations.
I think we can apply MECE framework in analyzing this case.
3. Quick wins
Translation: Easy cost savings we can show the client as soon as possible to justify
our fees.
Real meaning: Lay-offs.
Example: The entire Cleveland operation is a quick win.

4. Low-hanging fruit.
Translation: Really quick wins.
Real meaning: Completely useless client operations and staff that even a child
could layoff.
Example: Boy, that guy Bob in accounts is low-hanging fruit.

5. Directionally correct.
Translation: The analysis is correct in its broad conclusions.
Real meaning: The analysis is incorrect in some of its numbers.
Example: Lets not get hung up too much on the details. The analysis is
directionally correct.

6. The right road, but the wrong direction.

Translation: The analysis is asking the right questions.
Real meaning: The analysis is wrong, and one of the consultants is going to be
fired.
Example: We found the right road, but we took the wrong direction.

7. At least we now have a better idea of the questions.

Translation: The next stage of analysis is going to add value.
Real meaning: The analysis just finished is so completely wrong that we cant
even claim it is directionally correct, or even that we found the right road.
Example: OK, so we are going to have to go back and do this again. But at least
now we have a better idea of the questions.

8. Weve left that open.

Translation: We havent answered that question yet.
Real meaning: We dont know. In fact until you asked we hadnt even thought
about it.
Example: How will this impact the new product launch? Weve left that open.

9. Boiling the ocean.

Translation: Doing a lot of analysis.

Real meaning: Were so busy in meetings we really want to economize on the

amount of actual analysis we have to do.
Example: You dont need to look at the cost structure of each of the operations.
Dont boil the ocean.

Boiling the ocean is impossible. Even if you use an intense level of heat, you will
never achieve the desired result. In management consulting, boiling the ocean
means you are undertaking a task that is too difficult to accomplish with the
available resources. Despite the time and effort you exert, you will never be able to
reach the target outcome.
Making a valid report about the main causes of the bankruptcy based only on
these financial records is like boiling the ocean. Youve got to have additional
information and resources.
10. Delta
Translation: Change.
Real meaning: The consultant is so insecure he is afraid of using a simple word like
change.
Example: Its going to be hotter tomorrow than today? Whats the delta?

11. On the beach.

Translation: Between projects. (Has nothing to do with any actual beach)
Real meaning: No other consultant wants me on his project.
Example: Ive just spent a couple of weeks on the beach.

When management consultants are on the beach, it implies they have plenty of
time for recreationa rare occurrence in an industry known for its long work hours.
Hence, when this phrase is used to describe a consultant, it means he or she is not
receiving billable projects from clients.
In 2009, many consultants were on the beach as a ripple effect of the Lehman
Brothers bankruptcy.

12. Peeling the onion.

Translation: Doing deeper and deeper analysis.

Real meaning: Were still trying to understand the client.

Example: Well get a better idea of that once we peel the onion a bit more.

13. Granularity.
Translation: Details.
Real meaning: The consultant is so insecure he is afraid of the simple word
details.
Example: Lets see if we can get a little more granularity on that.

14. Version 2.0.

Translation: A new version.
Real meaning: The first version didnt work.
Example: We want version 2.0 of this.

15. IPM.
Translation: In Production Mode.
Real meaning: Its not finished yet.
Example: That latest analysis? Dont worry, its IPM.

Blue-sky Thinking
When you look at the sky, it seems limitless; it has no boundaries. Accordingly, bluesky thinking means thinking outside the box or with an open mind. Blue Sky
thinking connotes a creative and unconventional mental exercise.
Consultants dont use the same solutions for their clients. They make use of bluesky thinking to generate customized and effective recommendations.
Close the Loop
Commonly used during meetings, closing the loop means ending a topic or an issue
with everyone in agreement. It is utilized to confirm a solution or an idea that has
been thoroughly explored.
Shall we close the loop on this marketing strategy?
MBB

MBB is an acronym for the worlds most prestigious management consulting firms
McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. These firms are also referred to as the Big 3.
Only competent candidates land a job at MBB.
Ping
Ping is defined as a high-pitched sound or to make such a sound. However, in the
computer and Internet world, to ping someone means to get in touch with a person
about a particular matter. It is generally done via email, but the term can also be
applied to instant messengers, mobile phones, or other media channels.
Ill ping you once Im done with the presentation for our client.
Scope Creep
Also known as function creep, this term refers to subtle and uncontrolled changes in
the requirements of the project, often leading to longer project duration. This
negative occurrence usually happens when the project is improperly defined or
documented.
The project is clearly described so I expect there wont be any scope creep this
time.
SWAG
This term is an acronym for Some Wild-Ass Guessan opinion or idea that pops up
without any supporting facts, usually based on personal experience. Its similar to
POOMA (pulled out of my ass).
How do we validate his SWAG? It makes sense to me.
Takeaway
Literally, the term takeaway refers to food thats bought for eating elsewhere. In
management consulting, however, it refers to a summary of key points that the
audience can take away with them after the presentation or meeting. Consultants
who fail to ensure their clients understand the gist of their message may be
considered unsuccessful.
She seems to be beating around the bush. Whats the takeaway of her
presentation?
View from 30,000 Feet

When you view something from a distance, you see the bigger picture. Thus, to view
a case, factor, or an issue from 30,000 feet means to consider all relevant
perspectives and to think more strategically.
Before we go into the details of this product development case, lets view it from
30,000 feet.