As part of the Colloquium initiative at Amrita School of Business, Amaravati organized a thought-provoking and inspiring session titled ‘Looking Back from the War Room’ by Mr. Arindam Bose, a Senior Management Consultant at Deloitte. The session was an enlightening journey into the dynamic world of consulting, problem-solving, and corporate strategy. Mr. Bose shared insights that resonated deeply with the students, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring consultants and future business leaders.
Mr. Arindam Bose has carved an illustrious career in management consulting. His impressive trajectory in the field demonstrates a blend of strategic acumen and executional excellence. Outside his professional domain, he is an avid football enthusiast and music lover, reflecting a balanced approach to life and career. This dual emphasis on professional rigor and personal passions made him an ideal mentor for the attending students.
The session revolved around the critical theme of problem-solving, an indispensable skill in both professional and personal realms. Arindam masterfully illustrated how identifying, analyzing and solving problems lies at the heart of consulting and broader corporate dynamics. He offered a structured framework for understanding the problem-solving process and introduced students to key tools and methodologies employed by top consulting professionals.
The guest set the tone by likening corporate consulting environments to a ‘war room’ characterized by high-pressure decision-making, dynamic challenges, and the need for strategic foresight. While discussing his corporate journey, he emphasized how working in such an environment requires resilience, adaptability, and a laser-sharp focus on problem-solving.
Quoting Henry Ford, the speaker reminded students that “there are no big problems; there are just a lot of little problems.” He underscored the importance of breaking down complex challenges into smaller, manageable components.
Mr. Bose divided the problem-solving process into three crucial stages:
The foundation of effective problem-solving lies in accurately identifying the issue. He highlighted the importance of using all senses and gathering data to detect anomalies, how to prioritize the data and constructing a precise and articulate problem statement. He emphasized that 75% of the problem can often be resolved by simply framing it correctly. For instance, incorporating directional keywords like “increase,” “decrease,” or “enhance” in a problem statement not only makes it clearer but also sets the tone for actionable solutions. Students were actively engaged in a practical exercise where they worked on framing problem statements for a case study, an experience that reinforced their understanding of this critical skill.
Effective problem-solving requires a deep dive into the root cause, a process that Mr. Bose illustrated using tools like the Fishbone Diagram and PESTEL analysis. He introduced the MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) principle, ensuring that each potential cause is unique while covering all possibilities. Using examples from retail and FMCG sectors, he demonstrated how understanding the structural distribution of salesforces can unveil underlying inefficiencies. This segment highlighted the value of systematically identifying and categorizing causes, enabling consultants to address the core of the issue rather than its symptoms.
The final stage in the problem-solving process involves evaluating potential solutions and selecting the most effective one. Mr. Bose introduced the Kepner-Tregoe Model, a robust decision-making framework. The model involves crafting a decision statement, defining and weighting operational objectives, evaluating the alternatives and proposing the best option. This systematic approach ensures that decisions are data-driven and comprehensive. The guest also stressed the importance of assessing risks, opportunity costs, and alignment with organizational goals when proposing solutions.
Our students gained a wealth of practical knowledge and strategic insights. They learnt the importance of clarity in problem articulation, the value of structured root-cause analysis, and the criticality of evaluating solutions from multiple dimensions. The importance of flexibility, adaptability, and the consultant’s role in delivering impactful, tailored solutions inspired many to explore the consulting domain with renewed enthusiasm.
The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer round where students posed queries about industry trends, career trajectories, and the future of consulting. Arindam candidly addressed their concerns, offering actionable tips and shedding light on the latest trends in consulting, including the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence in strategy formulation. He had also shared valuable advice on career planning and specialization selection. This session bridged the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with a deeper understanding of the consulting profession and the strategic mindset required to excel in it.
