BCG Problem-Solving Method — Book Notes

BCG Problem-Solving Method¶

The book's core framework revolves around three questions that run through every project:

Is it True? Evaluate whether the proposed problem is actually true. This may require data collection and analysis, logical reasoning, or interviews.

So What? Assuming it's true, what's the deeper meaning? This question digs for insight and underlying logic. Without "so what," problems are unsolvable — not worth the time.

Why so? Why did this problem cause these effects?

This is critical thinking. Early in projects, within tight timeframes, read rapidly, propose hypotheses — hypotheses don't need to be right, just proposable. The key is rapid validation. Wrong? Pivot. Hypotheses must be specific (concrete), actionable (tell the client next steps), and testable (confirm or deny).

The later chapters discuss data collection — interviews, market research — but watch data sources. After collecting, when reporting to clients: some clients want the headline, others want step-by-step reasoning or decision options. Adapt to client type.

BCG's core virtuous cycle: Insight > Impact > Trust

Uncover what the client hasn't seen, show effects, win trust, and repeat. This creates the consultant feedback loop.