An often difficult part about working for Egon Zehnder International and our clients is the need to be fluent and adaptable to the cultures of our clients. Why would you say that you'd be able to handle this aspect of the job with ease?
In the business consulting world, organizations work with clients that all have different backgrounds, leadership styles, cultures, industries and motivating factors. Consultants hired to come in to these organizations have to possess a chameleon-like ability to ingrain themselves in a new company's culture. For you to be successful in the role that you are interviewing for, you must possess this same ability. In your answer to this question, be sure to point out your fluidity to adapt to new situation in your work by giving an example or two of a time you had to do this to give your interviewer a sense of your ability to be flexible with clients.
"During my career to this point, I've been very fortunate to say that I've worked for one employer for over ten years and the experience that I've gained with them is a huge asset to me personally. But even though all of my relevant work experience is with the same employer, I've worked under six different department managers during my time there and each person had their own unique management style and expectations of me. As well, my organization has undergone three mergers in my time there and each merger brought a new and bigger organization to light with new values and culture. Whether it was a manager change or an organization change, I always prioritized openness and asking questions to get to know new processes better. I would bring this approach with each and every new client that I would work with in this role."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
"As a Naval Officer, I gained experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I have also deployed to many different countries throughout Central and South America, the Middle East, and the Eastern Pacific. These experiences have allowed me to be comfortable adapting to new environments and quickly building relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds. More recently at _______, I have led global planning and distribution, built inbound supply chain teams, and led cross-functional projects, all of which require a high degree of adaptability and cultural awareness. Lastly, I have recruited, hired, and developed teams throughout my career. This experience has allowed me to build relationships with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and to create an inclusive work environment.
Overall, my diverse career experience, military background, and leadership skills have prepared me to be adaptable and culturally aware in any work environment, including at Egon Zehnder International and with its clients."
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! Your answer shows that you have lots of experience working with a diverse group of people. You come across as highly adaptable and culturally aware, which is great. Can you talk more about exactly how you have created an inclusive work environment?
