What it tests

Raw problem-solving on YOUR actual challenges

Format

1Give the candidate a REAL problem your team is currently facing (not a hypothetical case study)
2Ask: "How would you approach it? What's your first 48 hours look like?"
3Live discussion, no prep

What to look for

How they gather information (what questions do they ask?)
First principles thinking (vs. applying frameworks from an MBA)
Prioritization under ambiguity
Do they identify constraints you hadn't considered?

Adaptation guide

Pick a real problem that's solvable but not trivial. Something where your team debated the approach. See if the candidate brings a perspective you hadn't considered.

Full description

Format: Instead of a hypothetical case study, give the candidate a REAL problem your team is currently facing:

"Here's an actual issue we're dealing with this week: [describe the problem with enough context]. How would you approach it? What's your first 48 hours look like?"

Time: 30-45 minutes (live discussion, no prep)

What to look for:

How they gather information (what questions do they ask?)
First principles thinking (vs. applying frameworks from an MBA)
Prioritization under ambiguity
Do they identify constraints you hadn't considered?

Adaptation: Pick a real problem that's solvable but not trivial. Something where your team debated the approach. See if the candidate brings a perspective you hadn't considered.