How to balance underdelivering with overdelivering in IB?
Hello everybody,
I think the title is self-explanatory. I came here seeking the collective wisdom of WSO (and I’ll probably get a little bit of bullying in the process).
Here’s some context: I’m a recent graduate from a top European business school, now working at a small but fast-growing MM boutique. I’ve been approached a couple of times by one of the M&A partners, telling me I should stop overdelivering and that I need to adjust ASAP (He has been one of the most supportive partners since my arrival and the first one to acknowledge my strengths, so I truly believe he is trying to provide good advise).
I’ll admit that I often go the extra mile, but that’s just how I was raised—I do it more for myself than to impress others (e.g., doing extra research on company X so I’m fully prepared for a future discussion).
I want to change this or at least learn to hide it because I don’t think it’s a bad trait overall. Any advice on how to navigate this situation?
Balancing underdelivering with overdelivering in investment banking (IB) is crucial for maintaining a sustainable workload and ensuring long-term success. Here are some strategies based on the most helpful WSO content:
Understand Expectations:
Prioritize Tasks:
Set Boundaries:
Efficient Work Habits:
Seek Feedback:
Communicate Effectively:
Leverage Team Support:
Focus on Impact:
By implementing these strategies, you can find a balance between underdelivering and overdelivering, ensuring you meet expectations without overextending yourself.
Sources: Ways of Underperformance - and how to avoid them (Part 1), Checking in 6 years later [IB to MBB transition], Year 1 in consulting - tips, tricks, advice, and unspoken rules., How to Deal with the Increasing Workload, The Work Always Gets Done
What’s the benefit of overdelivering? Seniors will start to have unrealistic / unsustainable expectations and you’ll burn out
My main problem is that I am not actively overdelivering but rather trying to reduce any possible info assimetry that could prevent me following him whenever he briefs me on tasks (we work with some of the most niche industries one could imagine and sometimes is hard to follow if one doesn’t know the context). Long story short, in his eyes that is overdelivering and should stop now.
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