Tips On How To Defuse the "This Group Needs a Leader; I Should Be the Leader" Person (Case study group interview)

Just graduated with a group case study interview lined up.

My problem: I am going to be evaluated for an interview with a group of strangers on a case study for a company that promotes internal competition. The 5 candidates ill work with will no-doubt try to assert their leadership for the evaluator - have multiple of those people and it can hinder group progress.

  • What are some tips on being assertive and defusing problems caused by the "I should lead" people?

  • What is some advice on getting noticed, when you don't care about getting noticed, or if your case is not within a field you are familiar with?

Don't get me wrong, if a group is driving a car of a bridge i'd smack all of them and take the drivers seat, but if I am less familiar with the route I'll let them drive. I am competitive, driven, and like to win, but I am very low-key and not a dick about it.

Thank you!

4 Comments
 
Best Response

speak slowly, clearly, and like a kindergarten teacher. makes you look way more in control than the dude with a loud voice and wide eyes saying 'ok ok we gotta do this'. always give credit to other people, never take it for yourself. if you come up with an idea, make the group think they came up with it. never be argumentative. start every disagreement with a compliment 'that's a great point... i think we should also consider the fact that...'. if someone isn't involved, draw them in 'well anthony, i'm sure you have something to add, I can tell you've really been thinking this one over'.

you gotta talk in these things, but it's almost like it's an anti-competition... if someone starts rambling right off the bat.... if you like they're idea say 'i think that's a good idea, guys, let's take this approach.' he was the one to try and lead but by validating his suggestion, you became the one that granted it power. the power came from you and you're in control. if you don't like their idea say 'well... does anyone else have another suggestion, how about you, Jason?'

 

Nobis ut beatae non quis soluta qui voluptates eligendi. Et quia omnis sit eveniet. Dolorem quis voluptates tempore corporis. Tenetur voluptate ab est itaque qui. Maiores provident animi optio aut non. Quo voluptatem possimus quis tempora delectus nulla.

Dicta a sapiente atque facilis. Aut itaque sunt ipsum. Quae ea hic suscipit repellat eligendi. Vel tempore ut et omnis similique est sed. Incidunt voluptates ut sed officiis. Consequatur aperiam repudiandae dolores ut et quas. Velit ut omnis sit.

Sint quo tempora molestias. Tempore id ut ipsa repudiandae aut et.

Quia molestiae voluptate quia. Dicta officia quia perspiciatis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”