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xx Introduction

tain secretive, publicity-shy U.S. government department
refer to theirs as “the Company.” McKinsey alumni still
use the term when discussing their former employer. Since
we’re McKinsey alumni ourselves, we do so as well.

ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is one of the cardinal virtues within McKinsey. The
Firm guards its secrets closely. We, along with all other McKinsey
alumni, agreed never to disclose confidential information about the
Firm or its clients, even after leaving McKinsey. We do not intend
to break that agreement. Furthermore, in researching this book
and in talking and corresponding with dozens of McKinsey
alumni, it was inevitable that some would tell us things that they
did not want traced back to the source. As a result, many of the
names of companies and people in this book have been disguised.

We believe that what follows is powerful methodology for
solving problems and communicating ideas that will benefit you
and your organization. We hope that by the end of this book you
will share this belief. Now it is time to enter the McKinsey Mind.