Using Pesonal Experiences in Cases

Question:

While suggesting recommendations or even while identifying any issue in the case, is it fine if i explicitly quote an example of a similar issue that I faced in one of my previous work experiences and how a particular recommendation actually helped ? Would it be seen as an unprofessional conduct, if during a case discussion, I talk about my previous work experience?

My Response:

This is a VERY BAD idea. Cases should be about the case… and in particular should be about the data presented in the case. Everything else is seen as someone ignoring data or being analytically distracted = bad consultant.

Also, you only have typically 20 – 30 minutes to do a case. That is not a lot of time. Just giving a personal example can suck up 2 – 5 minutes, which really cuts into the time you have to work the case. Stick to your hypothesis, asking for data, synthesizing what you know so far, reforumulating a hypothesis if needed, and repeat the process.