Stanford University GSB MBA Mock Interview
Master 30 Stanford GSB MBA interview questions covering leadership philosophy, ethical reasoning, and business judgment.
Question 19 of 30
Describe your strategy for managing up.
Example Answer
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What You Should Say
Community Answers
Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,
"I see my relationship with my management as a partnership. I approach them with respect, authenticity, and accountability. I jump in and handle things before I am asked and I do it in a way that aligns with their big-picture perspective and goals. I keep them informed as needed, and I am careful to stay out of discussions that would undermine them. In the event I do have negative feedback, I offer it authentically and alongside my thoughts on what I can offer to improve the situation. In my opinion, there is always a way to influence change in a positive way that respects authority."
Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,
This is a behavioral question aimed at understanding how you approach working with your management. The concept of managing up represents a critical skill set that Stanford MBA graduates use regularly. Your interviewer wants to know if you have the political and soft skill foundation necessary for success at Stanford.
Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,
Convince your interviewer that you know how to handle yourself as a leader even when you aren't in charge. Let them know you can think from the perspective of your management and serve as a valuable ally ready to assist as needed. If you aren't familiar with this concept, take the time to read a few articles that discuss the dos and don'ts of this important office skill set.
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