What attributes contribute the most to your success as a professional?
"I think the thing that serves me the most as a professional is my balanced approach to thinking and feeling. I am very analytical, but I am also a strategic big-picture thinker. I am trained in problem-solving and creative thinking and I blend these skills with a data-supported approach to decision-making.
I have also worked hard to learn how to leverage empathy and intuition strategically in the workplace. While most people prefer clear-cut decisions, there are times when you just have to feel your way through. I have learned to pay attention to the feelings of others and blend them with my own to come to a decision when the way forward is unclear. I think this is a critical skill to have as a leader and it has helped me successfully navigate through difficult scenarios.
Finally, I am a very collaborative leader. I know from experience that great ideas can come from anyone at any time. I look beyond titles, roles, and misconceptions. Everyone has something valuable to give and I know it is my job to help them explore it so that we can make the most of their talent. I promote healthy team dynamics and ensure that we are all working together in a balanced way that improves performance."
Almost every interview at a company, at a school, or otherwise will include a discovery question about your strengths. I always encourage my clients to prepare for at least one question like this before an interview. Your interviewer wants to know what you are great at and how it has paid off for you throughout your career.
While you are likely to be skilled in several areas, focus your response on what you are truly great at. I recommend aiming for a response that describes no more than three of your best attributes. Think about how your skills align with the MBA path you have elected and tie your response to the goals of that program if possible. (i.e. a candidate who wants to pursue the entrepreneurial path at Stanford might discuss their creative thinking and risk-taking strengths)
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