EssayThree(500words):Developingleadershipskillsisanimportantcomponentof

anMBAprogram.Whatqualitiesdoyouvalueinaleader?HowwillanMBAfrom
Boothhelpdevelopyourleadershipskills?
Standing in my classroom, void of books but full of rambunctious 8th
graders, I would have never guessed that my students would be the
ones to show me what is true leadership. Carl was one such student.
Despite being 14 with a 4th grade reading level, he was a leader. By
watching him actively involve Brishay, a shy, autistic girl, he exhibited
that leaders should be empathetic and inspirational, while also being
resolute. I would observe Carl transcend what was expected of him,
challenging other students to meet his commitment and vision in
completing a goal. And, as I admired Carls burgeoning leadership, he
would also look to me for guidance. We would discuss how power of
influence could bring about positive change. We would also read books
together. Carl especially liked Letters from Leaders, about
perseverance through trying times. It wasnt until my Principal
nonchalantly mentioned Carl sees you as his father figure that I
realized how my experiences in Altgeld Gardens redefined my
definition of leadership; regardless of age, actions and attitude
motivate, inspire, and drive change.
My tenure with Teach For America serves as one of the primary reasons
I want to pursue an MBA at Boothto continue developing leadership
skills and improving my ability to make and execute decisions. I hope
to sharpen my understanding of power and influence, while also
broadening my capacity to think innovatively.
As a Project Manager at Morningstar, one of my largest undertakings is
to ensure my group is compliant in 19 global principles governing how
index providers function. While we have succeeded in determining
what to do, the application of these decisions into daily business has
proved difficult. A Strategic Management concentration would help me
implement principles by prioritizing those that have the greatest
impact. Moreover, Competitive Strategy with Professor Shivakumar
would improve my ability to evaluate our team strategies to streamline
our growth to a $100 million AUM business by 2020.
I am also excited by the Managerial and Organizational Behavior
concentrations invaluable tools to process the application of power
and influence. As I expand and lead my team, The Chicago Approach
would equip me to identify individual motives and build effective
relationships through a better understanding of human behaviors and
incentives. As a Chair on Teach For America Chicagos Auxiliary Board,
these strategies would undoubtedly allow me to evaluate methodical

versus instinctive decision making, benefiting our membership growth

goals.
Creativity is a third leadership skill Id like to develop at Booth. By
feeding off the entrepreneurial-minded student body, I would be
challenged to define success in different ways. Participating in the
New Venture Challenge would also expand my ability to generate
innovative solutions to everyday problems. And while my students
helped demonstrate the meaning of leadership, Booths collaborative
work culture will help me stand out from the crowd through effective
communication, confidence, and focus.