Traditional Leadership, where the goal is to establish authority and, through posturing, enforce compliance, works in a large organization with systems, structure, and a clearly defined chain of commands. Although the style works in an environment where the margin for error is high, and the company can absorb losses in the short-term, in a start-up, openness and aligning the team’s incentives with the company’s milestones are crucial for gaining traction. This could be in the form of a vesting period and other bonus structures. The hours are different, and so is the commitment.
Problem: In this example, we narrate an example of a start-up that had incredible growth, positioning the applicant on a path to financial independence. A setback event is captured in the middle of the narrative. The leader’s vulnerability, adaptability, openness, and mission to leverage power for good are cited as qualities that motivate the applicant to support his vision and make short-term sacrifices.
Berkeley Haas Leadership Principle: Beyond Yourself
Theme: Leadership
Theme (Explained): The narrative starts with a role model – the CEO and Founder of the startup and transitions into why the applicant found the person inspiring. An example of emulating the founder’s style of leadership is the core of the narrative.
Admission Consultant’s Note – Role Models
Capturing a role model in any essay narrative requires care. It can easily turn into idol worship or, worse, make the mentor the focus of the narrative. Both are bad. End of the day, you are applying to a top US MBA program. Bring the narrative back to you and how the person influenced you. Then, it is all about how you absorbed the virtues and achieved a unique goal.
Opener: I wanted to start with the high the startup experienced before revealing the setback.
Strategy: I have adopted the W-pattern writing style where the opener starts on a high note. Then we transition into the low, then to the applicant’s journey of emulating the founder’s open leadership style.
2 Minutes: 254 words
Profile: Product Manager
Industry: Healthcare
Beneficiary: Physically Impaired, Mentally Impaired
Traits: Resilience, Commitment, Motivating, Persistence
Skills: Leadership
Speed: Medium to Fast
250 words: Medium
250 words – 300 words: Medium to Fast
300 words and above: Fast
Berkeley Haas Embody Four Defining Principles Video Essay Example (Beyond Yourself) (Adaptability and Leveraging Power for Good) (294 Words)
Q) The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles. Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which Defining Leadership Principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life.
Please review the Defining Leadership Principles in advance and take time to prepare your answer before recording. You will be able to test your audio-visual connection before recording. Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes.
In 2018, our company's valuation improved by 15x when an investor showed interest in acquiring us. From paper millionaires, we had a real shot at financial independence.
When the deal fell apart, we recognized that ..
