MBA Applicant Shows His Stripes as a Leader

This MBA applicant was discussing indicators of leadership, innovation, and professional potential.

I BELIEVE I HAVE been showing my stripes as a leader ever since my days as captain of high school volleyball team that was ranked fifth in the state of California. In college I again served as captain of the volleyball team, this one ranked in the Top I0 nationally. Leading one of the country's most outstanding NCAA Division I teams involved significant challenge and responsibility, both in and away from competition. I had to recruit new talent to assure continuity in the success of our team, and fill various PR functions necessary to generate interest in, and funds for, the team. I had to be able to communicate effectively not only with players but also with the coaching staff, referees, and the school administration. I had to motivate, stay cool under pressure, instill discipline, and lead by example, and was successful in each of these endeavors.


More recently I have been playing semi-pro beach volleyball and even had the opportunity to make a highly significant contribution to the sport. A friend and I laid the groundwork for the establishment of an association which represents the interests of approximately I00 players. Since the association was begun, prize money on the players' tour has gone from $50,000 to $I million, with control shifting from the promoters to the players. I also have been running the computer ranking system, which I personally devised and implemented. This system-along with the association itself-has revolutionized volleyball for the players and given the sport a new vitality. My achievement in creating this system reflects not only my leadership but also my imagination and proficiency in dealing with computers, which I have cultivated during the past six years.

I have been able to draw upon my creativity and knowledge of computers in my work environment as well. In addition to developing the computer-based solution to the merchandise problem described elsewhere, I have also utilized my computer skills in another important project at the women's clothing store chain where I work. Because expansion is now such a key element of its business plan, I was asked to devise for the company a computer program that would assess the profit potential of prospective new stores. Accordingly, I developed a program to project cash flow and the return on investment for the first ten years of each new store's operation. This program gained instant approval from top management and is now being used on a regular basis. My role in this vital, ongoing process of opening new stores is indicative of my professional potential and has afforded me the opportunity of interacting regularly with key executives at our own company as well as our parent.

Can Work with Different Kinds of People

MY DECISION TO WORK in the nonprofit sector, with developmentally disabled individuals who require much patience and attention, reflects the fact that my principal concerns have revolved around issues other than money. I knew from the moment I completed my undergraduate work that I wanted to place myself in a professional environment in which I could make a positive difference in other people's lives, and do work that contributed somehow to society at large. At the nonprofit organization where I work, I have been able to accomplish just that. Our clients, whose employment and other opportunities were previously highly limited, find through our organization not just work but a new sense of purpose and worthiness. These are good people whom life has dealt a difficult hand. It is impossible not to feel a sense of compassion for their plight. The fact that we are able to provide them with a place to come every day, a salary, a new group of friends, and the feeling that they are capable of doing meaningful work makes all of the challenges of my job worthwhile.

Our society is filled with people who need our help; if I can continue to merge my concerns and my managerial skills in a way that yields positive results, I will be pleased. I am committed to my work because I believe it is important and now I am dedicated to my career. Such dedication is perhaps especially necessary within the nonprofit sector, where personal financial reward is clearly not a motivation. One's commitment to the cause, to the work, is crucial because there are constant problems and challenges, and resources tend to be limited.

This very limit to financial resources, which is the bane of the existence of so many nonprofit organizations, is exactly the reason that creativity is essential for managerial success in this sector. At the nonprofit where I work, for instance, I have had to be creative in numerous different ways, from developing new programs (as with one involving recycling) and generating community support, to creating new work methods and schedules.

Being a part of diverse teams has been a constant part of my work experience. In addition to working in a cooperative way with developmentally disabled individuals on a daily basis-with all of the sensitivity, understanding, and patience that this requires-I have also interacted regularly with our own upper management, volunteers, city officials who oversee municipal contracts with our organization, state government officials, and private industry. I quickly came to realize how many different entities are involved in organizations of any size, especially one like ours. The ability to work with and relate well to all of these different groups, each of which has its own values and agendas, is critical.

If I had any question about whether I was a leader coming out of college, that concern was forever put to rest once I joined the nonprofit organization. For there I have repeatedly had to draw upon a variety of leadership skills in order to do my job successfully. I have seen that I work well with many different kinds of people, am able to think creatively, negotiate effectively whether with workers or city officials, overcome constant challenges, meet deadlines, and establish and realize goals.