Эссе в бизнес школу: Взгляд со стороны | Документы, Справочник

Question: Ask three people to describe your strengths and weaknesses; a personal friend, a professional colleague and another person of your choice. How did they describe you, what were their reasons and what are your reactions?

A true friend

friends My friend would describe me as a good person, who is thoughtful, intelligent, and fun to be with. She would say my strengths lie in my people skills, my intelligence and my persistence. She would base these on my ability to get along with people - evidenced by the rapport I establish with people of all ages and from all walks of life; the fact that I am always trying to learn something new - golf last year, picture framing this year; and because when I decide to achieve something, I do not give up easily – like trying to grow tulips in my garden. She would describe my weakness as being an idealist.

This I am particularly surprised by because, while I try and strive for perfection, I am practical and I think logically when I make any decision. I may wish to achieve the highest standard, but I am content with what I have achieved so long as I have put my best effort. I think it is normal to remain dissatisfied if one can improve upon a result. This has nothing to do with being an idealist.

[Deleted], a current professional colleague, would describe me as being a valuable member of the team, a good mentor and an effective team leader. He would describe my strengths as my knowledge, experience and friendly demeanor because I am approachable and always willing to help. He would say my weaknesses are Stella Artois (a Belgian beer) and my insistence on detail.

My reaction to this description is not one of surprise – though the effective leader bit is debatable because I feel I still have a lot to learn and experience. I am approachable and willing to help for two reasons: I like people and, I am happy to help anyone in areas in which I have expertise. After all, it is important that as a team, we get along and, help one another, if we are to achieve our objectives. My insistence on detail is simply my belief in trying to understand the symptoms as well as the fundamentals of a particular issue. Once I have done that, I am happy to move forward.

A favorite nephew
As the patriarch of the family, my uncle tends to have the last say - as he is doing now. He would describe me as his favorite nephew and is proud of me because I am well mannered, intelligent, and take an interest in the traditions he is still clinging on to - forty years after he left India. He would also say that I am young and impulsive. Yet he will always want my opinion especially when we have our typical long-winded discussions on customs, superstitions and family origins. My reaction to this is that I am simply trying to understand his motivation and glean some of his knowledge and experience. In most cases I am trying to illustrate a point of view different and possibly more modern to his. By speaking up and questioning his beliefs, as well as by drawing upon various other influences, I am able to mould a balanced set of beliefs and values that bridge the 'old' and 'new'.

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