A Leader's Corner

When I interviewed at some of the top business schools of the world such as Tuck, Duke Fuqua, ISB, etc. my interviewers, almost invariably asked me a question (rephrased) – “Was there a time when you doubted your abilities?”

To explain in simple terms, this question asks us about the one thing we almost never acknowledge about ourselves – our #weaknesses

Recently, while talking to a few applicants and candidates for various important positions, I posited the same question.

Unsurprisingly, 99% of my interviewees answered “No, there wasn’t any time like that. However, my boss has often talked about how good I am at…”

Sadly enough, most of us often overvalue ourselves to the point of delusion, and in the process, we fail to accept that even top leaders of the world have limitations, and skills they still need to acquire and learn.

Some of it may also be blamed on our conditioning process in which we have been conditioned to disguise our weaknesses as strengths.
Well, times change, so does the mindset, and so do the expectations of the interviewers in almost every top firm today.

Authenticity is absolutely crucial. Be cognizant of both your strengths and weaknesses, never fail to be honest about them, and do not overestimate your potential to the point of obnoxiousness!