Over the last few weeks, the InSITE Philadelphia board was engrossed in a deep review of countless applications, interviews, and subsequent deliberations to select our next class of Fellows. Along the way, we realized how significantly the tables have turned for us.
This time last year, we were mostly members of organizations and served as contributors. Now, we are leaders and operators. The success of these organizations is a function of the effort, passion, and thoughtfulness we breathe into it. This realization was further cemented when interviewees asked us questions: “What is your vision for the year?” “How do you see this group strengthening the startup ecosystem in Philadelphia?” “What are you most excited to deliver to us?”
As the multiple, eight-hour days of back-to-back interviews progressed, we recognized how stellar the talent was. From launching investment funds to leading small businesses through structural and operational challenges, their accomplishments were humbling. For the first time, we recognized the challenges that larger institutions — academic or corporate — face when selecting someone for a given opportunity.
How do you choose? This question plagued us (day and night).
As a board, we discussed and debated for many, many hours. Having been on the other side last year, we remembered the emotional rollercoaster as we awaited our own application decisions.
You hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
You hope you don’t see the infamous words: “We regret to inform you…” and frankly, the rest becomes a blur as the floodgates of “what if” questions and a sinking feeling of disappointment take over. To think that our choices would result in such outcomes for a subset of candidates was gut-wrenching.
Part of leadership is making tough decisions after conducting the necessary due diligence.
At the same time, leaders should offer transparency and divulge constructive guidance to improve performance. Therefore, the following is a brief list of attributes that made for particularly engaging conversations. We recognize this is not comprehensive but still find value in sharing:
- Strong focus on serving others
- Loves what they do, inspiring others to join them
- Recognizes and acts on the chance to make important contributions
- Maintains confidence and resilience when overcoming obstacles
- Understands the value of relationships and seeks out ways to build more of them
- Exhibits a genuine desire to learn
- Admits to mistakes or failures and highlights the growth that resulted
- Dreams about the future but uses pragmatism to define the steps to get there
- Values teamwork and knows that their weaknesses may be someone else’s strength
- Thinks critically and responds effectively
The best interviews are usually those in which the conversation naturally flows between the interviewee and interviewer. Fortunately, Wharton offers students an abundance of opportunities to engage in the interview process. Whether through communication classes or club leadership positions, there are multiple avenues for you to refine and extend your narrative. As the timeless adage goes, practice makes perfect!
Originally posted on LinkedIn. Follow Swati Patel here.
Posted: November 15, 2017
