Read the HBS Case titled Maggie Wilderotter: Evolution of an Executive and then respond to all prompts below:

 

Prompt I:  According to Harvard Business Review, the following is a list of the major skills or attributes that organizational leaders need to possess:

• Managing talent
• Operating in a global marketplace
• Dealing with regulation and legislation
• Leadership
• Strategic thinking and execution
• Technology/technical skills
• Team- and relationship-building
• Communication and presentation
• Change management
• Integrity
• Strategic human capital (knowledge of business processes)
• Industry human capital (knowledge of a particular industry)
• Relationship human capital (established, value-added relationships both inside and outside an organization)
• Firm-specific human capital (Knowledge of culture and operations of a particular company)

Maggie Wilderotter's career progression was not a lockstep, obvious series of moves. She took positions and projects that allowed her to learn new skills or apply those she already had in new or broader contexts. Choose three of the skills from the above list and describe how Maggie Wilderotter developed each skill.

Prompt II: The skills listed above are essential for effective leadership in any type of organization - governmental, nonprofit, or for-profit. What are your two most significant weak points in the list? How can you develop your skills in these two areas? Please describe two concrete actions you can take to develop your skills.

Prompt III:  From the list above, what are your two greatest areas of strength? How did you develop these two skills? How might you mentor others to develop these skills? Please describe two concrete actions you can take to help others develop these skills.

Prompt IV: Maggie Wilderotter and her sisters were raised with explicit messages about work, business, achievement, and leadership. What values about work, business, achievement, and leadership did your family, schoolteachers, and friends instill in you?