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Stanford Recommendation Questions 2016-2017

You are here: Home / Letters of Recommendation / Stanford Recommendation Questions 2016-2017

July 22, 2016 by V P

Stanford University – Stanford Graduate School of Business

Full-time MBA program – LOR Prompts

Stories about your behaviors, impact, and personal qualities told by others play an essential role in our evaluation of your application. Your letters of reference should provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your ability and desire to make a difference in the world.
Two letters of reference:

  • One reference from your current direct supervisor (or next best alternative) at work.
  • Your choice of either one additional supervisor reference or one peer reference. The strongest references typically come from your workplace. You may select a reference from your professional, community, or extracurricular experiences.

Prompts

  1. How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) Up to 500 words
  2. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. Up to 500 words
  3. (Optional) Is there anything else we should know? Please be concise.

In addition to your qualitative responses, referees will be asked to assess some of the candidate’s character traits and competencies that contribute to successful leadership.

Skill/ Quality12345No basis
Results OrientationFulfills assigned tasksOvercomes obstacles to achieve goalsExceeds goals and raises effectiveness of organizationIntroduces incremental improvements to enhance business performance using robust analysisInvents and delivers best-in-class standards and performance
Strategic OrientationUnderstands immediate issues of work or analysisIdentifies opportunities for improvement within area of responsibilityDevelops insights or recommendations that have improved business performanceDevelops insights or recommendations that have shaped team or department strategyImplements a successful strategy that challenges other parts of the company or other players in the industry
Team LeadershipAvoids leadership responsibilities; does not provide direction to teamAssigns tasks to team membersSolicits ideas and perspectives from the team; holds members accountableActively engages the team to develop plans and resolve issues through collaboration; shows how work fits in with what others are doingRecruits others into duties or roles based on insight into individual abilities; rewards those who exceed expectations
Influence and CollaborationAccepts input from othersEngages others in problem solvingGenerates support from others for ideas and initiativesBrings others together across boundaries to achieve results and share best practicesBuilds enduring partnerships within and outside of organization to improve effectiveness, even at shortterm personal cost
CommunicatingSometimes rambles or is occasionally unfocusedIs generally to the point and organizedPresents views clearly and in a wellstructured mannerPresents views clearly and demonstrates understanding of the response of othersPresents views clearly; solicits opinions and concerns; discusses them openly
Information SeekingAsks direct questions about problem at hand to those individuals immediately availablePersonally investigates problems by going directly to sources of informationAsks a series of probing questions to get at the root of a situation or a problemDoes research by making a systematic effort over a limited period of time to obtain needed data or feedbackInvolves others who would not normally be involved including experts or outside organizations; may get them to seek out information
Developing OthersFocuses primarily on own abilitiesPoints out mistakes to support the development of othersGives specific positive and negative behavioral feedback to support the development of othersGives specific positive and negative behavioral feedback and provides unfailing supportInspires and motivates others to develop by providing feedback and identifying new growth opportunities as well as supporting their efforts to change
Change LeadershipAccepts status quo; does not see the need for changeChallenges status quo and identifies what needs to changeDefines positive direction for change and persuades others to support itPromotes change and mobilizes individuals to change behaviorBuilds coalition of supporters and coordinates change across multiple individuals; may create champions who will mobilize others to change
Respect for OthersIs sometimes selfabsorbed or overly self-interestedGenerally treats others with respect; usually shares praise and creditIs humble and respectful to allIs respectful to all and generous with praise; ensures other opinions are heardUses understanding of others and self to resolve conflicts and foster mutual respect
TrustworthinessShows occasional lapses in trustworthy behaviorGenerally acts consistently with stated intentionsActs consistently with stated intentions even in difficult circumstancesIs reliable and authentic even at some personal cost; acts as a role model for the values of the organizationIs reliable and authentic even at some personal cost; works to ensure all members of the organization operate with integrity

Based on your professional experience, how do you rate this candidate compared to her/his peer group?


    Overall, I


      this candidate to Stanford.
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      Filed Under: Letters of Recommendation Tagged With: Stanford

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