As an initiative the MBA cohort was taken to Abercrave for an outdoor challenge training. Such activities are supposed to enhance leadership and self concept and promote trust and understanding within the work groups (Buller et al., 1995; 1991, p. 7 cited in Shivers-Blackwell 2004).
A corporate training organisation known as Call of the Wild had many interesting activities in store for us, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. This was the time when we were trying to know each other and with people from different corners of the world, remembering names was itself a task. Initially divided into smaller groups of six or seven, we fought aggressively to win challenges that involved problem solving, brainstorming, creative thinking, decision making and a lot of physical activities like trekking. Working together in tough conditions brought the group members together with a lot of competitive spirit amongst the members. In the end, the whole class was brought together for one last Herculean challenge and the sudden sense of belonging as one whole unit helped us perform well (See Appendix).
Some of the bonds we made with our friends at that time have had a lasting impact until now. This was also a time when we could get an idea of the team dynamics that would establish once we were formalised into groups. It has been found that outdoor trainings increase students’ learning during coursework and lessen any interpersonal problems that may crop up in subsequent teams (Elkin 1991 cited in Shivers-Blackwell 2004).
Abraham Maslow, the proponent of the self actualisation theory describes it as
“What a man can be, he must be. This need we call self-actualization”. Indeed there is such beauty in this statement. As individuals we must aspire to reach what we can and are meant to. Would it be correct to compare an academic degree of MBA to something so philosophical in life? It may not be. However I feel the MBA has added extensively to my experience and will help me chart my path to self realisation. Whether I am able to reach the stage of self actualisation is something that time will tell.
Along with the academic structure of the degree with electives that are meant to develop competencies, it has been the interaction with my fellow batch-mates that have influenced me a lot. Prior to my MBA days, I had been a person who has happy being left aside at work and preferred to do things on my own. In fact the Belbin Character Profile mentions that I am better placed in a job where ‘she is left undisturbed and allowed to get on with it’. It also says that ‘there is some risk that she will become pre-occupied with her project work’.
As mentioned earlier, working in teams may soon become a norm in most organisations and teams must be cohesive in order to produce the best results. It can be a difficult world for loners and people who produce results best when they are left on their own. As Calvin from the famous Calvin and Hobbes series gets preached on teamwork from his father here:
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