Leading the Curve in Leadership Education, continued

It is built on a multifaceted assessment process that enhances students’ self-awareness as they begin the MBA program. During orientation, students prepare for critical individual/group interaction, behavioral interviews, persuasive presentations, and critical thinking. They participate in one-on-one peer negotiation and leaderless group simulations and are evaluated by trained assessors. The Carlson School engaged Personnel Decisions International (PDI) to design and help deliver the latter.

Feedback from the simulations is used in a formal development planning process in which students identify specific areas for development and strategies to build skills that complement their academic training. Students are reassessed when the activities are completed.

“I didn’t expect such a program when I came to Carlson,” said Andy Johnson, MBA class of 2005. “The assessment feedback gave me an idea of where my skills were and helped me identify tangible goals for me to work on. It’s great because  it addresses an area of my professional development I hadn’t focused on before.”

Few MBA programs offer this extensive mix of leadership development services. Ultimately, the goal is to provide companies with MBA students who make a greater immediate impact and deliver the professional leadership and communication that support a productive corporate culture.

“Recruiters are impressed with the Leadership Edge Program,” said Clare Foley, GBCC director. “They applaud Carlson for taking the lead in incorporating soft skills development in the MBA program to produce business-savvy students who can hit the ground running.”