Saturday, June 20, 2015

Talk at Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management - A Welcome Initiative

Instead of letting new students lose their steam after their entry into the MBA course, Vignan Jyothi Institute of Management, Hyderabad came up with a new idea - one that I am completely in agreement with. Expose new students early in their course to external speakers, industry experts and encourage fresh thought. Why do I like this idea - it gets the students to open up to new possibilities, thoughts and allows them to orient their mindset before it can get set in some other direction.

So what did we talk about. For starters I shared the highlights of Carol Dweck's Fixed and Growth Mindset. This theory sets the framework to how anyone wishes to approach their work - in a learning mindset that's free of ego and limitations. Its also a great equaliser. From now on I am going to use her theory as an opener. Sets it all right.

We then looked at the value proposition the students bring to the table and whether they had started thinking about their value yet. Some stuff on value, strengths and weaknesses. We looked at their goals and aspirations and I shared some ideas about goals I had seen and experienced. We spoke of process orientation and how it gives them control over the process of achieving their goals. We spoke of preparation and its connection to opportunities. We discussed how all they needed to do now was to apply themselves in a more organised fashion. And how they can all seize the chance to be personal leaders and start making a difference starting now.

They were bang on with their feedback on what they took away from the session. Pretty accurate for a heavy session.

Good job VJIM. The earlier the better.

No comments: