Shiksha Opinion: 6 lessons B-Schools don’t teach you

An MBA education is probably one of the best things that you ever wanted. But business schools don’t necessarily teach you everything about life.

There’s so much more than being a pass-out from a top MBA college or securing the perfect placement. What you don’t learn at B-Schools could be your best weapons and most important lessons in life.

In this edition of Shiksha Opinion, we present six lessons that every MBA student and graduate should know, but may not necessarily learn at MBA college.

1. Respect

So you beat the best, made it to one of the top B-schools of the country and now have your dream job.  Be happy about it. Don’t brag. Learn to respect your peers and elders. Just because you earn a seven-figure salary and stand tall with the corporate biggies, that doesn’t mean you earn more respect. Irrespective of the person’s background, designation, education, class and community, learn to respect everybody equally.

2. Social niceties

Respect goes hand-in-hand with humility. Smiling and acknowledging other people when you walk past them with a simple ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’ makes you much more approachable and therefore a better manager. And it’s certainly better to say “I’m sorry…” than recruiting a new team. Also, don’t shy away from complimenting others. A simple thanks and sorry will take you long way in your corporate career.

3. Modesty

Avoid showing off. Share your achievements where it matters. Write about that promotion on your CV or LinkedIn. But don’t wear it on your forehead and discuss it in every meeting. And definitely don’t talk much about the new Sedan or the down payment you made on your penthouse.

4. Good Listeners

Know what really makes a difference? Listening. Hear everyone out with patience. And then present your point of view. Also, no one likes criticism. But when you come across criticism, be open to feedbacks and different perspectives.

5. De-stress

After two-years of breakneck assignments, surprise quizzes and industrial trainings, you step into the shoes of a manager. B-School teaches you to be competent in the corporate world of cutthroat competition. Somewhere along the way, you forget to smile, relax and just de-stress. Take some precious time off work and spend it with people you love. Shine brightly. Don’t burn out.

6. Quality vs quantity

Remember, everything in life cannot be quantified or spread on excel sheets. Appreciate good work and understand the importance of quality. The best qualities often come in very little quantities. So re-evaluate what you aspire.