The term “CEO” commonly conjures images of a no-nonsense, steely-eyed individual in a business suit. We tend to think of the heads of corporations as lone wolves whose leadership determines a company’s rise and fall. But this image is a far cry from reality.
The truth is that no company’s success depends solely on one individual, no matter how formidable that leader may be. The success of any organization depends on an array of factors, and the most important of those factors is the people. It is for this reason that anyone who aspires to business leadership should learn how to work in teams.
The Cornerstone of Success
While some employees may shy away from collaborating with others, teamwork has many practical benefits that can strengthen a business environment.
For example, employees adept at group work tend to be more efficient because they take responsibility for their part of the workload. Individuals unite their skills and strengths to achieve a common result.
It is also much easier for employees to reach out for help with work-related issues when they have worked collaboratively with others in the past. Working with others gives them the opportunity to enhance their communications skills by interacting with people from different cultural and educational backgrounds.
Idea generation is another important benefit of working in teams. Bouncing ideas off others and watching those ideas evolve through different viewpoints can be very energizing. The inspiration that group discussions and working in teams generates is unparalleled.
Collaboration Is a Vital MBA Skill
Based on the inaccurate impressions of corporate leaders as singular, solitary figures, MBA students who hope to someday become CEOs might undervalue teamwork. For many potential MBA candidates, being a leader means working on one’s own while others follow.
Yet, the ability to work well in teams is a key MBA skill. After all, how can someone who doesn’t work well with others hope to ascend to the executive levels of a company? To manage others, top-notch communication skills and an appreciation for collaboration are vital.
The Value of Difference
Further, MBA programs tend to attract diverse groups of people from a wide range of social, educational and professional backgrounds. Pursuing an MBA provides students with an invaluable opportunity to learn from others, and engaging with cohorts is one way to get the most out of the experience.
Networking is another essential MBA skill. The people and professors with whom students interact will, very likely, help connect them to valuable contacts or employment opportunities. Students can make the most of networking opportunities by reaching out and working with others.
A U.S. News & World Report titled Prepare to be a Team Player in Business School states that “In preschool, students learn the basics of how to work well with others. In business school, this lesson becomes a mantra for MBA candidates. The article goes on to say that, “Learning to work in small groups … can pay off when it’s time to look for a job.” It’s clear that knowing how to collaborate with others and thrive in a team setting is a vital part of being a successful leader.
Choosing Where to Earn an MBA
Online MBA programs have become increasingly popular among working professionals looking to improve their marketability. Some fear that they will not acquire the full spectrum of MBA skills if they pursue their degrees online. Specifically, people fear that learning via the internet will preclude the chance to work in teams and hone their social skills.
However, online learning is not solo learning. With advances in technology, students can interact with one other and professors via online collaboration and discussion boards. Studying online means that you can reach out to your fellow students anytime.
While many universities offer online MBAs, the best recognize the importance of teamwork. One such institution is Boise State University.
Boise State’s well-respected online MBA program covers the full spectrum of MBA skills. Candidates not only learn academic fundamentals, such as global economics and finance, they also get an opportunity to develop teamwork skills. Much of the coursework allows students to collaborate with others and explore group dynamics and various leadership techniques. Further, many of the courses feature an interactive component that enables students to enhance their interpersonal skills via online collaboration with classmates.
To be a key player in the business world, you must first be a team player. To set yourself up for success, ensure that your MBA program will help you expand not only your intellect but also your interpersonal skills.
Learn more about the Boise State online MBA program.