As I take a look back to last August, I can’t believe, 1. That is has been an entire year already, and 2. How much I was NOT looking forward to the ‘Communications Workshop’.
I recall receiving the letter, explaining that I had to go on an overnight trip to some random ‘camp’ and bring something sentimental to ‘share’ with the group. WTF. I have to share my feelings with complete strangers… I thought this was business school not a therapy session.
I immediately called my friends in a panic and they urged me to think positively – it is a great way to meet new students and maybe learn something. Since I trust my friends, I stopped complaining and went in with an open mind. Well, maybe not wide open, but at least not 100% skeptical.
My goal for the first day of orientation was to meet someone that was in my group. That day I met many students. After 6 hours of orientation, I had not met one classmate that was in my communications group. Goal not achieved.
Monday afternoon I drove to Calamigos Ranch in the canyons. I received my room assignment and made my way to the cabin. I am glad that I had gone to summer camp during my youth, otherwise the accommodations would be less than rustic. Bugs, musty wood smell. Yum. Anyway, my roommates arrived, one brought wine (I like her!) and then we decided to review the reading assignment: Emotional Intelligence. Luckily, I was in a group that had to read a summary, not the entire book.
The next three days were long, but fantastic. The workshops offered insight to my development as a leader. Yes, there are corny name games and exercises (what overnight retreat wouldn’t?). However, it truly honed in on how others’ perceive me, how I interact in a group, and how I can react to people in order to optimize an outcome.
Aside from the workshops, there were 3 ‘free time’ sessions. Monday night (I was exhausted and stayed in with my roommates), Tuesday afternoon (I decided to play pick-up soccer) and Tuesday night. Tuesday night there was a 2nd year panel, which is more like an open forum and then drinks afterwards. The drinks afterwards turned into a house party at the ‘big’ house on the ranch. It was like undergrad again – card games, Beirut (beer pong), and getting to know my new classmates.
Tips:
1. In Blackboard, click on your leadership development class, on the left-hand side of the page, click ‘communications’ then click on ‘roster’ and ‘list all’ - you can get the names of everyone in your class.
2. Have an open mind – it is a great experience to learn about your own strengths and weaknesses as well as to learn about your classmates on a uniquely personal level.
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