Kiba Polk, Executive MBA ’25, reflects on his experience completing the Georgia Tech Leadership Challenge Course (LCC) as part of the Executive MBA Leadership Academy.
I had the privilege of participating in the Georgia Tech Leadership Challenge Course, a meticulously designed experience that enhances leadership, teamwork, productivity, communication, and problem-solving skills through a series of interactive and physical activities.
Are Leaders Born or Made?
Research suggests that approximately 30% of leadership qualities are inherited, while the remaining 70% are developed through experience, training, and other developmental activities. My journey through the Executive MBA program and the LCC emphasizes this belief.
Leadership and Teamwork Can Evolve
We participated in a cube-building exercise during the course that is a prime example of how leadership and teamwork can evolve. Me and my classmates had to build a five-foot cube using PVC pipes, which tested our problem-solving skills and ability to work together under pressure:
- Initial attempt: With no prior direction and minimal acquaintance, our team completed the task in three minutes. This demonstrated our raw potential and initial collaboration.
- Second attempt: Reflecting on our first attempt, we significantly improved, completing the task in one minute and 30 seconds. This showcased the power of learning from experience.
- Final attempt: With clear roles, responsibilities, and a shared strategy, we achieved the goal in just 47 seconds. This highlighted the importance of strategic planning, role clarity, and collective effort towards a common goal.
Building Trust and Overcoming Fears
The course also included activities that challenged us to build trust, such as climbing up a zip line and trusting each other to jump from 100 feet using a zip line and land safely on the ground. These activities were instrumental in building team skills, overcoming fears, and fostering trust within the teams.
The LCC provided invaluable insights into effective leadership and teamwork. Key takeaways include the importance of strategic planning, role clarity, continuous improvement, and the collective effort needed to work towards a common goal.
