There is a growing emphasis on leadership in the MBA curriculum of Stanford and other top schools.
Evelyn Williams, director of Stanford's Center for Leadership Development and Research Leadership Laboratories, thinks leadership is a combination of nature and nurture. "Just as some musicians have a special talent for playing an instrument, some people seem to be born with leadership abilities. But whatever their natural talent, people certainly can learn to be better musicians--and better leaders," she said.
Williams believes that leadership is definitely teachable, but it is different than teaching more analytical or technical skills. Students must become incredibly self-aware and reflective as they discover their personal leadership style and how to inspire other people. They need to learn how to change their communication style or their emotional responses to prevent weak behaviors from becoming ingrained.
During their two years at Stanford, MBA students will go through a number of self assessments to measure their progress in becoming more effective leaders, and they'll be mentored by second-year MBA "leadership fellows," faculty advisors, leadership coaches and alumni.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 29, 2007