It’s been a month since our first class at IMD. We just completed our first major group assignment, and this week, we had a group lunch to reflect on our team dynamics, challenges, and areas for improvement. One key topic was the upcoming Leadership Lab.
If you’re like me, one of the biggest reasons for choosing IMD is its strong focus on leadership. My first leadership role taught me something meaningful: leadership is about making an impact on people’s lives. However, my last experience was far from smooth. My team was overwhelmed, and I struggled. I wasn’t communicating effectively, providing enough clarity, or challenging other teams when needed. At times, I wasn’t even sure if I was truly supporting my team. I knew I had to improve.
So, when I heard about the Leadership Lab – covering three days of immersive leadership training – I was eager but skeptical about how it could apply to the “real world”?
A safe space to experiment
From day one at IMD, we were told this is a safe space to experiment, speak openly, and be vulnerable without fear of judgment. But hearing it and experiencing it firsthand were two different things.
During the Leadership Lab, that promise became real. We were placed in high-pressure group exercises designed to test our instincts, decision-making, and teamwork. The ambiguity of the tasks led to frustration and confusion, but in our discussions, I pushed myself to speak up. Instead of letting my thoughts boil inside, I shared how I felt. It wasn’t easy, but for the first time, I truly opened up to my teammates.
Getting to know one another
A powerful moment came when we shared personal stories. As each of us spoke, walls came down. I saw my teammates’ struggles and recognized parts of my journey in them. We weren’t just working together – we were supporting and understanding each other. One of the things we also discussed with our team was that vulnerability is not weakness. When someone is vulnerable, it’s an act of courage. Expressing emotions, admitting struggles, and seeking help require strength.
Receiving feedback was another defining moment. Hearing how others saw me – both my strengths and areas for growth – wasn’t always easy, but it was invaluable.
Reframing the mind
The lab ended with a one-on-one session with our leadership coach. Instead of asking “Why?”, the focus was on “What?”—What am I feeling? What actions can I take differently in the future?
One of my biggest takeaways was the power of reframing. Often, when we try to change, our minds resist because it doesn’t align with how we see ourselves. But by shifting our perspective, we can take small but meaningful steps toward growth.
And the best part? It doesn’t have to be a massive overnight transformation. It can start small—a habit, a mindset shift, a conscious effort to communicate better.
Shifting perspectives through leadership growth
Overall, the Leadership Lab was more than an academic exercise; it was a personal challenge. It made me confront my struggles, connect with my team, and realize that real growth happens through discomfort.
Even if vulnerability is sometimes seen as a weakness, I now see it as a strength. While I can’t change the world’s perspective overnight, I can create a safe space within my own scope of control.
