Balance in an Executive MBA

Have you ever considered enrolling for an executive MBA program? If you are an established professional heading for the c-suite or a business owner who wants to build a successful enterprise, it is likely you have considered one. EMBA programs usually attracts candidates from corporate organizations and business owners. Most corporate executives chose an MBA program to improve management and administrative skill in support of their growing responsibilities and potential for growth in their organizations. Learning leadership skills, decision making based on financial data and building a broader network are key outcomes of an EMBA program. There’s more emphasis on application of the skills learnt to real problems

Candidates typically learn while working, has a family, children and occupies a leadership role. The average class age is 38 years, about 10 years older than the most MBA students. The minimum experience level is typically set at a decade of work experience. Unlike the regular MBA, the program typically requires a lot of time commitment and a hefty financial bill. The consideration of the typical student with competing priorities influences the delivery of the program. The duration is typically 2 years, with classes holding over the weekend and in the evening. The LBS EMBA  runs for twenty-four calendar months. The classes hold on Fridays and Saturdays with a  hybrid learning model.

Most people start the course with a lot of enthusiasm. The stress of combining long study hours with work hours, family demands and travel soon results in students feeling fatigued. The program puts a strain on time and attention.  This stress has a potential of negatively impacting marriage relationship, health and performance at work. Many people sign up for the EMBA programs thinking only the time for Friday and Saturday classes are necessary. The first shock is received by the 2^nd week of the program. There is additional time demand on every weekday to complete assignments, meet group members for discussions, To be successful and complete the program without dropping an ball, a few tips are necessary as follows

1. No Competition: Competition gets tough when surrounded with exceptionally brilliant group. Most are use to being the best but now fail at excelling on the course. This is usually because there is not enough time to study. To manage this, determine what is the key objective of enrolling on the program and ensure that learning objective is achieved. Be ready to collaborate, ask for help and leverage everyone’s strength.
2. It takes a tribe: Build your tribe and support system to manage other commitments like friends and family commitments. Also build a tribe with classmates. Learn to ask for support.
3. Inform the company: Make sure to bring your employer onboard. This will ensure that you are able to delegate and avoid emergency calls that will pull you away from classes while on the course.
4. Time Management: Defining priorities and book study time using any planning tool available. Use up all available opportunity EG read or listen to audiobooks for class during your commute to or from work.
5. Mindfulness: Avoid distractions and pay focus on the task at hand when studying.

Success can only be achieved by balancing all the competing demand. An Emba program is rigorous and challenging  but it will not last forever. There is no need to put life on hold to complete an EMBA program. Apply these tip and let me know if these were helpful