What Does Harvard Business School Not Teach Students?

Harvard Business School is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. It’s no wonder that so many people want to attend. However, what they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School is just as important as what they do teach you. This blog post will discuss 8 things that they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School. Keep reading to learn more!

 

1. How to Deal With Failure

how to deal with failure

One of the things they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School is how to deal with failure. Failure is a part of life, and it’s something that you will inevitably face at some point in your career. Learning how to deal with failure is an important skill that you need to master if you want to be successful.

How to deal with failure in business? 

  • First of all, you need to accept that it will happen. No one is perfect, and you’re going to make mistakes. When it does happen, don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, learn from your mistake and move on.
  • Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with a particular issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues or boss for help.
  • Finally, don’t give up. Failure is part of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t overcome it. Keep working hard and don’t let failure get the best of you.

One great example of turning failure into success is the story of Apple. In 1997, Apple was on the verge of bankruptcy and was in desperate need of a turnaround. Steve Jobs, who had been fired from the company a few years earlier, was brought back in to help save it. At first, things didn’t go well, and the company continued to struggle. However, Jobs refused to give up and eventually turned Apple around. Today, Apple is one of the most successful companies in the world.

2. How to Manage Time

how to manage time

Another thing they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School is how to manage your time. Time management is a crucial skill for any business professional. It can be easy to let things fall through the cracks with so much on our plates. However, if you want to be successful, you need to learn how to prioritise and manage your time effectively. One way to do this is by creating a daily or weekly schedule and sticking to it. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re using your time wisely.

 

Time Management Techniques

There are a variety of time management techniques that you can use to improve your time management skills. One popular technique is known as the Pomodoro Technique. This technique involves working on a task for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. By using this technique, you can focus on one task at a time and avoid distractions.

Another popular time management technique is known as the Eisenhower Matrix. This technique helps you to prioritise your tasks by urgency and importance. Using this technique, you can ensure that you complete the most important tasks first.

 

3. How to Network

how to network

Another thing they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School is how to network. Networking is a crucial part of business. It’s how you meet new people, make connections, and build relationships. If you want to be successful, you need to learn how to network effectively. There are a few things you can do to improve your networking skills:

  1. Always carry business cards with you so that you can exchange them with people you meet.
  2. Try to attend as many networking events as possible. These events are a great way to meet new people and get your name out there.
  3. Follow up with the people you meet.

Networking is a two-way street, and you should be willing to help others as much as you want them to help you. Send them an email or connect with them on social media. By doing this, you will stay in their mind and they will be more likely to think of you when they need someone with your skills or knowledge.

4. Dress for Success

Dress for success

Another thing they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School is how to dress for success. In the business world, first impressions are everything. If you want to make a good impression on potential employers, you need to learn how to dress for success.

How to Dress for Success?

The first thing you need to know is that there is a psychology behind good dressing and business deals. When you dress well, it sends a message to the person you are meeting with that you take yourself and your business seriously. Dressing professionally also makes you appear more confident and credible.

To dress for success, you need to wear professional and appropriate clothing for the business setting. Men should wear a suit or slacks and a blazer, while women should wear a skirt or pantsuit. You should also pay attention to your grooming habits and ensure that your hair and nails are tidy.

When it comes to accessories, keep them minimal. If you have one, limit yourself to wearing a watch and wedding ring. If you must wear jewellery, make sure it is discreet and tasteful.

Remember, the way you dress says a lot about who you are as a person and as a professional. So take the time to learn how to dress for success, and you’ll be sure to make a good impression on potential employers.

 

5. How to Negotiate 

Effective negotiating techniques

One thing they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School is how to negotiate. Negotiating is a key skill in business. Whether you’re negotiating a salary, a contract, or something else, it’s important that you know how to do it effectively. There are a few things you should keep in mind when negotiating:

      1. Always start high. This will give you some room to negotiate down if necessary.
      2. Be prepared to walk away from the deal if you’re not getting what you want.
      3. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

If you don’t ask, you’ll never get what you want.

 

Psychology Behind Effectively Negotiating

When it comes to negotiating, it’s important to understand the psychology behind it. People are more likely to agree to a deal if they feel like they are getting something out of it. So when you’re negotiating, always be sure to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and think about what they might want from the deal.

When negotiating another thing to keep in mind is that people are more likely to agree to a deal if they feel like they are in control. So try to avoid being too aggressive or demanding when negotiating. Instead, be assertive and try to stay calm and rational.

Finally, remember that negotiation is all about compromise. If you can find a way to compromise with the other person, you’re more likely to come to an agreement that everyone is happy with.

If you can keep these things in mind, you’ll be well to become a master negotiator. Just remember, practice makes perfect. So don’t be afraid to get out there and start practicing your negotiating skills. Soon enough, you’ll be a pro.

As a business owner, you need to negotiate effectively with your employees, your suppliers, and your customers. To be an effective negotiator, you need to understand the psychology of bargaining. You also need to be prepared to compromise and be willing to walk away from a deal if necessary.

When negotiating, always remember that the other person has something you want. So try to find out what that is and see if you can work out a deal that benefits both parties. Be prepared to offer incentives and concessions, and be willing to listen to the other person’s point of view.

Most importantly, stay calm and be respectful. Remember that the negotiation is not personal; It’s just business. If you can keep that in mind, you’ll be sure to come out of any negotiation successfully.

 

Effective Negotiating Techniques

Being assertive means staying calm and rational and not being too aggressive or demanding.

  • Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes: This will help you understand what they might want from the deal.
  • Offering incentives and concessions: This will show the other person that you’re willing to compromise.
  • Listening to the other person’s point of view: This will help you understand their side of the story.
  • Staying calm and respectful: This will help keep the negotiation professional.

The key to success in any negotiation is preparation. You need to know what you want from the deal, and you need to have a good understanding of the other person’s position. Once you have that information, you can start working on finding a compromise that benefits both parties.

 

6. How to Manage Money

how to manage money

One of the most important things they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School is how to manage money. Money management is a critical skill for any business professional. If you can’t manage your finances effectively, it will be difficult to succeed in your career.

How to Manage Finance in a Small Business

  1. Start by creating a budget for your business. This will help you keep track of your expenses and make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford.
  2. Make a list of your monthly expenses and find ways to reduce them. 
  3. Create a savings plan for your business. This will help you set aside money for future expenses and emergencies.
  4. Invest in yourself and your business. Learning about financial management and investing in yourself will help you become more successful in the long run.
  5. Stay disciplined with your spending and don’t overspend on unnecessary things. When trying to save money, it’s essential to be disciplined with your spending.

By following these tips, you can improve your financial management skills and become more successful in your career. Here is how to finance a small business with bad credit. Money management is a critical skill for any business professional, so make sure you learn as much as you can about it. Many resources can help you learn more about financial management, so take advantage of them and start improving your skills today.

 

7. How to Sell

how to manage finance

Another thing they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School is sales skills. Sales skills are essential for any business professional. If you can’t sell effectively, it won’t be easy to grow your career.

To be a salesperson, you need to learn the following techniques

  1. The ability to build relationships
  2. The ability to effectively communicate
  3. The ability to sell with integrity
  4. The ability to overcome objections
  5. The ability to close the sale
  6. The ability to generate leads
  7. The ability to create a sales process
  8. The ability to be a successful negotiator

You should read  7 habits of highly successful entrepreneurs


8. How to Market Yourself

How to market yourself

They also don’t teach you how to market yourself at Harvard Business School. Marketing yourself is a vital skill for any business professional. If you can’t market yourself effectively, it will be challenging to get ahead in your career.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when marketing yourself as a professional:

      1. You need to have a clear idea of what makes you unique and what sets you apart from your competition.
      2. You need to develop a strong branding strategy that communicates your unique strengths and positioning.
      3. You need to be relentless in promoting yourself and your brand to key decision-makers.

One important thing that many students fail to realise is that grades are not everything. Sure, good grades can open doors for you, but they don’t guarantee success in your career. The world of business cares about whether or not you have the skills and abilities to be successful in the workforce. These are just a few things they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School. While attending Harvard Business School can undoubtedly give you a leg up in the business world, there’s still a lot that they don’t teach you. If you want to be successful, you need to learn how to deal with failure, manage your time, network effectively, and negotiate well. These are all skills that you’ll need to succeed in business. So if you’re looking to get ahead in your career, make sure you’re doing these things. They may not teach them at Harvard Business School, but they’ll help you succeed in business. If you need help with managing your business, or perhaps you want an exit strategy or maybe you need to expand, we can help you with all the business-related issues.

Contact us today at 01442 773310 or email westherts@actioncoach.co.uk for a FREE Business coaching session.

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