MBA

Academics

Learning Teams

At Harvard Business School, the cases we present are intentionally difficult; mastering them requires rigorous deliberation. In between your personal assessment of a case and the classroom discussion is an essential interim step: discussion within your Learning Team.

“I've met people doing incredible things here. I don't have to have all the answers. But it's important to understand who has the answers and motivate them to move together in the right direction.”

Brian Elliot, MBA '09

At orientation, students are assigned to a diverse six- or seven-person Learning Teams composed of individuals from different sections with whom they will work throughout their first year at HBS. These teams collaborate on graded projects in first-year courses. More importantly, Learning Teams serve as important "proving grounds" for sharing ideas, raising questions, and introducing issues inspired by the cases. Team members challenge, encourage and, above all, listen to each other. Their regular discussions help members deepen their analyses, improve their communication skills, and enhance their capacity for effective teamwork.