- What does leadership look like in rapidly evolving sectors?
- How do the right decisions get made when the context of every enterprise is unique?
- Where is perspective found for rising leaders in real-world endeavors beyond textbooks?
For over 100 years, the Business Case Study method has helped answer these questions as the backbone of leadership instruction in many universities. Rather than present a single cohesive blueprint, the Case Study method stems from the idea that knowledge of precedent, perspective, and outside references are any business leader’s most robust decision-making tools. Business Case Studies offer a hands-on encyclopedia of leadership wisdom, providing insights into the context and complexities of an enterprise’s decision-making experiences.
In use since the 1920s and most commonly associated with Harvard Business School, Business Case Studies bring excitement and collective sense-building activities that drive participants to travel the world in the shoes of leaders of any industry. A joint takeaway any learner derives from the business case pedagogy is that it encourages new ways of thinking by being exposed to the idea-building power of their peers. While professors may moderate discussion, the real learning lies in the perspectives that emerging leaders bring to the classroom, uniquely forged by their professional experiences.
This exposure to a plurality of references can endow rising leaders with agile adaptability, a lifelong ability to size up enterprise problems quickly, and an unusual sense of confidence and comfort in making informed decisions even in the face of significant risk. Former dean of Harvard Business School Nitin Nohoria compares these skills to those brought forth by music education —
“Educators define meta-skills as a group of long/lasting abilities that allow someone to learn things more quickly. When parents encourage a child to learn to play a musical instrument, for instance, beyond the scope of instilling musical skills (which some children will master and others may not), they may also appreciate the benefit the child derives from deliberate, consistent practice. This meta-skill is valuable for learning many other things beyond music.”
In a way, Nohoria suggests that business education, like music, is a way of life, most specifically, the practice of leadership and decision-making as a way of life. Arts Leaders have a lot to gain from adopting a business case pedagogy. Here are five of many reasons why —
1. Case Studies build preparation.
Case study participants must come prepared to add to the discussion. This distinct separation between preparation and decision-making detracts arts leaders from improvisation. A prepared leader quickly gains the trust of colleagues and collaborators.
2. Case Studies reveal the essence.
The hands-on aspects of case study discussion require a lot of focus. Speed reading and generating a bite-size understanding of an otherwise overwhelming context result from much practice and prioritization.
3. Case Studies inspire growth.
When presented with a problem, it is tempting to offer reactive responses. Case study discussions confront leaders with their own biases and assumptions. We are all shaped by the experiences we bring. This self-awareness and humility will give any leader the necessary empathy and openness to welcome the best ideas in any challenge.
4. Case studies foster equanimity.
Case studies demand firm responses in complex settings. While discussion is encouraged, it does not give space to indecision. When exercising vision-building, leaders learn to respect the strength of sound ideas.
5. Case Studies empower protagonists.
Case study exercises put leaders in the role of protagonists, pushing them to articulate a defense for their decisions. This nuanced roleplay dismisses any qualms regarding inexperience or lack of ability. Exposing leaders to the unfamiliar is the best way to make them rise to any challenge.
Have you applied learnings from Business Case Studies to the arts?
Let us know how.
Sources: https://hbr.org/2021/12/what-the-case-study-method-really-teaches
