This class centers on a 10-day backpacking expedition with embedded leadership training in Chilean Patagonia. The outdoor expedition is led by experienced instructors from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). The program teaches technical outdoor skills, sustainable environmental practices, as well as frameworks for choosing situationally optimal approaches to leadership. Maintaining teamwork in rugged terrain with wide ranging weather conditions is an exercise in emotional intelligence. The designated leader of the day will have to communicate and delegate effectively, make decisions under ambiguity, and maintain morale under trying conditions. Other members of the climbing team work on other modes of leadership, including “active followership,” “peer leadership” and “self leadership.”  NOLS instructors will guide this learning through individual and group discussions before and after each day’s hike (a daily cycle of think, do, reflect) and daily feedback to students. The expedition becomes a laboratory for expanding one’s leadership repertoire. This opportunity to focus closely on one’s leadership and teamwork habits enables powerful and lasting self-insights, which students in past years have called “life changing.”

As for practicalities, the trip will take place on January 10-19, 2018, preceded by campus sessions in the B term. There are three classroom sessions led by Professor Morris and three practically oriented TA-led sessions. The cost of this program is $2535, which covers program costs from the 10th through the 19th, but does not include international airfare, lodging the night of the 9^th or the 19th, or the gear required to camp during the program.  Please note that this course is physically demanding; students will hike and camp for nine evenings, sleeping in tents on the mountain and preparing their own meals.  A medical will be required for review by the NOLS team to ensure there are no risk factors that could hinder successful participation. Attendance both in New York sessions and the Chile trip is mandatory. Students who miss the first class meeting may be removed from the course, and will not have their program fee refunded to them.  No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has closed. Please visit the Chazen Institute website to learn more about the Global Immersion Program and review all policies of the program. 

Michael Morris

Chavkin-Chang Professor of Leadership

Michael Morris is a Chaired Professor in the Management Division at CBS and also serves as Professor in the Psychology Department of Columbia University. 

He teaches MBA and executive-level classes on leadership, teamwork, communication, negotiation, and decision-making. In 2016, he was honored with the Dean's Award for Innovation in the Curriculum for creating two of the school's most...

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