the science of the relationship 'ice-berg'

The most interesting class of this Period is probably the Leading People & Group, ie. Organization Behaviour a.k.a. Group and Individual Psychology.

The subjects brought above the surface and discussed would likely benefit many of us many years post-MBA (with some optimism).

Isn't life more than just having a successful career? with all the hype about 'work-life balance' nowadays?

Group dynamic is agreeably a hell more intensive than observed at our previous work place, due to the facts that at INSEAD:
- there is no clear hierachy and thus assigned authority among participants
- everyone have paid/are paying a high price, in addition to monetary cost, to spend a year here. Previous comfort zone is given up and probably has diminished, opportunities forgone, relationships sacrificed.(the list continues)
- we have different expectations and priorities
- we behave in unconscious manner influenced by our (many many) different backgroup, experience, culture, belief, religion ...
- dealing with often egoistic, occassionally overconfident or self-centred MBAs on a daily /hourly basis
- average number of work experience is higher than most other top MBAs. It's a double edged sword. Some get insistent of their viewpoints backed by previous rich experience while some bring in a more matured perspective

Most top MBA school imposes an allocated study group system that requires the group to 'stick' together for some months. Love it or hate it. According to sources, the INSEAD culture is relatively more 'collaborative' and 'friendly' than our counterparts who view one another strictly as career competitors at Wall Street.
(Of course, we will have to compete. Just that, everything is in relative terms)

1 Period will be over in a week's time. It's way too early to judge if this MBA process will be the most enjoyable/memorable/beneficial period of our lives, in the way always testified at a graduation speech.

One thing for sure : everything fly pass like a falling shooting star here.

To all MBA prospective students:
- be realistic of what to expect. best of luck !