SPJIMRnews - S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research

Personal Growth Lab: Breaking the IceJuly 16-20, 2009The group poses for a picture after the trek during PG LabThe 2009 batch started its Organizational Behavior (OB)course with the Personal Growth Lab (PG Lab) amid thebeautiful hills of Lonavala. PG Lab is a comprehensiveprogramme crafted meticulously to appeal to the instinctsand interests of our participants and intends todemonstrate that experiential learning would clarify OBconcepts much better than classroom sessions.The course has a rigorous, inbuilt, self-discoverymechanism. Through a comprehensive range ofpsychometric tools, the course assesses a participant’spersonality, interpersonal relationships, emotionalintelligence, blind spots, learning styles, unique strengthsand areas of development.To appreciate group dynamics, enhance team buildingskills, and develop into a synergetic team, the participantsparticipated in management games, group work,outbound activities and team events such as the EggContraption challenge. Each of these team events alsohelped the participants know each other better, overcomefears, discover their core identity and thus relate to theirteam-building games. Besides providing them anopportunity to connect with each other, the PG labhelped them appreciate the importance of teamwork,interpersonal trust, clear communication andcollaboration. Through Talent Search, each teamshowcased immense talent through theatre, music, danceand comedy.Prof. Lata Dhir leads this initiative and is supported by Prof.Virendra Shukla. The visiting and adjunct faculty membersconducting the seminars include Prof. Pratima Havaldarand Dr. Mala Kapadia. To provide a holistic perspective, Dr.Suranjan Das and Prof. Abbasali Gabula, faculty from otherareas, provided their valuable inputs.The five day PG Lab ended with the results of thepsychometric instruments being mapped on to genericmanagerial competence. This helped participants identifytheir strengths and leverage them. The participants alsoworked on a Personal Developmental Plan based on theirareas of improvement. Back at the institute conceptualsessions are provided. Following final analysis, theparticipants intertwine the concepts with their experiencesinto a “Personal Learning Paper”.Celebrating the Victory - Essence of PG LabProf. Lata Dhir taking a session on Self & Teamssocial identity with the group. This built strongcamaraderie and helped overcome inhibition and tension,which facilitated effective communication andencouraged proactive participation.The outdoor activities primarily focused on team skills andleadership. The participants trekked and participated inTreasure Hunt and Assault activity, that involved multipleAssault Activity - Team games in progressSPJIMRnews3