What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School
Insightful strategies for practical business wisdom beyond academia.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- Street-smart Business Skills
- The Power of Negotiation
- Understanding People Beyond Charts
- Leveraging Intangible Assets
- The Art of Selling and Communication
- Time Management for Executives
- Reading People and Situations
key point 1 of 7
Street-smart Business Skills
Street-smart business skills, as depicted in the book, represents a blend of practical intelligence, instinct, and common sense that is not often taught in formal education settings. This includes the ability to read people, understand their motivations, and anticipate their moves in business contexts. It also involves maintaining a high level of situational awareness, being adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges, and being able to make quick, informed decisions under pressure…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
The Power of Negotiation
Negotiation can make a significant difference in business and personal outcomes. Understanding the nuances of negotiation can empower individuals to drive better deals, resolve conflicts, and create value in transactions. The power of negotiation lies not in dominating the conversation or pushing for one’s interests aggressively, but in the ability to understand the other party’s interests, constraints, and alternatives. It’s about creating a win-win situation where both parties gain something from the transaction. ..Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Understanding People Beyond Charts
Understanding people beyond charts involves a deep dive into the psyche of individuals which encompasses their thoughts, beliefs, experiences, and motivations. This perspective emphasizes that people are not mere data points to be plotted on a chart but complex beings whose actions and decisions are influenced by a myriad of factors. It underscores the fact that a business is not just about numbers, profits, and losses; it is about people – employees, customers, and stakeholders who are the backbone of any organization…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Leveraging Intangible Assets
Leveraging intangible assets is presented as a vital element for success in the business world that isn’t traditionally taught in formal education settings. Intangible assets, such as interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, creativity, and vision, are often undervalued, but they can play a huge role in achieving business objectives. The ability to perceive and utilize these assets can set apart leaders and organizations from their competitors…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
The Art of Selling and Communication
The art of selling and communication is not just about presenting a product or service and listing its benefits. It is a process that starts with understanding the customer’s needs, wants, and desires. The first step is to listen carefully, ask questions, and empathize with the customer’s problems or desires. This will not only help to build a relationship with the customer but also help to identify the best solution for them…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
Time Management for Executives
In the text, time management is detailed as an essential skill for executives. It’s not about having more hours in a day, but making every hour count. Executives are encouraged to prioritize tasks that align with their goals and delegate tasks that can be handled by others. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-impact activities and making strategic choices about the use of time…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
Reading People and Situations
Reading people is about understanding their behavior, emotions, and motivations. It involves observing their body language, listening to their tone of voice and choice of words, and piecing together the clues to form an accurate understanding of their attitudes and intentions. For example, a businessperson may use this skill to assess whether a client is truly interested in a deal, or merely pretending to be. A negotiation might be won or lost based on the ability to read the other party correctly…Read&Listen More