Management students explore the real meaning of workplace leadership

Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Dwarka organised an insightful session on “Leadership in the Workplace” for its first-year PGDM students as part of their Organisation Behaviour curriculum. The session provided students an opportunity to look beyond conventional definitions of leadership and understand how effective leadership is shaped by empathy, communication and meaningful engagement with team members.

The session was led by Mr. Alok Narain, Co-founder and Director, Emergence Learning Solutions, who engaged students through an interactive and experiential approach. Rather than limiting leadership to theories and established models, the session encouraged participants to examine how leadership actually operates in everyday workplace situations.

A key feature of the session was the use of experiential role-play exercises, which allowed students to step into different workplace roles and respond to situations that leaders and teams may encounter in professional settings. These activities encouraged students to observe workplace dynamics from different perspectives and reflect on how individual behaviour can influence team relationships and outcomes.

Through these exercises and discussions, students explored the importance of empathy, active listening and appreciation in effective leadership. The session highlighted that leadership is not simply about giving directions or taking charge. It also involves understanding people, recognising their perspectives, creating an environment where individuals feel heard and valuing the contributions they make to a team.

The emphasis on empathy encouraged students to consider how leaders can respond to colleagues with greater understanding, particularly when dealing with differences in opinions, expectations or working styles. Similarly, active listening was presented as an important leadership skill that can strengthen communication and help leaders understand concerns before making decisions.

Team appreciation formed another significant aspect of the discussion. Students reflected on how recognising efforts and acknowledging contributions can positively influence motivation, engagement and team spirit. These insights helped them connect the principles studied in Organisation Behaviour with situations they may encounter during their professional careers.

The interactive format ensured that students were not merely passive recipients of information. By participating in role plays, discussions and reflections, they had the opportunity to experience workplace situations and think critically about the responses expected from an effective leader.

The session also encouraged students to reconsider the idea that leadership is determined solely by authority or designation. Instead, leadership can be demonstrated through everyday actions—by listening attentively, supporting colleagues, appreciating efforts, understanding different viewpoints and contributing constructively to a team.

Ms. Muskan delivered the welcome note and set the tone for the engaging session. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Akshita Bist, who expressed gratitude to the resource person and all those involved in making the session meaningful for the students.

By combining classroom concepts with experiential activities, the session offered first-year PGDM students valuable insights into the human and behavioural dimensions of leadership, helping them develop a more practical understanding of what it means to lead effectively in the workplace.