News Pick
School lessons for corporate success
Is it true that the biggest boardroom wins often start with classroom basics
We often think of school as a place to master equations, memorise dates, and ace tests. But if you take a closer look, many of the habits that shape successful professionals are seeded much earlier – right on the school bench.
Here’s how some of your most valuable corporate skills may have started in the schoolyard.
1. Discipline:
Deadlines, punctuality, and time management are workplace essentials – and school is where they begin. From arriving at assembly on time to submitting homework regularly, school trains us to respect structure, which is the foundation of a productive work life.
2. Communication:
Whether it’s answering questions in class or presenting a project, school teaches us to express our thoughts clearly – a critical skill in any office. It’s where many of us first learn to speak with confidence, listen actively, and engage in healthy debate.
“I wasn’t fluent in English when I joined my new school,” recalls Mr Ankur Sood, a Apeejay School, Faridabad alumnus and a Test Architect at IBM. “But the school environment encouraged interaction and gave me the confidence I carry today into client meetings worldwide.”
3. Teamwork:
Group assignments, inter-house events, and sports days teach us how to work with diverse personalities. Learning to collaborate, negotiate, and support one another in school projects mirrors how we function on teams in the corporate world.
4. Resilience:
Didn’t win the science fair? Got a lower grade than expected? School teaches us that setbacks aren’t the end – they’re feedback. The ability to stay focused despite obstacles is a skill every professional eventually needs.
5. Ethics and Values:
Morning prayers, respect for teachers, fair play during competitions – these aren’t just rituals. They instill values like integrity, responsibility, and empathy. In a corporate setting, these form the bedrock of leadership and trust.
“At my school, we were taught to compete, but never by harming someone else’s chances,” Mr Ankur notes. “That lesson still defines how I lead teams and handle work pressure.”
