On June 30, we launched our newest course, Management Essentials, an 8-week online certificate program designed to elevate your managerial skills through a distinctive, hands-on approach to management. This course is the final body of work from Professor David Garvin, a renowned teacher and researcher at Harvard Business School who passed away in April.
Professor Garvin spent much of his academic career focusing on the idea that general managers need to think about processes rather than organizational structures or discrete tasks to move their organizations forward and achieve results. A leading expert on organizational learning, Garvin contended that enduring success requires building a strong culture of learning in an organization to counter unpredictability. Professor Garvin argued that at the heart of organizational learning lies a set of processes that can be designed and deployed.
We recently had the chance to connect with some of Professor Garvin's former students to talk about his management course and the impact it has had on their lives and careers.
"Professor Garvin and his course were truly unique. The course provided the rare benefit of simultaneously evoking deep thought about the way businesses and people tick, while leaving the students with a series of powerful and practical tools that are applied daily."
-Bryan Wynn, Bain Capital
"Professor Garvin's course provides the "how" to complement much of the "what" and "why" of an MBA curriculum. By tying together real examples with actionable tools and models to address them, the student learns management methods that can be applied day one in a management role."
-Krista Milam, LinkedIn
"David’s COurse was truly unique in that the classroom was his orchestra. As master maestro, he was one of the best who brought out each person’s best insights, pushing students to think several layers deep in their analysis and critique."
-Ian Walsh, TRU Simulation + Training Inc.
"His teaching pushed us to think about management in a structured manner – and to consider how we could be not just better managers, but better leaders. When making difficult decisions or faced with internal resistance, I often hear David’s voice in the back of my head, reminding me to think about the processes that I can leverage to guide a team forward."
-Ira Renfrew, iRobot
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Interested in learning more about Management Essentials or applying to an upcoming cohort?