The MBA students are first introduced to the Leadership Program through the Learning Team Retreat. The Retreat, held in a remote location in Upstate New York, introduces students to their Learning Team members in an environment free of distractions where all members are on an equal footing. Students begin the process of team formation and learn to lead in a peer environment throughout the 2-day long program.

The business world requires people to work successfully in teams that depend on persuasive rather than positional leadership. The learning team is a laboratory meant to cultivate these leadership skills. A diverse group of five or six students is randomly assigned to collaborate on assignments throughout the first year.

Since the team is not self-selected, there is a juxtaposition of diverse careers, interests, and international backgrounds. The team structure therefore encourages trial and error, risk taking, and creative friction among members as they learn to collaborate and lead within a group of peers.

To facilitate this process, second-year MBA students mentor Learning Teams throughout their Retreat, Management 652 course, and entire first year. These 2nd year students, called Leadership Fellows, are selected through a rigorous screening process. After selection, they receive extensive training in leadership skill development in areas such as conflict management, facilitation, and delivering effective feedback. These skills are put to use as Leadership Fellows serve as trainers during the Retreat and as Learning Team coaches during the academic year.