The strength of a leader is in the team: MBA off-site module in Altai
The training began with an intensive theoretical block delivered by Alexey Fokin, Senior Lecturer at HSE GSB, certified coach, and expert in leadership, cross-functional interaction, and business communications, as well as soft skills instructor in the MBA program at HSE GSB, with over 20 years of training and managerial experience. Under his guidance, participants explored the key aspects of leadership: how a leadership position is formed within a group, which management styles are effective in conditions of uncertainty and pressure, and how a leader can build trust and foster strategic thinking within a team. Discussions, case studies, and reflection formed the foundation on which practical experience was soon built.
The next stage of the module was a team training. Participants were divided into eight groups of five people each, with teams formed based on the DISC typology and the principle of gender balance. The teams independently developed a route strategy, assigned roles, and agreed on rules of interaction. These decisions were to be implemented in real conditions the very next day.
The route along the Cherginsky Ridge was about 10 kilometers long, included three stages, and had an elevation gain of up to 250 meters. Although the route difficulty was moderate, the time constraints, need for joint decision-making, and emotional intensity made the hike a real challenge. The goal was not only to reach the finish line: each team had to execute its strategy and achieve the goal through joint efforts. Everything mattered — how accurately participants assessed their strength, how they allocated resources, and which priorities they set: speed, safety, or full engagement of all members.
As an additional option, participants could also join another activity — rafting on a mountain river, which heightened the sense of presence and engagement.
The participants rated the organization and content of the off-site module very highly.
Nikolay Bolshakov, MBA student, Director of the Regional Network Department at Absolut Bank, and captain of the winning team, is convinced: “It’s better to be first than second. But to achieve this goal, it is important to assemble and motivate a team that will develop and implement a strategy, manage limited resources, and move toward a common victory.”
“The off-site format allowed us not only to get to know each other but also to immediately dive into teamwork in challenging conditions. Winning the team competition was the result of each member’s determination, the ability to hear and listen to one another, and the willingness to support teammates not only morally but also physically. This experience strengthened our team spirit and laid a solid foundation for further successful learning and collaboration,” — shared her impressions Natalia Glukhova, Head of Administrative Activities at My Medical Center LLC and MBA student.
The final day was devoted to reflection. Participants shared their insights, discussed how they responded to unusual situations, and reflected on what worked and what didn’t. The team that most effectively implemented its strategy and demonstrated cohesion received a well-deserved award.
Vladimir Koptsev
Academic Supervisor of the MBA Program, HSE Graduate School of Business
“Leadership is always about development. We create educational formats where participants face real tasks that require making decisions ‘here and now’ to take the next step. It’s important not just to learn to manage, but to learn to hear and understand others, take responsibility, and keep focus on the common goal. It is in such situations that true leadership is born. Only a business school of the highest standard can offer such unique formats with full immersion in a real-life challenge.”
The Altai off-site module became a growth point for many MBA students, allowing them to see themselves in a new light — in a dynamic and unconventional environment where it was important to act, not deliberate. This format not only boosts leadership skills but also triggers deep personal transformations: after such an experience, it’s impossible to return to the previous perception of teamwork, goals, and responsibility.