Sink or SWIM

Abstract

After 11 months of planning, the Sloan Women in Management (SWIM) club co-presidents and two conference directors faced a difficult decision. The club's 3rd annual conference, aptly named "Dare to Fail: Taking Risks When it Matters Most", was scheduled to begin around the time a winter storm, fortified with up to 50 inches of snow, was predicted to hit the Boston area. At 2:00pm the day before the conference was to begin, the leadership team needed to decide whether the show would go on, be modified, or be canceled altogether.

Learning Objectives

To facilitate a discussion on making decisions under pressure, when the available information is insufficient; team dynamics and facilitating a productive discussion under duress when there is no single decision maker; managing people over whom you have no authority; and, defining and maintaining an organization’s brand.

Appropriate for the Following Course(s) 

leadership

Sink or SWIM

teaching note*

*TEACHING NOTES AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO EDUCATORS WHO HOLD TEACHING POSITIONS AT ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS.