What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School: Notes from a Street-smart Executive by Mark H. McCormack

Harvard Business School is known to be one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. The school offers an incredibly rigorous curriculum and is renowned for its academic excellence, preparing its students to become highly successful global leaders. Despite its great reputations, many successful businessmen and women claim that Harvard Business School fails to teach them everything necessary to be successful in the corporate world.

Mark H. McCormack’s book, What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School: Notes from a Street-smart Executive, dives deeper into these issues, providing readers with an inside look at the problems that business schools often leave out. Through a series of anecdotes, career advice, and tips from personal experiences, McCormack paints a vivid picture of the challenges that he faced as a street-smart executive.

The book focuses primarily on two topics: how to succeed in the real business world and how to succeed when the odds are stacked against you. McCormack argues that many of the rules that govern our lives and careers, such as networking and hard work, are still relevant. However, these tools are not necessarily taught in formal business schools. Therefore, McCormack outlines ways to become an effective street-smart executive who can capitalize on every opportunity to be successful.

One of the most important lessons highlighted in the book is knowing when and how to take risks. McCormack argues that business schools do not necessarily provide the necessary tools to make sound decisions and take educated risks. As such, he provides commentary and advice from people who took risks and succeeded. His stories show that sometimes taking risks is the key to success, and that fear should never be a factor in the decision-making process.

Additionally, McCormack emphasizes having faith in oneself and provides strategies for staying motivated and optimistic. As a strong believer in self-empowerment and positive thinking, he encourages readers to stay positive in the face of adversity.

The book heavily focuses on networking and how to create alliances that will ultimately benefit both parties. According to McCormack, these relationships are often one of the most crucial components of success. He highlights specific strategies that allow readers to build meaningful relationships through creating value and giving back.

In conclusion, What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School: Notes from a Street-smart Executive is an incredibly valuable resource for future business leaders. The book provides readers with an inside look at the challenges of the corporate world, emphasising the importance of self-empowerment, risk-taking, networking and staying motivated. Mark H. McCormack’s unique perspective on business education offers readers invaluable lessons for success, even if they don’t have the privilege of attending Harvard.