Max Flinchum ’21 LABB Intern – Throughout this week we took part in our first two negotiations, regarding the case “Adam Baxter vs. Local 190.” Each negotiation consisted of two teams: a management and unionized worker team. Each intern was provided with a variety of different negotiating techniques, in order to strengthen his ability to reason and comprise particular deals. Along with these negotiations, we reviewed several cases, including Zip Car, Kate Spade, Cirque du Soleil, Starbuck’s Delivering Customer Service, and San Francisco Coffee House. These cases allowed us to identify a multitude of business and marketing strategies that allowed each company to thrive in its given industry.
On Friday, June 15, 2018, Rob Shook and Corey Egler came to share their experiences with the LABB interns. Rob Shook, executive at IBM, shared his unique story. Starting as a Wabash student, Shook climbed his way to the top of one of the most iconic technology corporations. As an openly gay employee, Shook shared the challenges he faced throughout his academic and professional career. He shared the importance of standing up for what one believes in, even if it is not the most popular stand. Along with this lesson, Shook taught us the importance of knowing one’s personnel. It is critical for a leader or manager to know how to motivate each individual on his or her team. Shook shared these lessons and many more with our LABB team.
Along with Shook, Corey Egler shared his story with us. As an individual involved in the military, Egler’s decision could very well determine the outcome of an individual’s life. Similar to Shook, Egler stressed the importance of knowing one’s personnel, for knowing how they operate is crucial to the success of the overall team. He shared a story of man who needed “special” management due to problems at home and with alcohol. Egler was able to diffuse the situation and lead effectively. Week four was a very productive and knowledge week for every member of the LABB team.
