SPJIMR’s PG Lab: Journey from ‘me-to-we’

Learning need not be confined to the walls of a classroom; life teaches us the most memorable lessons in the most unexpected situations. In the recent Personal Growth Lab (PG Lab), we had the opportunity to go beyond our classrooms and create lasting memories while learning teamwork, collaboration, and building lifelong bonds. PG Lab is one of the seven immersive (non-classroom) learning experiences that are part of our PGDM programme curriculum at SPJIMR. This year, it was divided into two phases, each offering a unique opportunity for students to interact with one another and learn various concepts of organisational behaviour.

The first phase kicked off just one week after our classes began. All the students were randomly assigned to groups, ensuring we interacted with peers from different divisions. The experience began with psychological assessments that laid the foundation by helping us discover our true selves. Following this came a series of activities designed to bring us closer and build deeper personal connections. Within our groups, we shared our happiest memories, and soon the mic was passed around for stories that touched everyone. It was heartwarming to see each peer group encourage quieter classmates to speak and be heard. Later, we were asked to draw an object that described us today and another that would describe us five years from now. Each exercise was carefully designed to build upon the previous one, helping us reflect and connect. In between, we were introduced to concepts from organisational behaviour that deepened our emotional intelligence.

This two-day phase left us with more friends than we could have made in several weeks. It humanised us, helped us see others from their perspective, and laid the foundation for more meaningful relationships. It marked the beginning of our ‘me-to-we’ journey, the essence of PG Lab at SPJIMR. Equipped with a deeper understanding of human behaviour, the entire batch went on to perform exceptionally well in the summer internship interviews. Then, it was time for Phase 2 of our PG Lab.

The buzz around campus began weeks before it even started. This time, we were heading on a two-day trip to a 4-star resort in Lonavala, nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats. The anticipation was real; we had packed our bags even before the final event schedule was out. The days couldn’t pass fast enough.

We started our journey to Lonavala early in the morning, when the sky was still dark, but the air was crackling with infectious enthusiasm. We were separated into random groups again, with new peer partners, ready to form new bonds. The schedule appeared simple on paper, but proved to be demanding in practice. Three sets of activities awaited us, one within the resort and two outside at different locations. Each set consisted of five challenges, and each had to be completed within twenty minutes.

The activities were playful, noisy, and messy, but so engaging that we forgot we were learning while we competed. One of the most memorable activities was football. The rule was simple: move it from one end of the field to another without using our hands or legs. We stood in pairs, clutching the ball between us, shuffling forward without dropping the ball. Every step proved to be a test of balance and trust. Some laughed as the ball slipped midway, while others clenched their jaws and willed themselves to move in perfect rhythm. Reaching the bucket at the far end and dropping the ball in it felt like scoring a goal in a cup final.

It was clumsy and chaotic, yet it brought out the kind of teamwork that no classroom exercise could inspire. We battled through a muddy, rain-drenched playground, where maintaining balance while standing still was a challenge. Yet no one stopped. Every slip was steadied by helping hands, and every disappointing silence was filled with encouraging cheers. Leadership kept changing hands as different teammates stepped up to take charge in each round. However, it did not matter; each group’s team spirit proved stronger than any discomfort the torrential rain caused us.

At the end of the two PG Lab sessions, every theory had a new meaning. We saw first-hand what hygiene factors were when we stood covered in mud, and what motivating factors meant when we still carried on with our tasks. This experience brought us closer and shaped us into stronger team players and, more importantly, better individuals.