Beyond the Visible Scoreboard: Lessons from the Future Leaders at the University of Sydney
- P-Lab. Admin
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
I had the privilege of spending three hours with around 30 students at the University of Sydney Business School. My first impression was their incredible diversity: a mix of cultures, ages, and personalities. There were the naturally outspoken individuals and the quiet observers with sharp minds. It felt like a perfect microcosm of a future boardroom or a global summit.
The session wasn't a lecture, and I wasn't there to simply fill their heads with information. Instead, I served as a guardian of the space, inviting them into a simulation of our real world—a world with limited time, resources, and infinite possibilities.
A Simulation with Future Leaders Begun with a Question
As the simulation started, familiar questions flew through the air:
"Are we competing against each other?"
"Can we exchange resources?"
"What are the right goals?"
My usual and only answer was: "It's up to you."
This response initially left them bewildered. Their conditioning to follow a rulebook and find a clear path to victory had them trapped for a long time. But as the session unfolded, they began to realise a profound truth: this was their world. There was no single right answer, no one-size-fits-all strategy. Even the rules were theirs to create.
The Power of Small Acts of Courage
I watched as small ripples of change became a tidal wave. Initially, interactions were confined to their own teams. Then, one person stood up, crossed the room, and started talking to another group. This simple act—like a single drop of water—created a quiet ripple effect. Soon, the entire room was in motion, exchanging ideas, negotiating resources, and collaborating.
As often happens in this simulation, the teams initially focused on economic development, while the environment and society struggled.
The conversation shifted from who could win to a collective vision. I began to hear voices saying,
"Whose goal is social justice?" and
"We'll give our time away for good projects."
Then, a moment of profound realism came. Before the next round began, a student stepped forward. He wasn't giving orders; he was offering a solution he believed would help everyone track their collective progress. Despite some hesitation and differing opinions, he listened humbly, and the group eventually agreed. To me, this demonstrated a critical form of leadership: offering ideas, listening to others, ad holding your ground with conviction. That courage is the first step to shaping a brighter future.
What Lies Beyond the Scoreboard
As the simulation neared its end, it hit a familiar wall: reality. Some teams, despite their hard work, didn't achieve their numerical goals. They spoke up but their voices were lost in the excitement of others. It was a powerful lesson:
In the real world, not every voice is heard, and not every objective is met.
What inspired me most wasn't who "won" the game, but how everyone chose to play it. The most impactful moments weren't about individual achievements but about the small, brave acts of collaboration. The willingness to move beyond personal goals and to discuss how to build a better world together.
That day, I saw more than just MBA students; I saw future world leaders in the making. The challenges and triumphs they experienced in that room—limited resources, communication breakdowns, and the power of collective action—are the very same they will confront in the real world.
The ultimate lesson of this simulation wasn't on the scoreboard; it was in their conversations and decisions. It was a powerful reminder that our greatest achievements aren't just about reaching a number, but about the world we choose to build together.
What truly matters to you, beyond the visible scoreboard?
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