Many professionals were thrust into remote leadership for the first time in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced offices around the world to close. But this wasn’t the case for Randall Willbanks.
An MBA had always been in the cards for Randall. Having worked in finance throughout his career, he was keen to broaden his professional network and develop knowledge of the wider business world.
But studying online gave him some added benefits—he could keep his job, remain in Texas with his family, and further develop his ability to lead and collaborate with remote teams.
As 82% of companies adopt remote or hybrid work set-ups, this ability is more important than ever before. Here’s how an Online MBA can help you develop your remote leadership prowess.
You’ll learn excellent time management
Remote leadership jobs require strong time management skills—and so does studying an Online MBA program.
You’ll probably be juggling a full-time job and other commitments with your studies, so knowing how to make the most of your time—without burning yourself out—is crucial.
“Your time management skills are sharpened from an Online MBA. It teaches you when to say no, and how to allocate your time,” says Randall (below).
During his Online MBA at Price, Randall says that many of his peers had their time management skills put to the test.
Students in the program have live classes a couple of times per week, in the evening, and beyond this get to learn at their own pace.
“This program could push people to understand their limits and get more out of life,” he reflects. “It’s going to teach you how to maintain your boundaries.”
Maintaining a good work-life balance is essential for both remote leadership and remote study, he adds. Without a physical separation between your professional and private life, it’s easy to let work time encroach on personal time.
You’ll come to grips with different communication methods
Working on group projects during an Online MBA also lets you practice collaborating with people who have different preferences in their communication methods. This is crucial in the world of work, where your colleagues, as Randall puts it “ultimately all you have is each other.”
For Randall, one of the highlights of the Price Online MBA was a group project that was part of his investments class.
“We had an allocated amount of money and got to pick three or four different investment strategies,” he explains. “We then picked options and tracked them over the course of the module.”
Working with people across the US, with different professional backgrounds and preferences, challenged Randall to tailor the way he communicated to best suit his peers.
“Understanding how best to communicate—for instance through a chat application, over the phone, or via a video call—is important,” he says. “The Online MBA has been a way to kind of supercharge those skills,” he reflects.
To others hoping to hone their remote communication skills, his advice is to keep messages concise, and think carefully about whether an update requires a call or an email.
Taking this tailored approach has helped him connect with his peers who work across industries and functions. He also got the chance to further develop leadership knowledge through Q&A sessions with business leaders in the Oklahoma area, including the CEO of what was then OU Medicine (the brand has since dissolved).
“The networking has been really good,” Randall comments.
You can practice self-leadership
When managing or collaborating remotely, self-leadership is just as important as leading others. Without the structure of an office, it can be challenging to stay motivated.
“Working from home brings you ultimate freedom—but you have to hold yourself accountable,” says Randall.
The Online MBA can help you practice this. One important element is learning how you work best. For Randall, this means getting hold of physical books to work from, but for others it could mean using audiobooks, discussing what you learn with your family, or something totally different.
“You need to figure out how you absorb knowledge best,” he notes.
The self-paced nature of an Online MBA, which you can study over two to five years, holds you accountable for building learning into your schedule—a habit you can take beyond graduation.
The broad knowledge Randall picked up throughout the program is already helping him understand elements of business from negotiation, to sales and marketing, to law.
“It’s helping me see the forest, not trees—seeing how the ecosystem works together.”
“It’s very empowering, and there’s a tonne of learning,” he concludes.
University of Oklahoma - Price College of Business
Percy
Verified
28/11/2023
On Campus
an Unregrettable choice of university
The University of Oklahoma has been a great experience for me. The professors are all very knowledgeable and willing to help where needed. The campus is also very beautiful and there are plenty of activities going on all the time. The student body is also really friendly and I have made a lot of new friends here. Overall, I'm really glad I chose OU and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great college experience.
Student
Verified
9/11/2022
On Campus
It is a life changing experience for me.
I am enrolled in a Ph.D. program that is research-intensive. I get continuous guidance from my supervisors that help me to conduct my research skillfully. I will gladly recommend students to study here.
Student
Verified
20/10/2022
Online
Good institution
Good institution for in class courses. Online classes are pretty hard because the instructors are most of the time not available. The student has to do everything on their own without any assistance.
Student
Verified
11/06/2022
Blended
Best school ever
This has been the best experience. of my life! Freshman year completely changed my life in so many ways! Through club’s organizations and social events the university of Oklahoma became my home. I loved being there
Student
Verified
25/04/2019
Amazing Univeristy
OU is an amazing university. Love the athletic department so much. They have so much hype and love for their athletes and students typically maintain a healthy lifestyle. I’m engineering student and OU has one of the best teachers and facilities I had so far. I know their engineering program is prestigious but I don’t know much about the other departments. Beautiful campus and amazing social events. Diversity is enormous. LOVE IT SIMPLY.
Molly
Verified
19/12/2023
On Campus
Getting the best at OU
I am a current student at the University of Oklahoma and I must say, I am extremely impressed with the quality of education and resources available here. The professors are knowledgeable and truly care about their students' success. The campus is beautiful and there are always events and activities happening. The community at OU is welcoming and diverse, making it a great place to grow and learn. I highly recommend this university to anyone looking for a well-rounded and fulfilling college experience. Boomer Sooner
Student
Verified
28/11/2023
On Campus
Everybody is really helpful over here
The university has beautiful buildings and scenic fields with benches for enjoying the weather. There are a lot of nice students, so it's a pleasant experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and gained valuable knowledge from the professors. It was a pleasure to work with my professors during my first year, as communication was easy and they consistently made themselves available during office hours, accommodating any scheduling conflicts. I had a smooth academic transition into college thanks to the great faculty.
Sara
Verified
9/01/2023
On Campus
Oklahoma
I would say it is the best university in town. The education, knowledge, curriculum, extra curriculum activities, modern laboratories, big grounds, and spacious classrooms. I would say everyone who can should study here.
Quincy
Verified
30/06/2024
On Campus
well maintained facilities
The OU campus is truly breathtaking with its vast green spaces and modern facilities. These facilities are contemporary and meticulously maintained, housing state-of-the-art science labs, a vast digital resource library, and cozy study areas perfect for late-night cram sessions. As someone from Oklahoma, attending this university has been a dream come true and has provided me with the most fulfilling years of my life. My freshman year was incredibly enjoyable, filled with fantastic friends and daily adventures. The friendships I've established here are lifelong, and I feel immense gratitude for my time at OU.
Charlie
Verified
30/06/2024
On Campus
a home far from home
Attending the University of Oklahoma brought back nostalgic memories for me. My sister graduated from this university in May 2019, and while she had spoken highly of it, she hadn't quite captured how much I would come to adore this school. It has become a home away from home, with its welcoming atmosphere, kind professors, stunning campus, and impressive football team that resonates with my high school football experiences. I am grateful for the chance to study at the University of Oklahoma and receive an exceptional education.
Lauren
Verified
5/07/2024
On Campus
psychology major
Honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy the University of Oklahoma (OU), but I ended up falling in love with it. Your college experience at OU largely depends on what you invest in it. While it was sometimes challenging to build friendships and step out of my comfort zone, the university offers numerous clubs and opportunities to engage with new people. As a psychology major at the University of Oklahoma, I firmly believe that the professors and the quality of education surpass those of any other university psychology program. This enables students to connect with professionals globally and fosters personal growth. In terms of academics, I find that professors are highly accessible to students, and there are abundant resources available to support academic achievement.
Catherine
Verified
6/07/2024
Blended
great support
The campus offers a wide range of dining choices and excellent accommodation. It is reasonably affordable and offers support in locating scholarships and financial advisors to help students manage their finances. My overall experience has been far more positive than I anticipated, and I am completely satisfied with my decision to enroll at OU.
Student
Verified
21/07/2024
On Campus
Beautiful campus scene
The University of Oklahoma has such a large and diverse population that you can't help but find your place here. There are many colleges, courses, and professors to choose from. I grew to love the environment, social life and community. The school has an amazing and breathtaking campus with many clubs and ways to get connected.
Rachel
Verified
21/07/2024
On Campus
architecture program
I have been able to explore a wide variety of academic subjects during my studies. The university's dedicated faculty members have been crucial in fostering my intellectual development and providing guidance. I have always felt supported by the staff and my professors, especially in the field of architecture. My experience so far has been a positive journey.
Student
Verified
24/07/2024
On Campus
passion for literature
The University of Oklahoma created a fantastic educational setting that blends a passion for classical works with modern research. As a student at the university, I observed a diverse array of opportunities available not only to myself but also to other postgraduate students. I appreciate the variety of campus events and the vibrant nightlife.
