The Application Process

Would you ask a spouse to arrange a date with his or her hot friend (suggesting that if you and the friend hit it off, your current relationship is over)? Is asking a manager for a B-School recommendation any different? I hope so; your insight/advice/stories would help!

Business schools strongly encourage applicants to provide a recommendation from a direct supervisor.
Your best chances at admission are in Round I (deadline ~Fall with classes starting ~Fall the following year).
Hence, it behooves applicants to ask their managers for recommendations a year or more before they actually start B-School.

I'm sure most of us currently employed but considering B-school need to stay employed in the short term... any insight/advice/stories to share on the following would definitely be appreciated!

- How did you frame your request for a recommendation (and that you're considering B-School) to your manager?
- How did your manager react?
- What's the best way to disclose an interest in B-School (effectively a possible "expiration date" on your employment) while minimizing any "chilling effect" on your career in the interim?

In an ideal world, my manager would support and encourage my aspiration to gain new skills and build a better network via B-School. But the worst case scenario is that I could be kicked out or immediately assigned to training my replacement.

Any boss worth their salt will support you. Keep in mind that you are giving them almost a year to plan for your departure... much more than in most cases.

Very interesting dilemma (and nice comparison to a personal relationship ).
I'd say you have to think about it hard and try to expect your boss's reaction based on your accquiantance with him. If you feel your boss will not respond well, maybe don't ask him (some schools will accept that if you can explain).