New project sees Emiratis, expats talk leadership issues

The world has become wretched. In education, in recent years, overstuffed egos of “entitled” students and parents have put teachers and professors in bad light.

Here is a mentor, his mentees and their five-volume book that demonstrate otherwise.

It began at the beginnings of 2021 – yes, COVID-19 – when 45 undergraduate and graduate students of Leadership and Organisational Creativity, Leadership and Change Management, Management and Organisational Behaviour, and Entrepreneurship Management, under Alex Jones, a Ph.D. holder in Leadership, took his challenge.

Retrospectively, current chief executive officer Sultan Khoory recounts: “One of the key lessons I learnt was the importance of aligning theoretical knowledge with practical applications. This project allowed me to enhance my analytical and research skills, gaining insights into different leadership styles and business models. It also reinforced the significance of adaptability and innovation in driving organisational success.

“One highlight was successfully grasping new strategies and practices while collaborating with diverse teams through effective communication. An unforgettable was seeing the positive impact of studies on my professional growth and realising the overall significance of the project for both myself and my field,” utters Alanoud Albayedh, from the Business Development and Human Resources Management Practices profession.

School of Modern Skills-Middle School deputy head Mais Ahmad Obaji contributes: “My case study allowed me to showcase how effective leadership turns abstract concepts into tangible examples of success.”

“The experience was both engaging and challenging. One of the most rewarding aspects was collaborating with my university professor and gaining a deeper understanding of how companies navigate decision-making processes in complex situations. It was an eye-opening journey into the intricacies of organisational strategies,” chimes auditor Fahad Alhashimi.

Case study?

Jones shares, as the challenge he had posed to the 45, has become the “Strategy, Leadership, Entrepreneurship – Small Medium Enterprises of the UAE,” self-published via his National Leadership Association Publishing House, in time for the Golden Anniversary of the United Arab Emirates: “The series compiles 75 cases, researched and written by my 45 students. It features unique insights into the operations, strategies, and challenges faced by SMEs in the UAE. Each follows a robust framework inspired by models from Harvard, Stanford, and Yale Universities.”

“Unlike most case studies worldwide which are authored by professors alone, this elevates students – Emiratis and expatriates – to co-authors, showcasing their scholarship and dedication.”

Jones adds that a project collaborator as well is Dr. Chris Jones, his “Disleadership: 30 Must-Know Models for Sustainable Organisations” co-author: “The series reflects the UAE’s commitment to excellence in education, aligning with the nation’s vision and leadership that ‘Nothing is Impossible.’”

Emirati Khoory’s case study on the Win-Win HR Consultancy appears in Volume 1 and his insights: “Updated websites up conversions while adopting a company philosophy different from the competitors as aggressive marketing may contribute to success.”

Palestinian Albayedh on Taj Al Bustan Technical Services LLC in Volume 1: “Continuous struggle is one way of success. Hard work and honesty pays off. Always listen to the customers.”

Syrian Baji on Dubai Arabian American Private School in Volume 2: “Vertical and horizontal transparency is critical and which all, in any organisation, are entitled to.”

Baji on Mais Moving Company in Volume 4: “Any business could be a big player through effective, open-minded leadership undeterred to face problems.”

Emirati Alhashimi on Al-Arif Sons Travel in Volume 2: “The components of business growth and expansions are good leadership and best management approaches.”

Alhashimi on School of Modern Skills in Volume 4: “Relevant to the lives of companies are adaptability to modernising marketing tactics and digital transformation.

With the purpose of in-dwelling to others their respective “lessons learnt,” the four have thought of authoring their own book/s.

Baji remarks: “Leadership often involves navigating complex ethical dilemmas, and a case study provides opportunity to explore these challenges. It underscores the importance of integrity, accountability, and responsible decision-making. As someone who considers myself a transformational leader, I am inspired to continue writing about leadership to share insights, motivate others, and foster a new generation of leaders who can be productive and successful.”