Dr Yasser Jarar, a member of the Board of Trustees at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government and author of “The Executive Sheikh: Leadership Lessons from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” emphasises that Sheikh Mohammed, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is a leader who shapes the future rather than waiting for it. He outlines four core attributes of Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership philosophy: ambition, speed, a results-driven culture, and the courage and flexibility to embrace change.
Foundations of Sheikh Mohammed’s Leadership Philosophy
In a conversation with Al-Bayan, Dr Jarar pointed out that the essence of Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership approach is that “the future is not merely managed in government; it is an attitude that guides it.” From his book, he deduces that every achievement prompts a new question: “What’s next?” This mindset distinguishes those who foresee the future from those who do not, along with the boldness to pursue it and nurture leaders who will continue the journey.
The Core Elements of Leadership
Dr Jarar asserts that understanding Dubai necessitates comprehending the visionary who conceived and developed it. His experiences while working in Sheikh Mohammed’s executive office led him to identify eight interconnected elements of the leader’s philosophy: a clear, expansive vision; a non-negotiable ambition for first place; prompt decision-making and execution; a keen focus on results; calculated risk-taking; a belief in the potential of individuals; a constant openness to new ideas; and the understanding that present success does not guarantee future achievements.
He further highlights that Sheikh Mohammed’s approach combines vision with execution. The vision is not a document filed away but a daily commitment that translates into achievements. Dr Jarar delineates principles in his book, such as “Accept nothing less than number one,” “Create your own future,” “Act swiftly,” “Embrace risk,” “Results outweigh everything,” and “Focus on outcomes, not reports.”
Developing Future Leaders
Sheikh Mohammed often reiterates that “building leaders” is more crucial than merely developing institutions. This approach is deeply rooted in his school of thought, where he perceives investment in human potential as the most enduring asset. In “The Executive Sheikh,” Dr Jarar illustrates this philosophy by recounting a significant moment when a group of government employees was redefined by Sheikh Mohammed from “employees” to “leaders and idea generators.”
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Programme
This thinking culminated in the launch of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Programme in 2003, which has since produced numerous ministers and senior leaders. More critical than the program itself is the underlying philosophy, prompting continual reflection on leadership succession—”who will lead tomorrow and after?” Continuous preparation of second and third-tier leaders ensures institutional continuity and resilience.
Choosing a Leadership Team
The selection of key personnel around a leader is paramount, according to Dr Jarar. The quality of decisions made by any leader is significantly influenced by the quality of those in their circle. He relays a lesson Sheikh Mohammed inherited from his father, the late Sheikh Rashid, emphasising that one should surround themselves with strong leaders. Some leaders, however, may seek comfort in hiring those who merely agree with them, which can endanger the organisation. Dr Jarar’s book advocates for diversity in thought, competence, loyalty to the vision over individuals, and the ability to deliver results and cultivate future leaders.
Key Characteristics of Sheikh Mohammed’s Leadership School
One of the prominent features of Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership style is its dynamism; success is not a destination but a launchpad for greater accomplishments. Four elements serve as its foundation: raising ambition levels; rapidity in action; fostering a results-oriented culture; and demonstrating flexibility and bravery in the face of change. In his book, Dr Jarar emphasises the importance of embracing change as the new normal rather than a temporary state.
Empowerment and Delegation
True empowerment goes beyond motivational rhetoric; it involves granting individuals trust, authority, and responsibility, along with accountability for results. Dr Jarar notes, “Delegation, delegation, delegation,” highlighting that for effective delegation, leaders must trust and surround themselves with competent individuals while allowing them room to achieve their tasks autonomously.
Lessons from Sheikh Mohammed’s Leadership and Change Management
In light of global changes, Dr Jarar outlines that the essential lesson is that the future should not merely be an office task but a guiding philosophy for governments. Many institutions mistake forming a future department as sufficient while continuing to operate with antiquated mindsets. Sheikh Mohammed’s school of thought intertwines the future across economics, talents, technology, and beyond.
Vision for Future Generations
Summarising Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership legacy, Dr Jarar advises future leaders to aim high, create their own futures, act quickly, and concentrate on results. They should embrace calculated risks, learn from failures, surround themselves with stronger individuals, and focus on producing leaders rather than followers.
Innovation as a Core Principle
Dr Jarar discusses how to embed the principle of “innovation or extinction” into daily practices. In Sheikh Mohammed’s experience, innovation transcends annual events; it is an administrative system that involves listening, being open to ideas, and fostering a culture where individuals feel confident to innovate. At the individual level, continuous learning must become habitual, while at the institutional level, safe spaces for experimentation must be established.
The overarching message from Dubai’s experience is that talent and innovation are two sides of the same coin; you cannot establish an innovative economy without attracting top talent. Thus, Dubai’s competitiveness hinges on its ability to attract and nurture innovative minds.