“HR departments in MENA region to work alongside leadership teams to drive innovation”

Dubai based QnA International will welcome Professor Chris Roebuck at the 3rd annual Government HR Summit, held on 27 – 29 October 2015 at Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, for professionals in the government, semi-government and public sectors. Professor Roebuck, one of the most influential HR thinkers and bestselling author of ‘Lead to Succeed’ will facilitate the summit’s edition of the Masterclass series held on 29 October 2015.

Speaking on the theme of the Masterclass, ‘Innovation in Leadership’, Professor Roebuck said, “Today, the world around us is changing faster than ever, if you aren’t innovating and changing, you are behind those that are.” This is highly significant for the government and public sector given  the lack of stimulus from competitors or market forces to innovate and change. As such, the onus falls on HR, to improve itself through innovation, and to work with the top leadership teams to encourage innovation and change to keep the organization moving forward and upwards.

HR must help build an organizational culture where every leader is effective, engaging, ethical and entrepreneurial, leading to better employee–management relations that develop a sense of ownership and belonging amongst the employees, resulting in the natural success of the organization. The director of QnA International, Sidh N C, speaking of the role HR should play, said, “Of course, HR can’t really tell anyone what to do about leadership, excellence or anything else until it is leading by example, which is why leadership initiatives should begin with them.” Commenting on the role of leadership, Professor Roebuck said, “Everything in an organization follows from leadership. Leaders outline strategy and objectives, inspire people to give their best or not bother, influence people to stay and champion the company or leave, and promote or stifle innovation.” 

The relevance of the summit and specifically the importance of the Masterclass to the MENA region, cannot come at a better time suggests Sidh N C who said, “Currently there is growing awareness on cultivating effective and innovative future leaders through various programs such as the UAE Government Leaders Programme or the Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) organized by the respective governments. Professor Roebuck, was confident that the MENA region has the capabilities and the ability to implement best practices from across the world while avoiding errors, to bridge the gap between its status quo and best practice.”

The Masterclass will provide an opportunity for open sharing of ideas and challenges. Professor Roebuck drew importance to the sharing of ideas in a conducive environment, he said, “The most innovative ideas are drawn from people’s experience itself and this is why during the Masterclass importance is given to leverage the experiences of the participants which they are yet to truly realize and utilize by using a simple road map.” The Government HR Summit and Masterclass will provide insightful discussions and expert advice on preparing innovative future leaders.