Bridging Perspectives: The Role of Leadership in Uniting Talented Teams*
In my career, I've encountered a recurring challenge—convincing talented individuals and teams who might not see the immediate need to collaborate that working together can lead to extraordinary results. Whether in the public sector, consulting, or non-profit organizations, I've seen firsthand how transformative it can be when independent minds unite for a common cause. The key lies in leadership driven by curiosity, tempered with humility, and deeply committed to the collective mission.
"Great things in business are never done by one person; they're done by a team of people." Steve Jobs
Leadership, I've found, is most effective when it is confident yet humble. At ES Consulting, I led the transformation of a facilitation services department, shifting from offering free consultations to creating a profitable service model. This required the collaboration of different teams, each with its own perspective on how to achieve success. By confidently guiding the overall strategy while humbly acknowledging and incorporating the insights of each team, we not only achieved financial sustainability but also fostered a collaborative culture that became the foundation for ongoing innovation.
Curiosity has always been at the heart of my leadership style. This drive to explore uncharted territory has enabled me to bring together diverse groups to achieve shared goals. Take, for example, the blood transfer pilot using drones during the Hajj season. This project required the collaboration of the Ministry of Health, Prince Sultan University, IoT Squared company, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation—organizations with different objectives and expertise. By nurturing a sense of curiosity about how advanced technology could revolutionize healthcare logistics, I was able to create a unified vision that brought these different entities together.
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The most successful collaborations are those driven by a commitment to a larger purpose. During my time at Alnahda Society, I led the development of the 'Tasaa' program, which provided advanced work skills training to underprivileged women. This project required the involvement of partners like Oracle, the British Council, and Boeing, each contributing their resources and expertise. My focus was always on the collective mission—empowering women to improve their employment prospects. By aligning everyone’s efforts toward this common goal, we secured substantial funding, expanded the program, and ultimately improved the lives of countless women.
From driving strategic initiatives in the public sector to leading transformative projects in consulting and non-profit organizations, I’ve consistently brought together teams and individuals who, on the surface, might not have needed to work together. The key has always been the same: fostering a sense of curiosity, leading with humble confidence, and staying committed to the collective mission. Whether it’s revolutionizing healthcare logistics with drone technology, turning around a consulting department’s profitability, or creating life-changing educational programs, the power of collaboration has been a cornerstone of my approach to leadership.
Convincing people to collaborate when it isn’t immediately necessary is not about persuasion through force—it’s about creating an environment where the benefits of collaboration become evident to everyone involved. It’s about showing that, together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. This approach has defined my career and continues to drive me as I look to new horizons and opportunities.
*This article was inspired by John Abele's work titled (Bringing Minds Together),' in which he explores the process of collaboration, its challenges, and shares two inspiring stories of collaborative leaders. His insights prompted me to reflect on my own experiences with collaborative leadership and delve deeper into its nuances.