What do you think about when you hear Dubai? Do the words
progressive and modern come to mind? Over the past decade, Dubai has progressed
from a sandy desert to a tourist hub. It has based its economy on free trade
and tourism by thinking huge. Sheikh Zayed Al-Maktoum’s leadership brought
these changes because as a leader, he aimed to be progressive and followed
through on his goals for the state. Even after his death, his vision is
still being implemented through constant change and innovation throughout the
state. In one of Al-Maktoum’s interviews, the interviewer asked, “You have the
tallest skyscrapers, largest malls, and the highest-rated hotels. Why are you
setting records for the tallest and biggest architectural work?” His answer was
quite simple, “Why not?”
Innovative projects such as Burj
Al Arab, the Palm Trilogy and The World
all work together to form a progressive and modern image of Dubai. Some people
may have the misconception that the Middle East is not progressive, but when it
comes to Dubai, that thought is thrown out the window. Dubai has exceeded all
expectations; they have even made it possible to snow in a desert with the Ski
Dubai project. They have truly become the desert rose and all within a decade,
under one ruler. Continuously, there are more and more projects added to the
list. Right now, an architecture model of a rotating tower (Dynamic Tower) is the going to
be the newest edition to the Dubai skyline. This state has continued the vision
of Al-Maktoum and the passion to continue progressing ahead of the pack
is what keeps Dubai progressive. One man removed ‘impossible’ from his
vocabulary and decided to Think
Huge.
Do you currently hold a leadership position? You may not be
the head of an entire state, but you still have the ability to do great things
by thinking
huge. Did you choose to go along with how things are normally done,
or do you think about leaving an impression and setting standards for your
successors? Think about the roles you may get, whether it is at your workplace,
at a place you volunteer for, a student organization, or even at home. You may
think your role is small, but you have the ability to make a difference. For
added motivation, think about this; Dubai is a dot on the map, but has done
such powerful things by thinking
huge and using its resources well. Think about how you can leave your mark
in the world and take advantage of this opportunity. Set high standards and
continue to expand on these. Aim to inspire those around you as well as those
that may follow in your footsteps.
Shout back and let me know how you have taken a
leadership opportunity and left an impression on the position for others to
follow. Remember to Think
Huge as a leader!
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