Abu Dhabi, UAE - May 25, 2008: "At work, do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?"

This is the most insightful question a manager can ask staff when evaluating production variations and the reasons for them, said Marcus Buckingham at yesterday's Leaders in Abu Dhabi conference.

This question underlines his theory that managers should focus on employees' strengths, rather then their weaknesses; Buckingham's key message is that organisations that focus on strengths are the most successful.

To articulate his theory, Buckingham produced some surprising statistics highlighting actual cases where this theory has proven to be true. They also showed a global trend over the last decade that is slowly starting to see a switch in people's attitudes, away from a focus on weaknesses.

Presenting to a sold out audience at Emirates Palace Hotel, Buckingham was one of four prominent speakers to address strategic leadership skills at the first Leaders in Abu Dhabi conference.

Buckingham was joined on stage by former world chess champion Garry Kasparov; YO! Sushi creator and entrepreneur Simon Woodroffe and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Wesley Clark.

Kasparov said that he has been impressed with the amount investment that has gone into infrastructure and future proofing here in the UAE.

"Fossil fuels are not going to last," he said. "I'm a big believer in collaboration, and here in the UAE you are actively working to sustain yourself by bringing the best of the world's experience in to the country, while sharing your experience with the world. I believe this is the best way to move forward."

Leaders Presents Divisional Director Alan Kelly said that he considered Leaders in Abu Dhabi as a leadership "Boot Camp".

"It was an opportunity for senior executives from Abu Dhabi and the Middle East to hone their strategic management skills, providing them with the opportunity to lead, mentor and inspire their executive teams."

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Economy and Planning lent their full support to the event. Leaders in Abu Dhabi was sponsored by Etisalat, Citi Private Bank, Omniyat Properties and Panasonic. Media partners include CNN, Al Arabiya, AMG, ITP, Oman Economic Review and The Times.

For more information on Leaders in Abu Dhabi please visit www.leaderspresents.com/LIAD

Or call Rochelle Vaz on +971 4 335 2673.

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For more information, please contact:
Nick Langmead
Senior Consultant
Cicero & Bernay Public Relations
Ph: +971 4 3342966
Fax: +971 4 334 2977
Mobile: +971 50 884 7964
Email: nick@cbpr.ae

© Press Release 2008