Participants from universities, colleges and several national organizations
Sharjah, 21st December 2005: Etisalat University College (EUC), in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), UAE chapter, held a full day workshop on leadership skill development at EUC in Sharjah.
The workshop introduced the participants to interpersonal, group and team dynamics and leadership skills. The workshop featured interactive participation in exercises and real-world scenarios in which to apply the learned skills, including in business, industry or volunteer activities.
A key part of the workshop dealt with problem solving and dealing with difficult team members, analyzing the different types of conflict as a preventive measure and ways to minimise conflict during controversial discussions, as well as the importance of selecting team members who can act objectively and consider the consequences of their decisions.
Prof. Kurt R. Richter (IEEE Fellow) from the Technical University Graz, Austria, led the workshop with more than 50 participants from different academic and service organizations such as Ajman University of Science and Technology, American University of Sharjah, Emirates Telecommunications Corporation-Etisalat, Etisalat University College, Institute of Applied Technology, Sharjah University and Sharjah Higher College of Technology- Men and Women.
Dr. Arif Al Hammadi, Deputy General Manager of EUC and Chair of the IEEE Computer Chapter said: "We at the IEEE, UAE chapter always tend to attract international experienced and well reputed figures, and so we decided to invite Prof. Richter who has been leading such workshops to members and non-members of the IEEE outside north America, particularly in Europe, North Africa and Middle Eastern regions."
"We aim to define leadership and put the participants on the right track to taking over responsibilities. The workshop has witnessed a huge response which has encouraged us to organize similar workshops in the near future."
Dr. Mahmoud Al-Qutairi, Associate Professor in Etisalat University College and the coordinator of the event said: "We had sent several invites to many organizations to send representatives to attend the workshop and we received a very big response to participate. However, we were not able to include everyone due to the workshop being interactive, which puts a limit on the number of participants to deliver the maximum benefit to them."
"The workshop aims to polish the participants' leadership skills. We hope that the skills and knowledge gained will be carried to the participants' workplaces and classrooms to understand them even better by applying them in their practical day-to-day life." Dr. Al-Qutairi added.
Professor Kurt Richter said: "During my tours in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, I noticed that electrical and electronics engineers' awareness of leadership skills are poor and these workshops are designed to introduce engineers to different leadership skills that they will need in their careers. I believe that in order to properly grasp any new concept, you have to apply it in real life scenarios using case studies and analyses."
Participants expressed their happiness in being part of the workshop.
Essa Ibrahim, IEEE student board chair in EUC said: "Job markets split engineers into two categories- technical and administrative-technical. I think that in both cases, one will utilize leadership concepts and that's why I believe this workshop is important to all of us as engineering students."
Engg. Taher Al Hashimi, Deputy Director - HR at the Institute of Applied Technology in Dubai said: "What makes this kind of workshop important to us is that we all need to understand leadership and the value it adds to our life."
Engg. Khamis Khalfan Al Zahmi, Chief Engineer / Switching Maintenance, Intelligent Network - Etisalat said: "I chose to participate in this workshop to continue my activities in leadership skill development as a member of the IEEE, UAE chapter. In my opinion, the leadership concept is not only about leading others, and this workshop covers many practical and theoretical leadership practices."
Alaa Mohammed Fozan, a student in Higher College of Technology for Women in Sharjah commented on her participation: "The workshop made me better understand leadership in such a way that it teaches me how to take the right decision, how to act in different situations and how to deal with others and discover their personalities to help me deal with them better."
The leadership skills development workshop comes at a time when Etisalat University College - the academic arm of Etisalat - is increasing its activities based on its duty towards the society to provide technical and general training in different fields. This reflects the Corporation's vision play a bigger role in different activities in the UAE and to support and participate in many initiatives.
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Press release issued by Corporate Communications Department - EtisalatFor further media information, please contact:
Ahmed Bin Ali, Manager Corporate Communications
Tel: 02 6182173
Fax: 02 6334448
PRD@etisalat.ae
© Press Release 2005
