Name: Muhammad Abrar Khalid

Title: CEO

Organisation: mak_s_photography

"Hi, I'm Muhammad Abrar Khalid, an MBA Marketing Graduate with a deep passion for exploring the beauty of nature. My love for nature photography allows me to capture and share the stunning moments I encounter during my adventures. Join me on my journey as I blend the world of business and nature, creating a unique perspective that celebrates the wonders of our natural world."

Click here to read Abrar's Interview on leadership

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Abrar's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

Certainly, as a leader, I prioritize building trust by fostering open and transparent communication with employees, customers, and other stakeholders. I actively listen to their concerns, value their perspectives, and demonstrate empathy. By consistently delivering on commitments, maintaining high ethical standards, and recognizing and appreciating contributions, I aim to create a culture of trust where everyone feels valued and heard.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

Vision and mission are essential guiding principles for any organization. To me, a 'Vision' represents the aspirational future state an organization aims to achieve, providing a clear sense of purpose and direction. On the other hand, a 'Mission' outlines the fundamental purpose of the organization, its core values, and how it plans to achieve the vision. In the real-world business context, a vision and mission are more than just words; they act as a compass for decision-making and goal-setting. They align employees, customers, and stakeholders with a shared purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and commitment. A well-crafted vision and mission inspire innovation, drive strategic planning, and help organizations adapt to changing market dynamics while staying true to their core values and long-term objectives.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

As a leader with an MBA in Marketing and a passion for nature photography, I believe in empowering the individuals I lead through a combination of inclusive leadership and recognizing their unique strengths. In my experience, fostering a culture of open communication and active listening allows team members to share their ideas and concerns freely. I also encourage autonomy within defined boundaries, providing space for creativity and innovation. Moreover, I value the importance of professional development and provide opportunities for skill-building and growth. By aligning our goals with a shared vision of celebrating the beauty of nature, I aim to empower my team to excel and contribute fully to our mission.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

Life's ups and downs are the most influence in life which gives a Positive influence in life

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

In my leadership role, I recognize the importance of focus and understand that it often involves making conscious decisions about what not to do. To maintain focus, I prioritize by setting clear goals and aligning them with the organization's vision and mission. I avoid spreading myself too thin by delegating tasks and responsibilities effectively, allowing team members to excel in their areas of expertise. I also practice time management techniques to ensure I allocate my time to tasks that have the most significant impact on our objectives. Regularly revisiting and refining our priorities helps us stay on track, ensuring that our efforts are directed towards what truly matters for our team and organization's success.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

I fully embrace the importance of effective planning to achieve success in my leadership role. For weekly planning, I start by setting specific, achievable goals and tasks that align with our immediate priorities. I often use digital tools and calendars to schedule key meetings, deadlines, and important activities.

For monthly planning, I take a step back to assess progress, adjust strategies if needed, and set new milestones. This involves reviewing our monthly goals and evaluating what worked well and what needs improvement.

For annual planning, I engage in a more comprehensive strategic process. I set long-term objectives, refine our vision, and chart a course of action for the year. This includes budgeting, resource allocation, and identifying major projects or initiatives.

Throughout these planning phases, I remain adaptable, recognizing that unforeseen challenges can arise. Communication with my team and stakeholders is key, as it ensures alignment with our goals and keeps everyone informed and motivated. Ultimately, this structured approach to planning allows me to stay focused, make informed decisions, and navigate the dynamic landscape of my leadership role effectively.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

To a young leader grappling with effective delegation, I would offer guidance rooted in time management, timework, and hard work. Firstly, recognize that delegation isn't a sign of weakness but a strategic strength. Start by identifying tasks that are essential for your role and those that can be effectively delegated. Prioritize your responsibilities based on their impact on your goals.

Next, develop a clear understanding of your team's strengths and weaknesses. Assign tasks to individuals whose skills align with the job requirements, and provide them with the necessary resources and guidance. Communication is key; convey your expectations, desired outcomes, and any constraints clearly.

Remember, delegation doesn't mean abdication. Stay involved by setting regular check-ins and offering support as needed. Encourage team members to ask questions and seek guidance when necessary. This will help build their confidence and competence over time.

Finally, be patient and persistent. Delegation is a skill that improves with practice. It might be challenging initially, but the more you delegate and refine your approach, the more time you'll free up for strategic tasks and personal development. By mastering delegation, you can balance your workload effectively, making the most of your time and talents as a leader.