Name: Ahmad Mohammed Alattas

Title: CEO

Organisation: N L A GROUP

With a dynamic background that combines technical knowledge and leadership ability, Ahmad Al Attas is a highly successful professional. His master's degree in leadership and organizational development gives him a fresh outlook on the business world. Ahmad's first degree was in mechanical engineering, which gave him a strong grounding in the skills of problem-solving and analysis.

Ahmad has an extensive background in project management, team leadership, and strategic planning thanks to his 8 years of experience with ADNOC, one of the world's top energy corporations. His work has been crucial to making the company more efficient and effective.

Beyond his time at ADNOC, Ahmad also has three years of foreign experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has broadened his worldview and cross-cultural skills.

Ahmad Al Attas is a hard-working, self-motivated, and ambitious professional who welcomes new challenges with open arms. His ability to combine technical expertise with strong leadership skills makes him an extremely tough competitor in his field.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Effective communication is one of my biggest challenges as a leader. It may be difficult to reconcile clarity with the complexity of presenting ideas to a large audience. Team members must comprehend the company's vision, objectives, and expectations. It's also crucial to foster open communication among team members. Miscommunication may cause misunderstandings, delays, and confrontations, reducing productivity and cohesiveness. Thus, successful leadership requires constant communication skill refining and message adaptation to connect with varied people and teams.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became a leader through a combination of dedication, hard work, and learning from my experiences. It started with excelling in my role, which gained the trust of my peers and superiors. I actively sought out leadership opportunities, volunteering for projects and demonstrating my ability to guide and motivate teams. I also invested in personal development by taking courses and seeking mentorship. Over time, my consistent performance and commitment led to promotions, ultimately placing me in leadership positions where I could apply my skills and drive positive change within the organization.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

As a leader, I diligently organize my workdays with intention and strive to maintain a harmonious balance. I make it a practice to wake up early in order to establish a positive atmosphere, devoting the early hours of the day to engaging in strategic contemplation and planning. During the midday hours, my primary focus is on fostering collaboration and facilitating meetings to promote open communication within my team. The afternoons are designated for the execution of tasks and the resolution of urgent matters. I prioritize personal growth and self-care during periods of rest. In the evening, I engage in relaxation and introspection with my family. By placing a high priority on achieving work-life balance and implementing effective time management strategies, I am able to lead with clarity and maintain a high level of energy.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

One valuable leadership lesson that has recently been reinforced for me is the significance of practicing active listening. In a dynamic and rapidly evolving work setting, there is a tendency to hastily pursue resolutions. However, dedicating sufficient time to actively listen to the diverse perspectives of my team members cultivates an environment that promotes both innovation and trust. It is of utmost importance to establish a secure environment that fosters open dialogue and values the contributions of every individual. This practice not only enhances collaboration but also guarantees that decisions are well-informed and in line with our shared vision, ultimately resulting in more effective leadership outcomes.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

A book that has had a profound impact on my leadership abilities is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book highlights the significance of servant leadership and cultivating a culture of trust and empathy within a team. This experience has brought to my attention the importance of prioritizing the well-being and professional development of my team members as a leader. The change in perspective I experienced had a profound impact on my approach to leadership, resulting in enhanced team morale, increased productivity, and a heightened sense of purpose among my colleagues. As a result, our work environment became more harmonious and successful. This practice not only enhances collaboration but also guarantees that decisions are well-informed and in line with our shared vision, ultimately resulting in more effective leadership outcomes.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

I would recommend that a young leader place a high priority on the pursuit of continuous learning and the cultivation of adaptability. In the contemporary era characterized by rapid developments, the presence of perpetual change necessitates the acquisition, abandonment, and subsequent acquisition of knowledge as an essential skill. It is advisable to view challenges as valuable opportunities for personal growth. It is also recommended to actively seek guidance and mentorship from experienced individuals. Additionally, maintaining a sense of curiosity is crucial in order to continuously learn and develop. Continuously enhance your skills and knowledge to effectively navigate the intricacies of leadership with assurance and perseverance. This will ultimately result in sustained success and a meaningful influence.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One significant story from my experience in a leadership role revolves around a team project that encountered multiple obstacles. Despite experiencing some initial frustration, I successfully motivated my team by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and perseverance. Collectively, we successfully navigated various obstacles, cultivating a robust sense of cohesion and a common objective. In the end, the project not only achieved success but also fostered stronger team cohesion. This particular experience has provided me with valuable insights into the profound impact of resilience and teamwork. It has further solidified my belief that challenges can serve as catalysts for personal and collective growth, fostering a sense of unity and strength in leadership. It is crucial to continuously enhance your skills and knowledge, as doing so will enable you to effectively navigate the intricacies of leadership with assurance and adaptability. Ultimately, this will result in sustained success and a meaningful influence.