In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective middle management is crucial to the success of any organisation. Recognising this need, Douglas OHI teamed up with Dr. Ramin Mohajer from Aspire Muscat Institute, to develop the Next Leaders Training Program. This program is specifically designed to equip Douglas OHI employees with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and address the current challenges facing the organisation.

Structured into four distinct stages, each stage focuses on a critical aspect of leadership and management.

Stage 1: Contemporary Leadership 

The first stage of the training program emphasises the concept that leadership is a responsibility shared by everyone, regardless of their position. Participants are trained to develop a strong work ethic, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and improve their agility in various situations. The goal is to foster a sense of ownership and accountability, encouraging managers to take responsibility in an ethical yet effective manner. This stage of the program sets the foundation for participants to understand that leadership is not just about authority or title but also about guiding and inspiring others through one’s actions and decisions.

Stage 2: Building Resilience and Adapting to Change

Change is inevitable in any organisation, and the ability to adapt is a valuable trait for all. The program also emphasised the necessity of resilience as a life skill, the result of which will reflect in the work environment. The second stage of the training program focused on building resilience in the face of change. Participants learnt strategies to implement changes smoothly, whilst at the same time developing their teams to cope with and thrive in dynamic environments. This stage is crucial as it prepares managers to lead their teams through transitions, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining productivity.

Stage 3: Enhancing Emotional, Social, and Political Intelligence

During this stage of the training program, it was crucial that participants understood that effective management requires a deep understanding of human dynamics – enhancing participants’ emotional, social, and political intelligence. 

• Emotional intelligence involves recognising and managing one’s own emotions, while understanding others and managing relationships. 
• Social intelligence is all about equipping participants with the skills to interact effectively with people in general, fostering positive relationships. 
•  Organisational politics has to do with people, in particular their relationships, personalities, past experiences, and power relationships.

This stage focuses on ensuring that managers can maintain a harmonious work environment and address interpersonal issues proactively.

Stage 4: Team Formation  and Development

The final stage of the training program focused on teamwork formation, dynamics and collaborative problem-solving. The program identified skills needed to function as “harmonious” teams, building on strength, setting milestones, and accompanying each other to build capacity. 

There was a gap of 4 weeks between level 2 and level 3. Participants were divided into groups of five, taking into consideration gender and department mix. Participants engaged in project-based challenge that addressed real challenges facing Douglas OHI. Each group was assigned a mentor to guide them through the process, and their projects were evaluated by a judging panel made up of Douglas OHI Senior Leadership Team based in Oman. This stage not only enhances an individual’s ability to work effectively in teams but also encourages innovation and creative thinking. The collaborative nature of this stage helps build a strong sense of community and shared purpose among participants.

The Next Leaders Training Program has received positive feedback from both the participants and the Senior Leadership Team. Dr. Ramin Mohajer, a key collaborator in developing and delivering the program, remarked, “The teams were highly engaging and interactive. I was particularly impressed with how the groups demonstrated creativity and collaboration in tackling the project challenges. This type of training program not only benefits the participants but also contributes significantly to the overall growth and sustainability of the organisation.“

Dr. Mohajer’s observations highlight the program’s success in fostering an environment where participants can actively engage and collaborate. The emphasis on practical, project-based learning enables participants to apply their new skills in real scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and teamwork. 

Moreover, the positive feedback underscores the program’s broader impact on the Group. As participants grow and develop through the training, they become more effective leaders, capable of driving the Group forward. This continuous development contributes to a more resilient and adaptable organisational culture, ensuring long-term stability and success. The Next Leaders Training Program thus serves as a vital investment in the future of both the participants and Douglas OHI.