Creating Impact Through Active Interaction

Dr. Amer Al Rawas, in his intervention during an event attended by top government officials and officers, explained key concepts related to digital transformation, emphasizing its role in improving decision and service quality, increasing productivity and efficiency, fostering innovation, and enhancing transparency and accountability. He stressed that artificial intelligence cannot exist without digital transformation and highlighted the significant benefits of early adoption of AI for Oman and its people, including driving economic growth, improving public services, enhancing global competitiveness, addressing national challenges such as food security and unemployment, managing resources effectively, and attracting investments. Dr. Rawas also underscored the importance of aligning AI initiatives with Vision 2040 goals, building national expertise in the field, and adopting flexible approaches to adapt quickly to technological advancements, emphasizing the urgency of taking action in a rapidly changing world that will not wait for us.

During an event titled the Ethics of AI, Dr. Rawas highlighted the unique challenges leaders face in today’s rapidly evolving AI landscape. He emphasized that leaders play a critical role in embracing AI responsibly, with a strong commitment to ethical principles at the core of their mission. Dr. Rawas underscored the importance of establishing ethical frameworks within companies to navigate AI’s complexities and mitigate associated risks, offering guidance on how best to create policies that safeguard both technological advancement and ethical integrity.

Dr. Rawas addressed an audience of current and emerging leaders, delivering valuable insights on the distinct nature of transformational leadership as a unique discipline within the broader field of leadership. He explored the specific qualities that set transformational leaders apart, including their ability to inspire change, foster innovation, and motivate teams toward a shared vision. Dr. Rawas emphasized how transformational leaders not only drive meaningful, lasting improvements within their organizations but also positively influence the well-being and growth of their stakeholders. His discussion highlighted the profound impact these leaders have on shaping a company’s present and future trajectory, creating a legacy that extends beyond immediate business goals.

In his keynote presentation during the Conference on Second Level and Leadership Preparation, Dr. Rawas outlined the best practices that organizations should implement to embrace artificial intelligence and achieve optimal results. He emphasized the importance of engaging employees through a clear vision of AI's role within the organization and demonstrating the benefits it will bring to their work. He also noted that adopting AI without a well-defined strategy can be counterproductive, as it will dictate the approach, tools, and change management required for a successful implementation.

This full-day workshop, designed for top executives, delved into the concept of a leadership brand, its importance, and emerging leadership trends. Highlighting agility and adaptability as crucial for today's leaders, the comprehensive session equipped participants with valuable insights and practical skills to strengthen their leadership capabilities in the face of contemporary challenges. It emphasized fostering a safe space for growth for themselves and their subordinates, focusing on the leader's role as both an enabler and a protector.

As part of the Finance Department IGNITE WEEK, this workshop explored how to enhance the emotional intelligence of the 130 attendees. Dr. Rawas focused on developing self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, and empathy to ensure personal, professional, and corporate growth. He distinguished between emotional intelligence, mental intelligence, physical intelligence and spiritual intelligence, and discussed the essential skills needed for transformative leadership and success in the age of AI, with a special focus on agility. The highly engaged audience actively participated, appreciating the practical applications and relevance of emotional leadership in today's dynamic workplace.

In his presentation, "Effective Strategies for Change Management," Dr. Rawas equipped leaders with specific tools to navigate change initiatives. He stressed the importance of a structured approach and unwavering commitment. This dedication should be evident in leaders' communication, prioritization, time management, and resource allocation. Dr. Rawas also addressed navigating resistance to change. He encouraged leaders to understand it as inevitable and focus on building buy-in from those receptive to change, ultimately turning resistance into an opportunity for growth.

Dr. Rawas was a driving force at the Value of Values event, making significant contributions across three key areas. On day one, he moderated a dynamic panel discussion titled "HR and Leadership Capabilities vs. Future Businesses," featuring the notable Dave Ulrich. The following day, Dr. Rawas presented a thought-provoking paper on future work trends, emphasizing the importance of hiring based on skills required in the coming years. He addressed the rise of technology, the prevalence of the gig economy, and the resulting structural changes organizations must navigate. Dr. Rawas further solidified his role as a thought leader by participating in a Future of Work panel discussion, delving into the impact of AI on work culture and the workforce. He offered valuable insights on how Oman can best prepare for these upcoming transformations.

During OHRM's HR-X event, Dr. Rawas' presentation, titled "Taming the Beast", explored how organizations can harness AI for positive impact. He emphasized the importance of understanding the symbiotic relationship between organizational culture and AI. To guarantee success, Dr. Rawas proposed a four-part approach: first, eliciting company goals to identify specific objectives for embracing AI. Second, enabling employees through upskilling and reskilling to ensure they can work effectively alongside AI. Third, educating employees about the advantages of AI to foster buy-in. Finally, enacting a well-designed strategy for integrating AI into the organization.