LEADING ACROSS GENERATIONS

We live in a time when things change faster. New working practices, trends, and expectations from new generations also set new demands on leaders. Should organizations choose not to accept the change, they will face many problems that may lead to business failure. But smart leaders would embrace the new generations in a way that turns challenges into opportunities by fulfilling their demands. The process starts from within the organization, dealing with its young talents to stimulate their creativity and innovation.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

• Why leaders’ perception of young employees matters?
• How can leaders develop individualized consideration that serves the holistic goals?
• How to harmonise senior employees’ experience with the enthusiasm of the juniors?
• What if the leader was young?

TRANSACTIONAL VS. TRANSFORMATIONAL: WHO, WHAT AND WHEN?

Continuous improvement is the only element that every organization needs in the 21st century. Therefore, leaders strategically plan for growth of their companies by creating and implementing plans of transition. However, great leaders are also prepared for the contingent situations which often occur due to rapid technological advancements or in some cases because of crises striking the external environment surrounding the company. At all times, leaders must be able to create a fair balance between both sides, internal and external stakeholders.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

• How do successful leaders challenge the status quo?
• How do leaders communicate their vision and inspire others?
• What if transformation necessitates during a transition?
• What benefits could be drawn from employees’ resistance to change?

STAY POSITIVE, ADVERSITY IS THE BEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Adversity is a stage that is stressful to all members of an organization in the sense that sometimes they lose focus. Yet, only distinctive leaders can make use of it to learn new lessons. Furthermore, those leaders never fail to realize that, no matter how magical or inspired they are, they will never overcome adversity alone. This is where they start teaching others how to get through adversity by clearly understanding its causes(s) before establishing workable solutions that anticipate and avoid similar circumstances in the future.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

• How to keep the morals of employees up?
• What process would you follow to find the root cause of problems?
• Who should identify and implement the solutions to problems?
• Why is it important to keep track and document the actions taken during adversity?

MUSLIM YOUTH LEADERSHIP

The development and empowerment of youth are tantamount to ensuring that there is greater prosperity for future generations through economic and social sustainability and stronger relations between nations and communities. Youth are more than just the future generation, leaders should recognize the crucial role youth can play as positive agents in their communities. Investing in youth leadership not only ensures that the future generation is equipped with competencies necessary for strong leadership, but enhances young people’s understanding of how to be accountable and inspiring leaders.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

• The importance of youth leadership in today’s society as well as the future of the global community.
• Issues which are hindering youth development.
• Actions that need to be taken to give marginalised youth the opportunity to come forward

THE INFLUENCE OF ISLAM IN LEADERSHIP

Islam, the complete code of life, declares leadership as a trust (Amanah), and gives a detailed description about it. According to the Islamic view, leadership is a sacred position that can solve the problems of humanity and guide them to the eternal betterment of here and hereafter.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

• The concept of Islamic leadership and the pre-requisites of a good leader.
• How to implement the teachings of Islam and achieve the ultimate success.
• How youth empowerment contributes in creating a more stable and just civilisation.