Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

My latest travel took me to the Middle East last week. I felt privileged to sit amongst a dozen experienced leaders trying to figure out how we work better together to overcome challenges, shifting government policy, increasing client expectations and a need to provide a sustainable future for clients, citizens and the next generation of problem solvers.

One of the items in the meeting included an insiders view of the Ain Dubai, the largest ferris wheel under construction in the world.

http://whatson.ae/dubai/2016/07/dubai-eye-renamed-ain-eye/

We were also diverted daily by a show of military force immediately outside the conference room windows. Sitting on the 25th floor of the International building gave a birds eye view of helicopters, fighter jets, tanks, boats and cargo planes. Even our leader had to take notice and get a photo or two amidst the various presentations.

We took a break during the first day of meetings to discuss what we wanted the team to grow into. Breaking up into smaller groups to hash out non-technical topics gave a chance to consider the behaviors we currently exhibit and the interactions we aspire to be associated with. Many don’t know each other well enough to trust implicitly, at least not yet. Technology may link us but building a trusting relationship requires a chance to study mannerisms, tendencies and awkward pauses to know if someone is thinking or if you’ve just pissed them off.

Each time we meet, eat together, greet our colleagues in certain global locations, discuss unique capabilities, analyze project opportunities or recent accomplishments, we move our organization forward. Measuring progress doesn’t start with Dollars or Pounds or Dirham or Krona, it’s measured with engagement of hearts and minds, jokes and laughter, stories of sacrifice, victories and even defeat.

Not to dismiss the obvious that each time we travel to a new location where our various leaders are based, we experience a new environment, new flavors, new languages, accents and styles.  These deep rooted ways of life influence our leaders daily and we must pay attention to all of it if we are to better understand each other.

While we are used to designing infrastructure for the worlds power markets, our current leadership challenge is building a global culture where we are nimble, responsive and cohesive.  We will develop a winning strategy…together…and enjoy the journey, no matter what corner of the world we happen to be in.

Have a blessed weekend!