Monthly Archives: June 2012

Speak The Truth Always! By Majid Al Suleimany. Reply

Between Us Only! Column, Feedbacks and Responses Received, Good Article, Me So Sad!, Opinion, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Between Us Only!

 Speak The Truth Always! 

  • O you who believe! Be ever God-fearing! And be with those who are ever truthful. (9:119) – From the Holy Quran.
  •  Hold on to the truth, for being truthful leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise – From the Islamic Hadith.
  • Beware of lying, for lying leads to sin, and sin leads to the Fire – From the Islamic Hadith.
  • Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent – Napoleon Bonaparte.
  •  However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them? – The Buddha
  •  Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen – Winston Churchill

A     The Still Angry Youth! 

After my article on The Writer’s Block few weeks back – I witnessed this incident which propelled me to remove the fear of writing – and writing once again! 

I had bought a new washing machine – and it was being brought to my villa in Qurum Heights. As I was directing the 3 ton truck to reverse into my villa – this young Omani Driver was reversing very fast – and he nearly ran into me and my villa gate. He came with two Indian Handymen Helpers. 

I started to rebuke him as to why he was driving this fast – and as if this was a saloon car? He curtly replied to me that he did not see me clearly. Then he started speaking in Hindi to the two Assistants – saying that these rich people – even our own – are ridiculing us like this – because I am a poor Driver.

I am not a fluent Hindi speaker – but I hear the lingo. So I told him in Arabic – please be grateful to Allah you have a job still – because if I were still in the Offices – you will be given a Final Warning Letter the way you are driving! 

This seemed to shake him quite a lot – and make him come to his senses! Especially after I had told him that with his Secondary Education – he should be thankful to Allah God that he has the job – and with many youngsters – even with College Diplomas – still looking for jobs! 

B     The Officials 

In my article last week also – I had written on the Offices scenarios   In my article last week I had written on the Offices scenarios  – What shocked me the most is these elements of wanting to control, dominate and subjugate in the old days methodologies – and in the old guards doctrines – from the higher levels – even to a fellow educated, qualified and experienced fellow peer Omani!

But allowing flexibility and freedom to the expatriate clans – and not your own! Like I always like to say – Like that General shooting at one’s own troops – metaphorically speaking here!

Truthfully and honestly speaking – many of my articles I have been writing in these columns and in my books are mainly Offices based – that is in the Private Sector! There are few instances for me to go to the Public Sector offices – and there are some places that I still try my level best to still avoid – unless I really need the service – and my presence is required.

From what I have seen so far – nothing much has really changed – if I remember my own articles on the few ones that I did write this sector about before. Despite all the changes around us now! Because we are still not hearing people speaking to us – and or seeing the things they are saying to us – and not even allowing them to talk to us now!  That is still the sad and tragic part!

What makes it all worse is now we have all the new methods of communicating – like websites, Internets and Hotlines – restructuring and reorganising – but nothing else has changed much. You still find the envious and the jealous ones – the old guards – angry at all others – and their usual mentalities, focuses and attitudes that have remained mostly just the same.

It is not looking down at anyone – but the clerk there or similar is still the most powerful element that you will ever meet in your life – and who can turn your life into hell – and even lose your rights to move and be mobile – and your infringement on human rights – and your own personal freedom even!

The more sad and tragic part is that there is simply nothing that you can do about it. The more twirl and complain you do – the worse your situation will get. That is till a stage will be reached when you are just need to bear it – take it in – and just like one is under torture.

Or people to just go silent with the silent majority. And to be like that cinder fire that is burning intensely and heatedly underneath – and it will take just a small spark to explode it all – and as we had seen alive and still going – of starting with only the elements of the students graffiti.

Actually, those Central Points – and other Departments – that are supposed to deal with the citizens’ frustrations, grievances and complaints need to do their jobs properly, professionally, and ethically – instead of the usual  ‘no-hear’ – and or pass the buck to others!

When a few of these culprit officials start losing their jobs – or positions and privileges – the rest will follow in suit. Otherwise there will be no change – and drag the rest of us all into decadence, malaise and disasters!

People are restless, unhappy and still suffering –  within quietly!

Not to sound melodramatic – this is going to be my last article on this particular topic. After this – I will only write on lesser topics only!

May Allah God Protect and Preserve us all – Amin Amen

Take Care!

By:

 Majid Al Suleimany

The Elements of Negativity! By Majid Al Suleimany. Reply

At My Workplace Column!, Between Us Only! Column, Feedbacks and Responses Received, Good Article, Uncategorized, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: , , , , , , ,

Between Us Only! – Outlook!

The Elements of Negativity!

• From A Bouquet of Quotes.
• The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything!
• A gem is not polished without a rubbing – Nor a man perfected without trials!
• Falling down is not defeat – Defeat is when you refuse to get up!
• Even if you are on the right track – you will get run over if you just sit there!
• If everybody agrees with you – you are probably wrong!
• All actions are judged by the motive prompting them – The Islamic Sayings – The Hadith
• The search for someone to blame is always successful! – Robert Half
• Whatever side I take; I know that I will be blamed! – Louis XIV

It is of great concern, alarm and worry to me to watch the so-called ‘fast and latest development news’ – and frankly I cannot comprehend or can to try to understand what is going on in such a beautiful and marvelous thing that we have here – and instead of protecting and preserving – and letting to increasingly grow, nourish and prosper – this is what some elements are doing now!

We need to move away from this Blame Culture thing! There is the expression said many times that those in glass houses should not throw stones! These attitudes and focuses of comparing and contrasting – jealousies and envies streaks – and narrow minded subjective outlooks and focuses – need to be curtailed now – before it is too late for us all – and everyone else will suffer – because of the mistakes of a few such people and die-hards!

I will share with you these personal experiences I had lately at the workplace. God is my witness there is no willful or evil intention to get back at anyone – but hopefully we can all learn from these experiences of mine – for the good of our own society.

Images on Being Negative!

People can give me any label or colouring they want – but at least two things they cannot deny me – however adverse and being against they can be with me – and as a person individually.

The two things are my always trying my best in speaking the truth always – and however painful and hurtful – it can be to some – and with some that they simply do not want to hear it being said to them! Even if in emails – if not face to face!

The second is always being caring, feeling and being very Nationalistic – loyal and faithful – even if with some other experiencing similar – with what I am going through now – may even want to think and act differently!

My peers Human Resources Professionals were saying to me that I was very lucky to have been out of the scenes with the last year’s labour unrests! My preferences have always been to do Consultancy and Advisory works – temporary in nature – and from the home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images – Glass Houses

 

In that way, I do not have corporate formal bosses and reporting relationships – and if I did not like the direction of where the works were going – I could quit at anytime – and even not ask for any payments for any works already done. People have done that already to me in not paying me for the completed works – so what else is new here?

Against my better judgement – I was persuaded to go back into formality and into operational side of Human Resources – to the Consultancy works being done in addition – for the same one price. They say beggars cannot be choosers – so what else is new here?

After a lapse of over 4 years since my last operational HR job – it was a great shock and eye-opener for me! The atmosphere, culture, attitudes, focuses, outlooks – and whatever else – had changed dramatically – and in adverse nature and negativities! It really shocked me to smithereens! I could not believe what I was seeing and experiencing now – from the top guys to the Trainees! Things had completed changed!

Sorry for me to repeat it – it was for the adverse!

One may say perhaps because I was dealing with a smaller company – and perhaps ethnic and polarisation aspects were coming in! These things do not bother me – I have experienced day one when I started my working life – with being told – ‘go back home – you…!’ – in that distant land by few elements – and not feeling welcomed in some other places – but they needed all the educated people they could get at the time – and more if you could write and speak English for that matter! It is a long story – no need to go through it again!

What shocked me the most is these elements of wanting to control, dominate and subjugate in the old days methodologies – and in the old guards doctrines – from the higher levels – even to a fellow educated, qualified and experienced fellow peer Omani!

But allowing flexibility and freedom to the expatriate clans – and not your own! Like I always say – Like that General shooting at one’s own troops metaphorically speaking here!

But the bigger shocks were with The Younger Generations – and I have all the proofs and evidences with me – from Training Institutes Reports – to Company Reports – and from others.

Look at these examples:-

• Not attending classes for no strong reasons.
• Care-free and lax attitudes in classes – and in dealings with Instructors (many Expatriates!).
• Lack of even trying and in applications to the tasks, aspects and responsibilities
• Do not want to go out to field assignments – it was too hot!
• Lack of observing Hygiene and HSE Safety factors.
• Always comparing and contrasting to others – without knowing all the facts beforehand – the Biggest problem here!
• They choose whom to deal with – not following formal reporting relationships!
• Worse part allowing them to do so! Polarisation!
• Some feeling that they are related to the Top Guys – so cannot be touched!
• Worse allowing them to continue to feel so!
• Polarisation and ethnic differences emanating from even the Top – exceptions being expatriates – for them it is okay!
• The National and State funds and support being given and diverted for these projects – but the outlooks are all subjective, individualistic and – with a heavy heart to say it – ethnical and regional!
• Other areas in the nation did not get these same supports. Privileged few only!
• Again all oil and gas related!
• And so many others – it will take a full book to bring them all in!

But the worst part is being told – as a National – Omani Local – experienced, educated and qualified – that it was Hobson’s choice to have selected me for the job – and their preferences was still ‘for a boy from their own homes’ – but they could not find one – and we are still looking for one!

Certainly, I needed the money – but I needed respect and esteem more – so I quit immediately on my own. I was thinking of writing my next Arab Management book after this – http://www.myown-ebooks.com – but I then thought to myself – what else can I write about? I have already said all I wanted in my cries for help book! A Cry For Help! Published one year before all the troubles had started!

Frankly and honestly speaking – I am more and really worried and concerned now – even if in my last article – Trying to shake off Writer’s Block!

Before we start to find faults, accuse and blame others and to look for scapegoats – or even want to quiz others! – we need to look deep into ourselves first in our own consciences – and in self-analysis and soul-searching! If you do not know all the truths and the facts – do not start now – and more importantly – please do not try to judge anyone that quickly too!

May Allah God Protect and Preserve us all – Amin Amen

Take Care!

By: -Majid Al Suleimany

Why To Delegate? By Majid Al Suleimany Reply

At My Workplace Column!, Good Article, Opinion, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: , , , , , , ,

For Wednesday  June 20th  2012 

At My Workplace! – Outlook! 

Delegation – Why Delegate?

  • The first rule of management is delegation. Don’t try and do everything yourself because you can’t – Anthea Turner
  • An empowered organization is one in which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organizational success. —Stephen Covey
  • The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it  —Theodore Roosevelt
  • Delegating means letting others become the experts and hence the best – Timothy Firnstahl
  • Give up control even if it means the employees have to make some mistakes – Frank Flores
  • You can delegate authority, but you can never delegate responsibility for delegating a task to someone else. If you picked the right man fine, but if you picked the wrong man, the responsibility is yours — not his – Richard E. Krafye

As Readers that know me well will authenticate and verify – in writing especially this column – I go by my usual style of writing by speaking to you direct from my heart – and in giving you my own (and those verifiable known to me!) – My personal experiences and exposures stretching over 38 years – and 25 years being in my last Oil Company!

I will avoid being bookish cum academic – because a search in any engine can give you any information, details and knowledge on any subject or topic that you want. I could well go and write on a Medical topic as if I were a Doctor – or an Engineering topic as if I were an Engineer. As a good fellow Columnist had said to me – it is experience that counts – and simply no one can take that one from you – even if they do not like you for what you are as a person!

Also when I give examples it is not to embarrass anyone – or try to get back at anyone. There is a learning curve for everyone in life – even if you think you are an expert – or know it all type – do not tell me (preach) anything per se!

Long time ago – it is also in my books – www.myown-ebooks.com – I was a Senior Supervisor looking after more than 16 staff – and only 2 were boys – the rest were all girls! When I took over the job from an expatriate – the staff used to sit back hours after official hours just to finish the works for that day. The expatriate assistant of mine – being the more Senior – used to go home at 11 p.m. daily – and working overtime during Thursdays and Fridays.

I inherited an office that was strife with tensions of all kinds of issues – from expatriate versus local to more sensitive like polarization issues – and the usual resistance of a top position being taken over by a local – and the crude and peculiar resistance from even fellow local peers – because the Indian used to help them in write-ups in English – and other personal favours – which I would definitely not do – as they all knew me well prior hand!

 

All Images for Illustration Purposes Only!

Every month I had to answer about overtime elements being beyond the acceptable limits – and some were overplaying and over dramatizing on this ace card against me now especially. Thank God to the British for educating and training me in my UK College and previous bosses – though I had some issues with some – but I must admit work-wise, ethics and professionally generally we went on just fine. Sadly I cannot say the same for others – and that includes local ones too!

So I studied intensively, meticulously and methodically the work systems and conducted a work study – and realized whether by design, by default and or inadvertently came down to empowerment and delegation issues and aspects. I was also keeping myself open for my adversaries to get back at me – because my section was dealing with payments to Staff, customers, clients and contractors!

Soon after there was a change – and had made significant steps to ensure uniformity – and people being responsible themselves in checking claims, invoices etc. – instead of pushing it to my assistant – who was taking his time to send to me for approval. Soon afterwards, the position was removed – and raising three others locals to be responsible in what they are doing. And if anything went wrong – both by Internal and External Auditors – I would not go down alone – but by taking down those delegated with me – tongue in cheek speaking!

Frankly there are many places where they can introduce trust and confidence now – with delegation and empowerment. And reduce tensions, frustrations and demotivation – and moving on to the roads and at homes too!

Take Care!

By: – 

Majid Al Suleimany

 

The Concept of Writing! By Majid Al Suleimany Reply

Between Us Only! Column, Good Article, My Site 2011 Feedback and Stats, Opinion, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

For Sunday June 17th 2012

 Between Us Only! – Outlook!

 The Concept of Writing!

  • The ink of the Scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr – The Hadith (Islamic Sayings).
  • The only reason for being a writer is that you can’t help it! – Leo Rosten
  • A metaphor is like a simile! – Anon
  • Be obscure clearly! – E.B. White

Between Us Only! – I was reading this article about Ubuntu Philosophy – and I thought it would make a good topic for my article in this column.

First of al, there is need to say something here. We may be that lucky and endowed with the greatest of knowledge, culture, heritage, customs, history, customs, wisdom and civilization – but the question to ask here frankly and in deep self analysis and conscience – are we practicing them? There is a lot of preaching and publicity – but no real practice in our lives’ dealings, interfaces and relationships! This is the sad and bitter truth – whether we like to accept it or not.

Just watch the news. It becomes a real embarrassment to see we can do these things to one another – devoid of our own Religion and its teachings. The time to hold our heads high with pride, esteem and acknowledgement is all gone – though pretenses, facades and acting have remained dominant and supreme. It is like marching one step ahead – and stepping back two steps behind!

The point I want to make here is that we can all learn from others and in humanity – and there is no culture or civilization that is inferior – especially if those people do and actually practice what their sayings and writings are all about. We need to hold our heads down in shame – and in learning!

A       Ubuntu Philosophy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(philosophy)

An anthropologist studying the habits and customs of an African tribe found himself surrounded by children most days. So he decided to play a little game with them. He managed to get candies from the nearest town, and put it all in a decorated basket at the foot of a tree. Then he called the children and suggested they play a game.

When the anthropologist said “Now!” the children had to run to the tree, and the first one to get there could have ALL the candies to himself/herself. So the children all lined up waiting for the signal.

 

When the anthropologist said “Now!”, all the children held each others’ hand and ran together towards the tree. They all arrived at the same time, divided up the candies, sat down, and began to happily munch away.

The anthropologist went over to them and asked why they had all run together, when any one of them could have had the candies all to himself/herself.

The children responded: “Ubuntu”! How could any one of us be happy if all the others were sad?”

Ubuntu is a philosophy of some African tribes that can be summed up as “I am what I am because of who we all are.”This can teach us all many things about life!

In East African Swahili Uutu – Uutu bora kuliko Viitu. umanity is better than things (materialism and individualism)…

B       Saying It As It Is!

A long time ago when my Consultancy was dying a slow death – I went into the Public Forums – and in vain attempts and just like that drowning man catching the weed in trying to save oneself! Being M as I am – I used my real name – and not a pseudonym or Nome-de-plume thing! I was personally attacked – and on very sensitive and delicate issues concerning myself – and even my family. The people behind all these thought that they were very smart alecks – because they thought that they would never be found in this new technological savvy arena!

In the end I had just left – and wrote what I wanted in my columns and in my books only. Actually my thanks and gratitude due to them – because that is how the concept of writing my books came into being!

I also strongly believe in these – and are my Motto in life now-

  •  Be who you are and say what you feel; because those who mind don’t matter; and those who matter, don’t mind! – Dr. Seuss – Writer, Cartoonist and Animator.
  • Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can – and the wisdom to know the difference between the two!  – Anon

I also strongly believe in this. Did you read the story of The Three Blind Men? Each one of the blind men was ‘correct in describing the elephant’ in his own way – but as The Rajah had said – The elephant is like the truth of all things and we are like the blind men!

Despite well intentioned, goodwill and focus to represent or reflect on a situation – one has to be careful that you do not add any ‘fuel to a cinder fire’ sort of thing! To make a bad situation even turn worse for that matter!

We do need the wisdom, pragmatism and dynamism to prevail and dominate always. And also being positive and realistic – that things have now changed – and still changing fast – and the old ways and methods of doing things are no longer applicable or appropriate anymore!

Allah The Lord Have the mercy on all of us – and Protect and Preserve us all – Amin Amen.

Take Care! 

By: – 

Majid Al Suleimany

Muscat – Oman – June 15th 2012

The Hopes of Others! – Majid Al Suleimany Reply

About My Books!, All About Me!, Announcements, Arab Management Books in English, At My Workplace Column!, Family Stories, Feedbacks and Responses Received, Good Article, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: , , , , ,

For Wednesday June 13, 2012

 At My Workplace! (Outlook)

 The Hopes of Others!

*   If you cannot help someone – do not make any promises – nor destroy his hopes! – Anon

*   Don’t ever take away someone’s hope – it maybe all they have to hold on to! – In sayings – Orchids and Thoughts for this moment.

 There is nothing so mean, vicious, brutal, cruel and dastardly in life than trying to destroy someone’s life, hopes, dreams and aspirations by imposing your own standards values on top of theirs – and your rules and regulations – even if they are peculiar, far-fetched and lack coherence, ethics, principles and professionalism – let alone humanity and human values!

A long time ago when my late Father – peace be upon him – was still alive – he cautioned us about in your life in going to important and famous people to ask for any help and or assistance from anyone. Even if they can do so – even by just lifting a phone – and all your problems are all over – like a magic wand! If you need help – the old man added – go to pray to your Lord only – but do not forget to tie your camel – whilst you do so. That is trying your level best to help yourself first – because God Helps those who help themselves – as best as they can!

Also the Lord likes it and gives when you ask him. But for human beings – the more you ask – the more you lose your standing, value and reputation. You end up being avoided and considered as trouble – and embarrassment – especially to just come in riches, promotions and climbing up the social ladder!

 Some years ago I had a young Omani girl who had applied for a job as an Executive Secretary. This mystified me a lot – because first the girl had just graduated in Engineering studies in our own University. Second – she did not have any Secretarial experiences. So I was very much interested and called her for an interview. Then she told me her sad state of life – with her father being blind – and her disabled mother – and she was the eldest – and the only hope left for her family now – to get out from this situation.

 

At that time she was not getting any engineering or technical jobs being not experienced. Nobody was giving her a chance or break because first she was a woman – and secondly she came from the Interior – and she would need to go back home during the weekends. What really killed me is her lamenting that nobody from our own is coming forward to help me now – when I most needed the help!

So as the East Africans say – I carved my face! That is I went to my American CEO and I told him about the case. Initially he was casual – but when he realized that I was dead serious – he relented – and suffices to say that the girl got a sort of best-fit technical job that we could only offer at that time!

One time my British CEO had called me in to see if I could do this thing for him – within the rules and regulations of the Company. There was this Gardener – that after greeting the CEO – as he was parking his car as the Gardener was watering this big tree near a reserved Management parking area. The Gardener was saying to the CEO in his broken English – This tree now big – I still small. Making indications and signals that he had planted the tree to grow this big after many years – but his salary had not changed much! His made the CEO feel very self-conscious and guilty – and he asked me if there was any way we could help him?

It surprised me a lot as to why the CEO had come straight to me – instead of going straight to my senior bosses – be they local like me? I guess he knew what he was doing! Soon after the man was promoted – after me showing him the CEO – how it could be done – breaking no rules and regulations – but bending it a bit! The day the man got the promotion – he cried profusely and uncontrollably. A year or so later the poor man had died!

When my Consultancy was dying – like as sick man with cancer – I went around all the VIPs I knew – but each one turned their back s at me. One of them told me that he is not in my line of business – and another that I write a full and detailed report for him on my status quo – and then he will look at it! In actual fact, whenever he saw me in social functions – he pretended not to see me – and whenever I had called him – he never answered. Once I used another number he did not know – but he again said I am still looking at it – and hung up! That is why it is called curving up your face!

Sometimes in life we are lost as to why things take a very bad turn in our lives – and we lose that is which is most near and dear to us. What we forget is the bad things that we do to others! Or as the saying goes that what goes around – comes around! It may take time – and years pass – and then one day you get hit – by your own actions – and or inactions! Everybody is responsible for what one does – or does not do in life!

People will only fondly remember you by what you have done – and especially your contributions, assistance and help to others. Because if you are not kind to your fellow human being in need – how can you expect the Lord to be kind, merciful and compassionate to you in your grave and the Day of Reckoning? We need to look into this deeply – and in self-consciousness to reflect – and review in life’s pursuits and focuses.

May the Lord Protect and Preserve us all – Amin – Amen.

Take Care!

By: –

 Majid Al Suleimany

The Changing Life’s Ways! Outlook – By Majid Al Suleimany Reply

About My Books!, All About Me!, Announcements, Arab Management Books in English, At My Workplace Column!, Between Us Only! Column, Family Stories, Feedbacks and Responses Received, Good Article, Me So Sad!, My New Arab Management Book, My Other Articles Opinions and Views, Opinion, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Changing Life’s Ways! Outlook – By Majid Al Suleimany

For Sunday June 10, 2012

Between Us Only! – Outlook!

The Singing Quatro!

The Changing Life Ways!

On Thursday this week my family and I had celebrated my 64th birthday.

A simple thing – and all at home – with my family members only! The thing that moved me the most is to see my grandchildren singing this special Arabic song for parents for me! It was followed by a Happy Birthday song in English. For a few minutes, I felt just like the VIPS that would feel in a grand parade! Coming to their generation, some did put in compliments in Facebook. Also some messages came in via Twitter – and in the professionals’ website of LinkedIn.

The point to make here is this. I had covered this topic in my second Arab Management book titled – A Cry For Help! The book was published in February 2009 – well before all the troubles and problems came to our side of the world. Some had said to me that the book was a sort of prophesy, omen and prediction of what was going to come ahead – and that more people at least in decision making and the leadership should have read the book!

It was not my mistake – but I did send the book out – and to try to make the distress call in crying for help! Would things have really have changed if more people had read my book? Personally, I do not think so! Just see the things still happening now – even after just poor Mubarak was sent to a life-term jail sentence! And even after all the other things before that. We are very good ‘and blessed’ in being just indifferent and care-the-less – and with a very short memory span too!

We still have not learnt that threats – and trying to put in trouble one – will only be short-lived – because once things like this have started – there is nothing that can stop or prevent the trend from continuing – till it goes full cycle and till completion. This is not a washing machine – which you can just switch off the machine to stop it going full cycle. Or as has been said – what goes around – does come around – even if it may take longer time to do so!

Whatever one may feel, still this Mubarak was an Arab presiding leader being sent to jail! I could not help feeling sorry for him – despite all the things that have happened – when for two hours he refused to get out from the helicopter that was sending him to jail – and crying uncontrollably and profusely that ‘you are all now sending me to jail today – and have forgotten all my contributions and so on stuff’! The crunch being how things can turn nasty and unpredictable in life’s pursuits!

Keep remembering that the incident quoted here in my book was over 4 years ago! In the Introductory Chapters, this is what I had written – Quote –

It then struck me how fast and how much things have now changed in The Work Front – especially in relationships between Omanis (Locals) and Expatriate Staff – especially Non Muslims – and how much the gap was widening between the two – though acting and pretenses continued of politeness, courtesy and welcome.

There was now growing extremism, fundamentalism and radicalisation in the workplaces that I had never seen before – especially here where I had always prided myself that we were a tolerant, moderate, give-and-take, live-and-let-live society and always kind, welcoming and accepting esteeming and respectful to our ‘invited guests’ in our country!

My simple error – if you call it that – to invite non-Muslims to the Mosque (Masjid) seemed inadvertently to expose the inevitable differences etc. – unwanted and uncalled for – and I think unneeded differences – to come out and show its ugly head!

However, two months later I summarily did quit the place after being singled out and insulted by a British Expatriate – in an Email copy to all the Staff – and the CEO fellow Expatriate siding with him – against a National – and yet in Human Resources too for that matter! – unquote.

What it all confirmed to me was this getting a bashing from my now increasingly being radicalized and fundamentalised our own people – despite facial appearances – and realizing that even in our own country – even people like me who want to live and let live – and moderate in views – are singled out – and ‘guests in our own offices’! But the dirtier and murkier picture was lines being drawn between the locals – and the external Management – and the docile weak own Top Management to allow such things to happen. Nothing that happened after this surprised me anymore!

But whoever is the CEO – whether local or expatriate – believe me – nothing has changed much – if you have been reading my recent articles in this column. That really scares me to the core now – with this indifference, care-free, arrogant, haughty, conceited and proud focuses, attitudes and approaches in the Offices particularly now!

History had repeated itself this time – by some people being very cross with me! These are not our ways for such celebrations – and we thought you would lead by example – or we had higher hopes and expectations from you – but you have let us down badly’! The scarier part is this all coming now from the younger ones – and our future leaders!

What else more can I say now? Take Care!

By: –

Majid Al Suleimany

Gulf Jobs No Longer Attractive To Indians! – By Majid Al Suleimany Reply

About Oman, Announcements, At My Workplace Column!, Feedbacks and Responses Received, Good Article, Opinion, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

For Wednesday June 6th 2012

 At My Workplace! Outlook!

Gulf Jobs No Longer Attractive! 

I was reading this article yesterday Monday 4th June 2012 that appeared in the other newspaper titled ‘Gulf Jobs are losing sheen for Indians’ by one famous Omani Columnist. In summary, he says Why The Gulf No Longer Lures Indians: –

  • Higher salaries in India.
  • Even after paying taxes, they take home more than what they are paid in the Gulf countries
  • More job opportunities in India
  • Multinational companies right there at home seeking professionals
  • Stagnant wages in Gulf despite rising inflation and cost of living
  • The localization programmes adopted by Gulf countries.

Honestly and frankly speaking – and M being M!  – I would have just ignored the whole lot as just being his full rights to express his opinions and write what he feels too! But the last part of blaming the localization programmes – by implications as also ‘being responsible’ – did it in convincing me to write back in this column today. This plus the elements of the replies coming in – including also blaming the Human Resources (HR) peoples as ‘being responsible’ for this stalemate status quo per se!

Image – The Elegant Lady Secretary – From My Book Short Takes – Between Us Only! In Appreciation!

 

Image  Indian Officials

I ccould provide the latest news as per all the International News Media that the picture is not so rosy as painted – in actual fact the Indian Rupee and the economy has taken a big hit recently – but keep data and statistics away for a minute – and let us use my own reasoning and my common sense in dealing in my responses here! Let us look also at those doing consultancy businesses for emigration to Australia, Canada etc their files are still full of applicants. So somehow something does not just fit in! 

In my career job stretching over 40 years – 25 years being in this major oil company – I have to apologise in advance by saying this in generalizations. I have a lot of friends who are Indians – and I have for those that do not know it – uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces that are Indians – and Indian passport-holders.

The person who took off my career in writing is Indian. People who have really come forward to help me in my life – including in banking – are good Indian friends of mine. They actually took more courage and guts to do so – than even my own fellow Omanis. So I am not ungrateful – nor have I forgotten either!

Images – Indian Workers

But blaming Localisation and HR is a bit going overboard here. Did one expect a job for life here as a birth or other right? There is one group of expatriates that I really like non-Indians (non-West) that are really realists and practical – and they say openly that we have come here for some time – and know one day we have to hand over to the locals.

If the situation is true and the job statuses quoted are true than we all do wish our good friends all the very best.  Only hopefully they will try to teach, train, counsel and mentor and handover to the locals – as you can see our situation too that we need to move people around – and create more jobs and opportunities for our young Omani applicants!

In my books and columns, I have always said this. Let not a few bad eggs (fish) with wrong job approaches, focuses, behaviours and attitudes – from our lot – be the guiding factor, instrument and judgement tool for the rest of us – including the highly educated, qualified and experienced Omanis too for that matter. That we Omanis are lazy – not committed and dedicated – not loyal and focused – in our jobs and responsibilities and aspects.

The New Trend. Demonstrating Indian Workers against bad working conditions.

Take the lazy type of one Omani – and he will surprise and amaze you – if he has to go to India or UK to go and work – so he can survive – feed himself and the family. For sure we have a lot of diseases and problems at the workplaces. But keep remembering it is our own country – we have to make our own decisions, our own stake and future – and our own destiny and legacy too. Just as we will not interfere in people deciding to go home – it is reciprocal – that you allow us to make our own decisions and history too.

Just watch the news and trouble spots. It is all linked to people wanting their rights and freedoms – and people have to change now to welcome in – and accept the changes. Change now before Change changes you!  Whatever threats and forces being used will not stop the changes – it will only make a bad situation just turn worse – with bigger and more consequences – and it is just as a matter of time for the changes to kick in. The winners are those that will hang on to want the changes come in!

There is no denial for the Indians’  – and with others – for their contributions to the development and progress of our countries to what they are today! Long after the dust has been cleared – this will still be remembered – and be appreciated. Like I have always said too in my columns and in my books – The Municipality cleaner will still stay on and remain supreme –  whilst his compatriot the CEO has long left the country!

It is time for us to prioratise to take care of our own first. We hope our friends will help us in this regard – remembering the good times, the warm reception, welcome and respects given – generally speaking!

Two years ago before even all the troubles – I wrote this article – Is it not time for the expatriates to start thinking to leave? Thinking being the key word! Sometimes I really amaze – even myself! Wish me luck – because today I am 65!

Take Care! 

By: – 

Majid Al Suleimany

Pride, Conceit and Arrogance! Outlook! By Majid Al Suleimany 1

At My Workplace Column!, Family Stories, Feedbacks and Responses Received, Good Article, Me So Sad!, Weekly Observer Article • Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

At My Workplace! Outlook!

 Conceit. Pride and Arrogance! 

  • Be who you are and say what you feel; because those who mind don’t matter; and those who matter, don’t mind! – Dr. Seuss – Writer, Cartoonist and Animator.
  •  Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can – and the wisdom to know the difference between the two!  – Anon
  • That person will not enter Paradise who hath one atom of pride in his heart!- The Hadith (Islamic Sayings)
  • Humility and courtesy are acts of piety!- The Hadith
  • If you want to stay in this world, be like a lotus flower who stays in the dirty water, who was born in the dirty water, but never gets adopted to dirty water – Prem Rawat 

Decades ago when I was a College student in UK, one of my lecturers who was known to be anti-us was lamenting to us. Do you know why they say in the West that God has a sense of humour? Though I knew the answer and the one he was expecting me to ask why – I feigned ignorance of what was coming next as the answer. You will find the ** answer if you keep reading on!

 Last weekend I had attended this wedding of a family member at the mosque (Masjid). There is a person there from the family connections who was recently highly promoted on the job place after marking time for generations and stuck in a dead wood position. Personally I think it had to do more with his weird behaviours and personalities – rather than competence and capability tainted.

The ironical tragical part was that he was a great complainer and whiner – and always skeptical and cynical of everyone around him and with no exceptions – even his own family, relatives and so-called made-up friends – though he was a friend in reality to no one except himself only!

 Taking my good and trusting nature on humanity with my usual focus, vision and concepts that ‘there is good in everyone in life – unless proven otherwise’ – I tried hard to catch up and join with him – as he was in front of me – and in offering my compliments and congratulations to him.

 

From the sides of his eyes – I could see that he was noticing me – but he pretended not to – and walked faster still – and being younger and more agile than me – made sure he left me behind! He then proceeded to sit in the VIP areas – and this thing really disturbs me the most – because this is a place of worship and in front of God we are all equal – if not the poor suffering hard sweating believer is perhaps more closer to his Lord than the rest of us – all put together! 

 

I decided to go with my gut feelings and not go to the VIP side. Upon which the groom family side came and picked me and insisted that I move to the VIP arena despite my protestations he would not have it – and started insisting and pulling me towards the area. 

Not wanting to create a scene – I reluctantly agreed to accompany him – and lo and behold – he decided to sit me next – near the running away from me sort-of relative! Seeing me coming to sit near me – he got up and pretended to go after someone else to bring him to the area – though he was a guest just like me – and I would never have dared to be so brave like him! The irony was this relative went to pick the very same person who was well known to be an adversary for everything I stand for! Birds of a feather do flock together!

 But he had a point – just to move away from me. He soon came with the person he was after – and sat away from me! There is a saying that goes like this – in the East African lingo – with due apologies – Those that deny you beans have just reduced you from only more gas!

 I sat now – by the grace of God – with people now that really liked my writings – and insisting for me to give them more information and details – and my business cards too! There is always someone to upset and annoy you in these gatherings – that is why I try my level best to avoid going to these places – unless I really have to – like in this one!

 M being M – I called him soon later on – and gave him ‘a big piece of my mind’! He retorted that I am just imagining the whole drama – and perhaps old age element is creeping in – by being ‘over sensitive!’ True today I am 64!

 Then I told him point blank – call a spade a spade – did you think I was an embarrassment to you – or could be – or I would open my mouth to say many things – removing all doubt – on my stupidity – and people around you will hear the rubbish I am uttering – and to embarrass you – now the Big Man that you are? Thank God he did not put the phone down on me – which initially I thought he would do so.

When I got into the car my son saw my worried face. He knew what was wrong. Then his heart spoke to me – Dad – keep your pride – let no one make you feel small or belittle you! This man cannot write even one sentence in any language – let alone in English – despite his so-called new great position now!

I am always amazed by such people and their behaviours and attitudes. Actually it was another wake-up call for me on human foibles, vanity and weaknesses – vileness, deceit and betrayals – and truthfully nothing can surprise me anymore now!

I also hold this my strong view that many of our problems today arise mainly from the ‘poor type and weak personality behaviours and characters people’ – that are in their positions now – not because they are really good, competent and capable – but are there merely  more to ‘follow the line – not to rock the boat’ syndrome. They are there just to ensure to ‘keep the lid on’ – ‘just stays on’.

They come with ‘the killer instincts’ survival – like the sharks’ – that will attack anything coming near them – even their own – and even if not an adversary or enemy for that matter! Even that person who just wants to say Hello to him!

Some people and places will just never change!

Take Care!

 By: –

 Majid Al Suleimany

 ** The answer – Giving oil to the Arabs!