Dubal hires, develops the best for maximum competitive advantage
Aluminium giant encourages and facilitates personal and career growth for its people.
In keeping with a corporate commitment to excellence in every aspect of its operations, while acknowledging that true competitive advantage depends to a large extent on having the very best people for the job, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) – the world’s largest modern smelter with a captive power station – consciously hires the best talent available on the market, then diligently develops individual employees to their full potential. The net result is a highly capable, inherently loyal workforce.
So says Ibrahim Nassir (Executive Vice President: Human Resources, Organisational Effectiveness and Corporate Services), who explains that the full gamut of training opportunities is offered – from technical/functional skills development courses to management and leadership development programmes. Moreover, a wide range of appropriate training interventions is available, ensuring that employees at every level within the company are catered for. “For example, we offer First Line and Middle Managers a selection of programmes accredited by the institute of Leadership & Management (ILM”), all of which include work-based assignments so as to ensure that the newly-acquired knowledge and skills are applied within the company. Also, successful completion of these courses is a pre-requisite for promotion to next level positions.”
A case in point is a customized training programme for Senior Managers designed, developed and delivered by Ashridge Business School (the top-rated developer of customized courses in the UK). The key focus area of the Ashridge programme is co-operative development of strategies to enable DUBAL to push forward and achieve its ambitious strategic vision, goals and objectives.
Held off-site at Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah, the annual Ashridge programme provides an ideal opportunity for networking; developing bonds with other Senior Managers in other parts of the organization; learning about best practice to help develop leadership skills; and building a positive organizational culture. “We recognise that using the right leadership styles at the right time and place really engages employees in a meaningful and enduring way. This affects everyone’s performance positively, which in turn drives up the profitability of the company,” says Nassir. “We also acknowledge that personal growth is one of the keys to overall employee satisfaction and ultimately the retention of talent and skill. Accordingly, our primary aim is to give people the development opportunities which will help them build their careers at DUBAL.”
DUBAL’s people-development initiatives are fully endorsed by Abdulla Kalban (President & CEO), who says: “One of my chief roles in the organization is to ensure that the next layers of managers are prepared and ready to take on positions of greater responsibilities. In tough economic times, such as those that currently prevail, challenging targets to improve efficiencies and increase production are a must for short-term survival and long-term success. Dedicated employees are crucial to making this happen.”
