B.07. – Reviews – All The Books.
October 30, 2009
All The Books Reviews.
Visit www.alsuleimany.com for more details, information and particulars.
All the books are now available in Oman at Family Bookshop, Turtles, Borders and Magrudy’s UAE (soon Borders too).
1 A Cry For Help!
New Book (Under Finalisation Process)
Arabian Management Series – Context and Perspectives.
Attitudes of the Arab Manager
– By Sujit Chandra Kumar – Muscat Daily News – October 28 2009 – Features.
The title of Majid Said Nasser Al Suleimany’s new book on Management ‘A Cry For Help!’ sounds far more strident than that of his earlier one, ‘Psychology of Arab Management Thinking’. Not that he was ever known for pulling punches. Once again, he deals with office politics of the worst kind and if the title is any indication, the new book is bound to touch a few raw nerves.
Suleimany knows his Tom Peters, but rarely does he go the hypothetical path. He deals with office situations, mainly revolving around the expat versus local theme. Anecdotes he has aplenty, thanks to his 25-year innings with Petroleum Development Oman’s HR Department and his short stints with a few other companies in the Gulf region. After opting for voluntary early retirement, Suleimany has been working as a Freelance (HR) Management Consultant, so he has no need to hire a Psychologist to understand employee behavior or managerial dilemmas.
“I am pained by the stereotyping that goes all time about Omani employees. One such perception among expat managers is that Omanis are lazy”, he says. Suleimany hastens to add that not all expat managers are to blame. “Most of them are impartial. But there is a tiny section who have a low opinion about local recruits. Though they are few in number, the damage they cause is tremendous!”
The ‘Cry’ for changes is not just aimed at the expat, but also at the Omani employee as well. “People here who are part of the workforce need to be more tolerant, patient and prove their capabilities and understand the other point of view. Many switch off instead of addressing a problem or a strained relationship with a manager and this only makes matters worse.”
The perception came about, he points out, as a result of a section of Omanis taking advantage of the labour rights that make it hard to dismiss them even when their performance (and attitude) is not satisfactory. “When one expat manager leaves, he passes on the message to his successor that locals are difficult to deal with. Those who actually work hard (and are committed) suffer because of this perception”
What is worrisome, says Suleimany, is that the current generation is very intolerant and often rebellious. “If we don’t address this, there will be dangerous consequences”. The Omani employee’s lot hardly improves when he gets an Omani manager, who, according to Suleimany, “shoots at his own troops!” “When I studied the attitudes and behavior of the Omani manager vis-à-vis expat peers, I found out that he lags behind in his management capabilities. He ‘hates to rock the boat’ and allows the status quo when there is a problem.”
Many among the earlier generation of Omani employees rose to become managers because there wasn’t much competition in those days, points out Al Suleimany. The current crop, on the other hand, are well educated and qualified, and this leads to a clash. The Arab Manager has some typical traits, he says. “He is averse to risk taking and is unable to say no. He is not strong willed and affirmative, and wants to be nice to everyone, which stems from his culture”
It is hard to argue with Suleimany because he is basing his theories on his own experience or that of a colleague. When he gives a case study of ‘the prejudiced Arab boss[, he is referring to the Egyptian GM of a Wadi Kabir based company served his termination order to him via Suleimany’s assistant, with a day’s notice. He walks into the GM’s cabin, greets him with a ‘good morning’ and tells him directly that he has no problem with leaving but he has a problem with the BTW (Below The Waist) BTL (Below The Line) way’ in which the message was communicated.
A second case study is of an Indian expatriate who had just left for leave, but is asked to return before the leave period is over. A further case elucidates on the experience of an expatriate who had just left for leave, but is asked not to return.
Here is an Author who calls a spade a spade.
2A Psychology of Arab Management Thinking.
May 20 2009.
Arabian Management Series – Context and Perspectives.
This is a must-read first-time written by an Arab (GCC) Management and Human Resources Consultant, Expert and Professional drawing on his own personal experiences and exposures and with live demonstrations, examples, narrations and illustrations with the aim for improvement in the especially Arab Management Spheres.
PRESS COVERAGE
Psychology of Arab Management Thinking –
Arabian Management Series – Context and Perspectives
- by Majid Said Nasser Al Suleimany
May 20 2009 – Book Reviews – Weekend – The Oman Daily Observer.
It is a unique book, written in a unique style. The book is about the author as a manager and his experiences and exposures as an Arab human resources manager in his various jobs in human resources and management, with particular emphasis and specialization under Arab managers. It is a soul searching and critical evaluation of one’s own people in the field. He extols the culture and importance of work in his religion and the pitfalls and lackluster attitude of the managers in position about the principles of management.
Very candidly he admits that he has no intention to harm anyone but to speak about the realities in Arab Management with a focus, desire and objective to learn, correct and remedy, if not for now, for the future generations to come and for progress. He sincerely hopes for development and improvement in the management sphere.
The Arab countries are far richer with abundant reserves and more importantly with a healthy and young population. In spite of all these why do they lag behind others in many spheres? Is there anything wrong with the management? He says, “he is baffled and confused”, According to the author “it is not enough only to have your personal and job dedication and commitment – what is needed is complete abdication and surrender in commitment, dedication, loyalty, faithfulness etc to your work, job aspects, and responsibilities. Just your input is not enough, far more is required”.
“As Arabs, work is worshipped as if it is in praying. Arabs are also brought up to be polite, courteous and decent (at least a majority of us). Abrupt, ugly, rudeness and distort are discouraged. Also it is not easy to say NO – as part of the culture, customs, traditions and heritage. So what went wrong here – especially in management circles? Why are we behind the rest of the world, despite all our riches and resources?”
The author has tried to be as frank, open, forthright, honest, sincere and genuine as he can.
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are some of the richest ones in the world. Despite the Middle East holding huge gas and oil reserves of the world, very little is known about the area, in particular about Arabian Management aspects.
In Chapter 11 “what is really wrong with the Arab Manager?” he recalls episodes from his own career and personal life.
In the ‘book introduction’ he says “for a long time now, I have been putting off the idea of writing this book – though it had been in my mind for a long time now. The mere idea of writing this book scared me to bits and pieces – for many valid and pertinent reasons”
It is a no punch-spared, no barrels held stuff, no frills – play but to be as frank, open and honest as possible 0 so it can be a learning process for this generation and others to come in the future.
The writer is a weekly Columnist in The Oman Daily Observer under ‘Between Us Only’. He has worked for over 25 years as a Human Resources Professional and Expert in mainly Oil Companies. He has also worked for over 8 years as a Management and Human Resources Consultant, Expert and Adviser. He has also been widely exposed to young Omani Graduates Intake Programme, their mentoring, coaching, guiding and counseling and for National Staff in general.
He holds an MBA in International Management (UK). The author has three other books to his credit – Between Us Only; The Sequel – Between Us Only, and Short Takes – Between Us Only!
In the book on management he is not quoting any authority (references) on the subject, but quotes from his own experiences. That is what makes this book unique.
Even though the book may not be taken as an authority in management it is an eye-opener for the way things are happening in this part of the world.
Printed by Trafford Publishing (Canada, USA and UK)
Price US Dollars 60 (Sixty) – OMR 22 (Twenty Two).
Pages 484.
Orders Direct www.trafford.com/08-0889
Or E-Mail orders@trafford.com
(Book Picture – Also see www.alsuleimany.com on books details etc)
2B Psychology of Arab Management Thinking.
Context and Perspectives.
by Majid Al Suleimany
Written in a frank, open, and honest approach, Author Majid Al Suleimany’s Psychology of Arab Management Thinking: Arabian Management Series exposes his personal viewpoint on the critical realities about Arab Management, candidly admitting he has no intention to harm anyone. This book is a soul searching and critical evaluation of one’s own people—admiring the culture and importance of work in his religion—and the pitfalls and lackluster attitude of the managers viewed in the perspective of the principles of management. He points out important ideas with a focus, desire and objective to learn, correct and give remedy to any mistake. A must-read first-time book written by an Arab (GCC) Management Author and with the aim and focus for improvement in the especially Arab Management process
3A The Sequel – Between Us Only!
Page 12 Book Reviews Weekend OBSERVER
Wednesday June 24, 2009.
The Sequel – Between Us Only!
Between Us Only – The Sequel!
This is a collection of columns published in The Oman Daily Observer by the Author from January 2005 to July 2008.
It is part of personal thoughts of the Author on the day-to-day happenings in the society, part satire, part analytical, but in the long run, it does really matter – it is cautionary and advisory. It is the second book on the same line, and while it is overdone at times, it is still a fun reading enjoyable experience.
In his impressive style, Majid skillfully combines the pride and prejudices of the society, love and hate, vanity, pomp and show with a mixture of elements of caution to show that somewhere something is lacking and eventually leaves the readers to find out the answers. Sometimes one may feel that Majid is adopting a style of the famous American writer Art Butchwald. No, he is not copying anyone’s style, it’s his own personal genre, and fortunately for us, he does it well!
He also deals publicly with more serious aspects of culture and social life. It provides a point to ponder, people should believe in it.
As a human resources development expert of more than two decades of experience his favourite jumping-off point is office politics.
His entertaining, but at times not so pleasant, column must have won him new friends and foes in various sections of the society.
He wants to be known as a writer, not a columnist. It’s one step up, and that’s the direction he is heading at this stage.
Majid also writes about his ups and downs in life with an openness which must have been a reason to win him lots of fans across the country.
However, Majid may be one of those writers who get more foes than fans for making some feel embarrassed about their behaviour in the office. His interest in office politics is subtle and deftly narrated. No one could accuse him of being over subtle, but there’s something likeably direct and single-minded about his desire to speak to, and for the confused ranks of managers,
Exploring the underbelly of the society – hypocrisy – Majid tells his readers to pray so that Almighty May Protect all of us. Whatever others may think, his intentions seem to be very plain – love your country, love your culture and love one another.
Where he is right is in underlining the fact that some people are encouraged by elites who take ludicrously short-sighted decisions which in the long run costs the people dearly.
Highly recommended reading for all.
Direct Orders
Also available at Family Bookshop, Borders and Turtles (Magrudy’s, and Borders UAE)
3B The Sequel – Between Us Only!
The Sequel: Between Us Only
by Majid Al Suleimany
Demonstrating his sharp eye, value for culture and tradition, and fearlessness, acclaimed columnist Majid Al Suleimany upholds the witty bravado of Between Us Only to bring forth the second volume of his great collection of commentaries from The Oman Daily Observer. The Sequel once more invokes Al Suleimany’s clever and arresting writing, including his frank analyses, outlooks, perspectives, and views of the international arena, and as an author from The Moderate (GCC) Camp. Touching readers with clear, elegant prose, and that ever-present humor even in the most serious of topics, Al Suleimany brings his twenty-first century Arabic point of view to enlighten, inform, and charm you once more.
4 Short Takes – Between Us Only!
Short Takes: Between Us Only
By Majid Al Suleimany
www.booksurge.com USA – An Amazon.com Company.
E-mail – orders@booksurge.com
This is Short Takes – Between Us Only – Book Three – from his First Book of the same name – Between Us Only!
The book contains series of articles that had appeared during the last three years in his column in The Oman Daily Observer (English Daily). The subjects cover varies from week to week but range from Socio-political, Social, Economic, Family, Educational, Omanisation (Localisation), Training & Development, International arena and scenarios etc.
Book Three contains equally interesting subjects and topics.
It has articles from both my Two Books, but the concentration here in this book has been the human interest stories touching lives of the peoples (and residents) of Oman and The Gulf Region as a whole. Some of them have been made out as stories, but the messages coming out are openly vividly and crystal clear to all, in many cases it comes out outright and facing the Reader without any doubt or innuendos.
This is the only of my books with pictures, cartoons and caricatures (Omani Arabian Themes),
When I had asked The Editor of The Oman Daily Observer (see Indebtedness) on what articles to produce in the Book, he said – All of Them. That is the best compliment any Author can get!
Thank you Mr. Editor (Sh. Ibrahim Al Hamdani).
See www.alsuleimany.com for more book details.
Available locally Family Bookshops, Borders and Turtles in Oman. Magrudy UAE – and Borders soon.
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5A Original – Between Us Only! An author in search of values and ethics |
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Oman Daily Observer – Features Editor (TT Joseph). September 10 2005 Coverage – Between Us Only
Majid al Sulaimany is a well-read, witty and prolific writer who often makes you laugh and sit up and think on ordinary but often neglected and not so cared matters in the society. He also writes about social evils prevalent in the society with a funny touch and lashes it with heavy blows. This unique style and way we rarely find in other writers. His prose is simple and clear and elegant. The collection of his columns published in the Observer and some unpublished ones appear in a book form — Between Us Only. The title itself tells the reader the topics he talks about are not so sweet many times, and many of the articles irritate somebody or other. Since it is ‘between us only’ and whispered in to your ears he often talks about matters which many are scared to touch. He talks about burning homes, divorce, pride and prejudice, human suffering, human fears, social trends and changes and people’s idiotic concerns to keep up with the Jonesses. As a human resources professional, in his essays Majid gives very important and valueable tips and notes to company executives and chiefs. Looking at the society’s craze for materialism and vanity the writer asks: “What happened to the sanctity of marriage as the highest institution in our lives according to our Islamic teachings — the sunnah and the hadith? Our customs, traditions and heritage?” Divorces are happening at the drop of a hat. So he advises “we need to impart to our younger generations the sanctity and high importance of the institution of marriage. The importance of patience, harmony, tolerance, trust, faith, and confidence. This is in order to save our society for future generations.” In another article he asks: “What is this new ugly and unpleasant developments now in our homes? This ‘domestic violence’ thing? Do we have an excuse for this? The satellite dishes, and the foreign films and dramas that are beamed to our homes? Or is that the new in-thing fashion now, the provocations and ‘do not care stuff’ — followed by lifting of hand and beating out that poor creature that bore you babies that you call your own and have made you proud too? Do you consider the effect on the children? Hey, what is wrong with us nowadays?” In an advice to chief executive officers and managers the author reminds “what happened to all the principles of treating staff with respect, with utmost ethics, professionalism, kindness, cordial reception and courtesy? Whether they are Omanis or others, people need to be treated properly and with more esteem and respect.” As a human resources consultant, Majid is giving valueable tips to job applicants in his article “Applying for a job”. Some very important dos and don’ts for the aspiring job seekers. “Send your application with jus Photostat copies of your certificates and other documents. “When you are called for an interview do not tremble and show fear and worries. Remain cool, collected, calm and in control. “Never ask ‘how much you will pay me’ until an offer has actually been made. “Prepare your CV (maximum two typed pages only) and a covering letter (one page only) with your application. Majid’s “Between us Only” is a sincere attempt by a simple human being who cherishes his culture and traditions, and wanted it to be preserved for the coming generations. It is a labour of love with keen observation of the society in the 21st century Arab world in particular. It also carries warnings, resentments, fears and advises for all.
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5B Original – Between Us Only!
Between Us Only hits bookstalls –
By A Staff Reporter.
Muscat – Majid Said Nasser Al Suleimany’s recently released book Between Us Only has now been launched in bookshops in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in UAE.
In Oman, the 434-page book is available at Turtle’s bookshop and Family Shopping. Sponsored by M B Petroleum Services LLC of Mohamed Barwani, the book contains more than 84 articles that have appeared in the author’s column in Oman Daily Observer.
Majid has a very interesting and straightforward way of putting things. For example, in one of the articles, Majid explains in a very lucid style that “the beauty of Oman is that the nationals do not impose their customs, habits, heritage, behavior and values on others. We make room for accommodation and acceptance, to give chances in errors of judgement and in perceptions, We are moderate, tolerant and flexible. Ask an Omani a direction, if he is free, not only he will direct you to it, but even take you there!”
To elaborate further on this point, Majid shares a very interesting, short and real story about how he got a job in Abu Dhabi. The general manager had travelled to Salalah and lost his way on the trip. He was not only shown the direction, but this was done after he was given a meal with his family by one Bedouin family! When this GM saw Majid in his Omani attire, he said “No interview just give him the job, let him start tomorrow! The panel thought he was joking but he was dead serious!”
Another interesting aspect of Majid’s writing style is that he can explain most burning complex and contemporary issues in a few sentences with unqualified clarity of thoughts.
5C Original – Between Us Only!
The Write Stuff – The Week – Issue 35 – October 2005.
Majid drawing on daily experiences.
Human resources professional Majid al Suleimany describes his recently released book Between Us Only, a collection of columns he has written for the Oman Daily Observer, as “messages to the people in Omani”. Using his personal experiences, Majid has written on a variety of issues in columns like “Ignorance is Bliss”, “The Tsunami disaster” and “Cynics and Sceptics” among others.
“I would like the Omani people to move ahead in the world while maintaining our traditional values. I hope to help in this process through my writing”, Majid Said. The writer, who enjoys watching documentaries and reading about world politics, says that he writes mainly on social issues. “Since I am in the human resources field, I also like to provide pointers and topics like how to prepare their CV, I also reproduce articles which might be of help”
Majid hopes more Omanis will begin writing in English. He said, “It’s very important to inculcate the reading habit in children. Parents and teachers have a huge role in it; Schools should conduct essay competitions regularly so that children can improve skills of expression.
My friend you are wasting your life here. Move over to UK USA or even Australia! So long as you write in English and with your background, nobody will bother or care about you …. you will die broke and poor … and not only they will not buy your books, nobody is going to appreciate your contribution to society and country in especially human resources, management, education and knowledge etc.
Also people do not want the Truth to be said.