Written by: Salah Salim Hamad Al Masroori
Business Development Consultant
Al Qalhati and Al Masroori Advocates and Legal Consultancy
Many specialists in political and management sciences recognize Sultan Qaboos bin Said – may God rest his soul – as one of the influential and inspiring global leaders of change in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. However, what many may not recognize is the meticulously planned journey this remarkable figure undertook in leading change in the Sultanate. His approach seamlessly combined instinct with scientifically grounded methodologies in change management, widely acknowledged and taught in the most prestigious international universities to this day. From this standpoint, I decided to draw parallels between Sultan Qaboos’ transformative journey in Oman and renowned change management methodologies. By doing so, I hope to extract valuable lessons for current and future leaders of government and private institutions. These lessons can guide them in fostering positive change within their organizations, ultimately enhancing the satisfaction of employees, customers, partners, and the people of beloved Oman as a whole.
Before delving into Sultan Qaboos’ journey, it is essential to grasp the fundamentals of change management—its significance, meanings, the prominent scientific methodologies underpinning it, and the importance of its application in the world of politics, management, economics, and finance.
Change management in the world of management is an approach aimed at guiding individuals to transition from an existing situation to a new evolving one. The Holy Prophet, through his teachings, led people away from idolatry towards monotheism. Ghandi, employing diplomacy and patience, facilitated India’s transition from colonization to independence. Similarly, modern visionaries like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Bezos, and Jack Ma revolutionized commerce by introducing e-commerce platforms, thus altering centuries-old buying and selling practices. These examples encapsulate the essence of change.
Regarding internationally recognized scientific methodologies, notable ones include the Kotter Methodology, the Edgar Methodology, the Lewin Methodology, and the Lean Methodology, with the latter being implemented at PDO. Change management extends beyond mere theories; it involves scientific and practical applications aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of change initiatives. These applications prioritize factors such as high quality, cost-effectiveness, minimal resistance, extensive participation, and effective risk management. In this context, I have opted for the Kotter methodology as a framework for comparing it with Sultan Qaboos’ transformation journey in Oman, given its comprehensive nature and practical applicability. Firstly, I will outline the eight key steps integral to the Kotter methodology, and subsequently, I will assess Sultan Qaboos’ approach to leading change in the Sultanate to determine its alignment with this methodology.
The eight steps of the Kotter Methodology are as follows:
- First: Instill a sense of urgency for change.
- Second: Form a guiding coalition to lead change.
- Third: Develop a clear vision for change.
- Fourth: Communicate the change vision to others.
- Fifth: Foster widespread participation and involvement.
- Sixth: Achieve and celebrate short-term gains.
- Seventh: Consolidate gains and facilitate further change initiatives.
- Eighth: Maintain sustainable change and integrate new practices into the culture.
With the understanding of the eight steps outlined in the Kotter change management methodology, let us examine Sultan Qaboos’ journey in leading change across each step.
First: Instilling a sense of urgency for change
Before assuming power, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos faced significant challenges including ignorance, disease, poverty, and political fragmentation. Through his first speeches in 1970, he created a general sense that change was inevitable and pledged to establish a modern government, ensuring a brighter future characterized by prosperity, science, healthcare, and national unity. These speeches served as a catalyst, igniting a sense of urgency among Omanis both domestically and abroad, prompting them to embrace the necessity of change and envision a prosperous future for the nation.
Second: Forming a guiding coalition to lead change
Sultan Qaboos recognized early on that achieving transformative change and steering the nation towards modernity and social welfare required more than just his individual efforts. He established a strong alliance between the government and the people. This alliance was evident from the outset as Sultan Qaboos extended invitations to expatriates and political opponents to contribute to nation-building efforts. In his second speech in 1970, he explicitly emphasized the necessity of collaboration between the government and the populace, underscoring that without such cooperation, the nation would not progress swiftly from the prolonged stagnation it had endured. This leads to the conclusion that the formation of the coalition to spearhead change during the early Renaissance era occurred in an impressive manner.
Third: Developing a clear vision for change
In his third speech, His Majesty outlined his vision for Oman’s development, beginning with the prioritization of national unity. He then emphasized the importance of granting religious and civil freedoms to citizens, followed by the strategic development of Omani human resources to effectively manage the nation and capitalize on its economic and natural resources for comprehensive sustainable development. Additionally, he aimed to elevate the standard of living and quality of life for Omanis. Finally, His Majesty emphasized the significance of opening up to the outside world while maintaining sovereignty and non-interference in others’ affairs, as well as safeguarding Oman from external interference. His vision was meticulously crafted, clearly articulated, and resonated both domestically and internationally.
Fourth: Communicating the change vision to others
His Majesty went beyond mere speeches to communicate his vision to both citizens and the government. Utilizing various media platforms including audio-visual and print media, the emphasis initially was on education, guidance, and training. Additionally, extensive tours across Oman and direct interactions with citizens played a pivotal role in disseminating this vision and soliciting feedback. In foreign relations, Omani delegations actively worked to reassure nations worldwide that the Sultanate stood for peace and openness. It is evident that the vision was effectively conveyed to all stakeholders through multiple channels and methods.
Fifth: Fostering widespread participation and involvement
To realize the Sultan’s vision and translate it into action, it was imperative to establish policies, legislation, organizational structures, strategies, five-year plans, and development programs. These were formulated collaboratively by the government and the people, facilitated through mechanisms such as the Shura Council, governor offices, and popular referendums. Notably, the preparation of Oman Vision 2040, which charts the course of the blessed Renaissance, exemplifies this participatory approach. It is evident that people from all walks of life contributed to Oman’s journey towards modernity and prosperity.
Sixth: Achieving and celebrating short-term gains
Sultan Qaboos was renowned for his positive energy and eloquence. His speeches exuded a sense of pride, transcendence, and progress. When he highlighted achievements in his annual addresses and meetings with citizens and representatives, it wasn’t about boasting; rather, it served to bolster determination and express gratitude to the people and the government for their tireless efforts. His aim was to inspire them to strive for even greater accomplishments, thereby ensuring continuous progress and growth. Sultan Qaboos always looked ahead to the future, annually celebrating achievements with his people as a moment of respite before embarking on new endeavors and forging new achievements.
Seventh: Consolidating gains and facilitating further change initiatives
As citizens witness tangible achievements unfolding before their eyes, one after another, and witness plans and promises materializing, their confidence in the leader grows, and the credibility of the development project strengthens. These accomplishments, coupled with the trust they instill, facilitated greater changes in public thinking and convictions, fostering growth and prosperity. Consider the case of women’s education: Initially met with resistance from parents in the 1970s, sustained government and civil awareness and education programs gradually transformed attitudes. Women pursued education, graduated, and entered the workforce, ultimately ascending to the highest professional ranks. This example underscores how the state’s ongoing evolution and development over the years have catalyzed profound psychological, cognitive, and behavioral shifts among the public.
Eighth: Maintaining sustainable change and integrating new practices into the culture
After fifty years of the blessed Renaissance, Sultan Qaboos’ vision has materialized into reality, serving as a dynamic platform propelled by institutional vigor. Educated youth, regardless of gender, play a pivotal role in steering the nation’s course. Everyone is engaged in safeguarding achievements and actively contributes to further advancement and innovation, all aiming to elevate the nation. Sultan Qaboos’ legacy of continuous change and modernization has ingrained a culture of progress and renewal among the Omani people. Each individual aspires to leave their mark and etch their name in the annals of achievement.
In conclusion, Sultan Qaboos – may God rest his soul – adeptly orchestrated a remarkable positive transformation in our beloved homeland Oman, blending instinctual wisdom with scientifically sound methodologies, aligning with the highest standards taught in esteemed international universities. Given the Sultanate’s rich experience in leading change, leaders of both public and private institutions must draw upon its wealth of insights and intricacies. In this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by rapid technological advancements, cultivating enlightened change leaders who embody teamwork and uphold renewed moral and scientific values is paramount.