Nabila Bashir, Director of Business Development and GrowthRola Said, Director of Education, Queen Rania Teacher Academy
Engaged, Inspired, and Empowered
This blog is inspired by our recent presentation at the Women in Education Leadership (WELN) Summit, which took place on the 28th of September at the beautiful Hartland International School in Dubai. It was here that we had the privilege of meeting extraordinary women in leadership—women who go the extra mile to empower, motivate, and make a lasting impact. Their stories, much like ours, were rooted in passion, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the power of mentorship and leadership. The feedback from our session was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees sharing how much they appreciated the harmony and passion we brought to our story. This synergy, they said, created an environment of deep engagement, inspiration, and meaningful growth.
The Power of Hidden Mentorship and Coaching
The core of our journey revolves around the power of mutual support. Throughout our careers, we’ve learned that true growth comes from lifting each other up. In moments when one had the skill, the other had the will; and at other times, we balanced pushing and pulling, creating a dynamic of collaboration that has led to both personal and professional growth. This partnership allowed us to face challenges head-on, overcoming barriers through a combination of will and skill coupled with a longlasting friendship.
Throughout our journey, we have consistently used the powerful approach our CEO, Dr. Osama Obeidat, calls “Hidden Mentorship and Coaching”. This involved not only empowering ourselves but fostering the growth of others by quietly supporting and uplifting our teams. By practicing empathetic leadership, we aimed to empower our colleagues and managers to cascade this model of leadership, adapting to the unique needs of individuals. Our approach combined empathy with strategy, allowing for personalized development and empowerment that matched the specific needs of each team member in an environment where others feel valued, motivated, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
Empowering Through Every Stage of Leadership
Our leadership journey has been marked by continuous growth, reflection, and empowerment at every stage through a dynamic process of learning and evolving. Inspired by visionary leadership guiding the Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA), we embraced a model of empowerment that cascaded throughout the organization. This approach fostered a powerful culture rooted in shared growth and mutual support, establishing a unique DNA that continues to shape QRTA’s identity today. A culture that encourages open communication, trust, and collaboration.
Key Strategies for Positive Leadership
Leading with heart, mind, and soul, always strives to create an atmosphere of trust, respect, and empathy. By adopting Kim Cameron’s “Practicing Positive Leadership,” teams foster:
- Positive Relationships: Encouraging trust and respect within the team to create a supportive environment.
- Positive Communication: Promoting open, meaningful dialogue that inspires and nurtures creativity and growth.
- Positive Work Environment: Ensuring gratitude, kindness, and compassion are embedded in our workplace culture.
- Positive Meaning: Helping others find purpose in their contributions and feel that they are a vital part of the collective success.
- Focusing on creating leadership models that flourish in a positive environment.
Breaking Barriers with Strategic Tools
Empowering others also requires equipping them with the right tools. Strategies like the Eisenhower Prioritization Matrix helps teams not only focus on what truly matters but also distinguish between what is urgent and what is not, and what is important and what is not. By providing them with these practical tools for time management, we fostered a clearer sense of priority, ensuring that their efforts were streamlined toward impactful tasks. This approach creates an efficient and balanced work climate, fostering a clear sense of priority and ensuring that efforts are streamlined toward impactful tasks.
Continuous Reflection and Growth
The practice of continuous self-reflection is essential to leadership. By embracing the philosophy that self-awareness leads to better leadership, we not only grow personally but encourage others to engage in their own reflective practices. At QRTA, we actively work to inspire a culture of ongoing growth, ensuring that teams always look for ways to improve, learn, and expand their horizons.
A Call to Action: Sharing Stories and Building Bridges
As part of our growth, we encourage others to engage in storytelling and shared experiences. Through “Story Circle” activities, we create connections by sharing transformative moments of mentoring and coaching, reflecting on the qualities that make these experiences impactful. These discussions allow us all to foster a collaborative spirit and a network of support that extends beyond individual achievements.
Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues
Our journey of leadership, mentorship, and empowerment is ongoing. We remain committed to uplifting others, fostering positive work climates, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to succeed.
We believe that everyone has the potential to succeed and that by empowering each other through positive leadership and continuous learning, we can create a brighter future for education.