Actions that can resonate across decades

“I’ve got an idea…” declared Shaikh Maktoum Bin Hasher Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Ruler from 1894 to 1906. “Let’s turn their tax burden into our advantage.”

At the end of the 19th century, the nationalist Persian government wanted what they said was their fair share, and seemingly overnight the government hiked import and export taxes, and slapped a fee on merchants who used the city souq. This outraged the merchants.

While that was well over a century ago, today there is a similar outrage brewing globally, specifically among multinationals. More that 60 governments are joining forces to crack down on tax avoidance and as a result going to increase pressure on companies’ balance-sheets. These countries, mostly the rich, are out to get the companies who are benefiting their investors by leveraging existing laws through clever manoeuvring.

The governments say this is robbing them of revenue they feel should be going to their coffers. The intent to increase pressure is so intense that these governments achieved an unheard of high degree of rapid consensus.

This is obviously being led by the Obama administration who is cracking down on companies moving their domicile via the inversion vehicle, which is when a company moves its headquarters to a country that is more favourable to them and their investors.

Watching this, I’m curious to see if Dubai will borrow a page from its own playbook of a century ago. Will they invite even more companies to move to Dubai?

In 1901, an envoy travelled across the Arabian Sea pleading the case as to why the merchants should relocate their business to Dubai. We learned more than a century ago that if times are tough where you live, come to Dubai, where you can succeed. Simply stated, this is the message of hope that Dubai radiates throughout the world — it is a place where you can come and succeed.

I don’t know if Dubai will use the global clampdown to its advantage, but I don’t believe there’s a more foundational thought about leadership than this — it is the leader’s responsibility to support others to become more than they dare to dream of.

That is the essence of great leadership — help others succeed. This should be your all-consuming thought. Everyday when you go to work, think about how you are going to help others succeed. Do it during the day, and then in the evening ask yourself, “Who did I help succeed today?” This is how you build the habit of helping others.

Usually, when I mention this, people think about their employees, those who report to them. While, you should help them, what I’m speaking of is much broader than a downward focus. You should help your peers and boss succeed. You succeed when everyone around you does.

But don’t limit this to people who are employed in your company. You should also focus on helping suppliers and partners succeed. Rather than trying to put pressure on them — much like the governments squeezing the multinationals for more — you should help them succeed, like Dubai does.

When they succeed, obviously not at your expense, then collectively you’ll help your customers succeed. And this is what brings success to your investors. Success comes from completing the circle for everyone to succeed, rather than at each others’ expense.

The common theme is one thought — help others succeed.

Dubai is one place where it is understood that if all succeed, the vision will be realised. After all, the vision is putting people’s prosperity in their hands. This is true for all nationalities, economic levels, and walks of life.

Helping someone else look good doesn’t need to hurt you or make you look worse. In fact, when others’ success is your priority, yours will be guaranteed to come.

No matter what the situation, a great leader’s first response is always to think about the individual concerned — whether an employee, customer, citizen, boss, or investor — and how to help that individual experience success. What do leaders do? They help others succeed!

The writer is a CEO Coach and author, including the latest book, ‘Leadership Dubai Style’. Contact him at tsw@tommyweir.com