Philosophy and Management Style
Despite having no formal managerial training, Osman proved to be an excellent leader. Osman stressed the importance of keeping employees happy, secure, and comfortable as a way to increase productivity. Many of these ideas emerged in the Arab Contractors, but would later be implemented at a national level. For example, Osman led the first effort in Egypt to set up employee pension funds, as well as medical insurance. These were first implemented for Arab Contractors employees, but later expanded to encompass all government employees.
Osman felt that if he could solve day-to-day employee problems, employees would be more focused on their work and more loyal. Osman would often provide free transportation, food, and medical care for his employees. During the Aswan Dam erection, Osman set up a hospital, a school, a park, etc. for the thousands of employees that were relocated to Aswan. These would later serve as a model for the Arab Contractors Medical Facility and the Arab Contractors Technical Institute.
Osman believed strongly in the power of personal relationships. In his autobiography, Osman mentions his belief that a leader must pursue two types of relationships. Firstly, one must maintain strong and positive relationships internally, within the company. Also, one must create external relationships outside the company. Osman believed both could be accomplished by treating those around him well, and practicing a strong work-ethic. High-quality work would serve as excellent marketing. Osman was an avid networker, and practiced his philosophy within the company, within Egypt, and even within the entire Middle East. Osman maintained personal relationships with officials (even heads-of-state) in any country in which he operated.
Read more about this topic: Osman Ahmed Osman
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