Exploring Strategies and Initiatives by HR Specialists from Ford (MENA), British Council, and Identity Middle East 💼📊

Learn invaluable lessons from top thought leaders in the UAE HR space. 👩‍💼

In this edition of Hired, we discuss and highlight some HR strategies and initiatives from prominent thought leaders in the UAE. 

We had a chance to chat with Ghenwa Habbal, Regional Talent Management Lead at Ford, David Kelly, Director Talent Acquisition at GMG (Previously at British Council), and Zainab Moghal, formerly Strategic HR Operations at Identity Middle East. We talked to them about their experiences, strategies, lessons, and more. 

So, grab a seat and prepare to be inspired as we take you through their insights and wisdom. 

What’s Inside the Newsletter 👀

🌟 An Inside Look at Ghenwa’s Reverse Mentoring Program

🛠️ Zainab’s Skill Building Toolbox: Unveiling Two Impactful Initiatives

🔎 Inside David Kelly’s Hiring Strategy for the Non-Profit

🚀 Practical Tips and Frameworks for HR Professionals

🤖 Quick AI Tip: AI Video Interviewing

🌟 An Inside Look at Ghenwa’s Reverse Mentoring Program

Ghenwa Habbal is a staunch advocate for the power of mentoring within organizations. She champions a comprehensive approach, where individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise levels are paired to foster collaboration and mutual growth.

At the heart of Ghenwa's mentoring philosophy lies the concept of inclusive matching. Rather than restricting mentorship relationships within specific departments or seniority levels, she connects individuals across fields, generations, and skill sets. For example, a tech professional may find their mentor in finance, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge and perspectives.

In essence, Ghenwa's reverse mentoring approach recognizes that true growth and innovation thrive in environments where individuals are encouraged to learn from one another's unique experiences and perspectives.

🛠️ Zainab’s Skill Building Toolbox: Uncovering Two Impactful Initiatives

Zainab spearheaded the implementation of innovative skill-building initiatives within her organization, including the cross-functional buddy system and project pairing. These initiatives were designed to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development among team members.

The Cross-Functional Buddy System aimed to break down silos within the organization by connecting individuals from different departments or functional areas. By fostering connections between employees with diverse expertise and backgrounds, Zainab facilitated cross-pollination of ideas, encouraged collaboration on projects, and promoted a culture of continuous learning.

Project Pairing, a project management approach, involved forming teams with a mix of experienced and less experienced members. This strategy facilitated mentorship and knowledge transfer to drive project success.

When asked about her method for measuring the success of these programs, Zainab explained:

Our team at Qureos identified three skill building frameworks that your HR team can implement right away.

🔎 David Kelly’s Hiring Strategy for the Non-Profit

Having worked extensively in the not-profit sector, David Kelly understands the unique dynamics at play when hiring for such organizations.

He emphasizes that candidates pursuing roles in non-profits prioritize meaning and purpose over financial remuneration. 

For David, the primary challenge in hiring for non-profits lies in understanding candidates' motivations. Unlike the corporate sector, where financial incentives may take precedence, it’s important to find talent whose values and motivations align closely with those of the organization. 

Here’s what his hiring approach for non-profit looks like: 

In essence, David's hiring methodology for non-profits revolves around identifying candidates who not only possess the requisite skills but also exhibit a genuine passion for the organization's mission and values.

🤖 Pro AI Tip

Looking to better assess a candidate’s personality, values, and culture fit before you actually meet them? Try our AI Video Interview feature.

With this feature, you can ask any screening questions you like and get a detailed report on their responses, emotional cues, and personality. It frees up valuable time to connect with shortlisted candidates and enrich their experience.