Instant decisions that go through a test of fire
Immediately after hearing “There’s a fire at the Address hotel!”, we rushed to the roof of our friend’s house in Jumeirah, where we also had a picture perfect view of the fireworks at Burj Khalifa light up the sky across Dubai. Making my way up the steps, I thought there’s no way there can be a fire at the Address and if there is it must be a small accident that’s being overhyped.
I couldn’t believe my eyes as the fire rapidly climbed the building and looked like an inferno. We stood there in disbelief, shaking our heads and repeatedly saying, “Dubai doesn’t deserve this.”
As we made our way back down to the garden the conversation immediately turned to the question, “Will Dubai still have the fireworks?” “Of course they will!” argued some.
“Once they confirm everyone is safe, Dubai will show to the world who they are!” While others protested, “There’s no way they can light the fireworks... look at that fire.”
Listening to everyone passionately present their opinion, I began to wonder, “What are the leaders doing right now and how will they go about making this decision?” (I really can’t help it; in any circumstance my mind instantly dissects it from a leadership’s view).
So, I laid out my hypothesis about what was taking place at that moment in Zabeel Palace or wherever the impromptu command centre was that evening. As I started sharing, it was about 10pm and we were back to smoking our cigars.
First, the decision about the fireworks can wait. It doesn’t have to be made right at this moment. There is at least an hour-and-a-half before a decision had to be made (for the record the Dubai Government made it in less time).
The first priority is everyone’s safety. Of course we all agreed about this.
And it’s clear this was definitely the top priority. It goes without saying that giving Civil Defence all of the support they need to successfully fight the fire was an early priority and a place to quickly micro-monitor.
Next, I argued that a leader would want an early assessment about the cause of the fire. Largely, to know if there could be a similar fire and if the fireworks were related in any way at all. If this early assessment was clear, then the focus would be on the repercussions.
The first repercussion would be if the fireworks in anyway extend the existing fire. Then the external repercussions need to be considered. Assuming everyone is safe, the fire is contained and you’re sure the fireworks are unrelated, you would want to think about, “What will all of the pundits say? Would they see having the fireworks as an act of bravery or irresponsibility?”
Then my friends went back to defending their positions as they split into two camps, those who said “Dubai will do it. They’ll show the world they’re strong and in control.” And those who said, “It’s impossible.”
I’m curious how many times you trade courage for your own definition of responsibility instead of using responsibility to drive your courage. If you want people to say, “Hats off to what you did...”, then you need to act with courage.
Responsible and courageous leadership
“Impossible?” I questioned in my head and began to think of the leadership’s saying that “Impossible is not in the UAE [or leaders’] dictionary.” And it was proved once again that nothing is impossible in Dubai as the spectacular fireworks lit up the sky. After watching the amazing display, we stood there with even greater pride. No one would have criticised Dubai for not being bold — yet they were anyhow.
A crisis leadership lesson emerged from that night for all of us — be responsible yet act with courage. New Year’s Eve reminded me of a thought that became evident while writing Leadership Dubai Style. “Had Dubai listened to the advice of everyone else, we wouldn’t have Dubai.”
I’m curious how many times you trade courage for your own definition of responsibility instead of using responsibility to drive your courage. If you want people to say, “Hats off to what you did...”, then you need to act with courage.
Once again, Dubai modelled for the world what responsible courageous leadership looks like. I hope you will learn to lead like Dubai is teaching us how to.