Panel to review medical errors - Oman Daily Observer
Panel to review medical errors - Oman Daily Observer
Panel to review medical errors - Oman Daily Observer
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PEOPLE’S<br />
PLATFORM<br />
THE different types of <strong>Oman</strong>i<br />
folklore for various occasions is<br />
beautifully exhibited in the ongoing<br />
Muscat Festival. Some of the most<br />
famous and popular folklore are Al Taymoona,<br />
Al Wayilia, Al Sanawa, Al Tanjeela,<br />
Al Zaffa, Al Shubaniya, Al Tanboura,<br />
Al Rabouba, Al Sirwan, Al Hamboura,<br />
Al Sha’abaniyya, Al a’yalla, Al Razfa<br />
Al Badwiya, Al Bara’a, Al Wahbiya,<br />
Taqroud Al Boosh and Al M’ghaydha.<br />
Al Razha is a dance performed by men<br />
only, by throwing swords high in the air.<br />
Al Hoboot is a famous dance in Dhofar<br />
Governorate expressing horsemanship,<br />
bravery and dignity.<br />
Traditional <strong>Oman</strong>i folk songs and<br />
dance has continued <strong>to</strong> be a favourite in<br />
the festival. <strong>Oman</strong>is are admired for their<br />
rich reper<strong>to</strong>ire of folk dances and songs.<br />
It is an important part of the Sultanate’s<br />
traditional arts.<br />
Enthusiasts watching live performances<br />
of these folk dances and songs say<br />
that they stand out because of the robust<br />
rhythm. The folk dances <strong>to</strong>gether with<br />
music, movements, bright costumes and<br />
public applause enliven the festivities.<br />
Scintillating dances and songs at Al<br />
Amerat and Naseem Park are among the<br />
major highlights. <strong>Oman</strong>i men and women<br />
performing spectacular folklore have<br />
added sparkle <strong>to</strong> the festivities, say visi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
from Nizwa.<br />
— Salman<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>r: Folk dances and music give<br />
ISS Eco Club participates<br />
in mangrove planting<br />
THE Eco Club of Indian<br />
School Salalah<br />
along with the support<br />
of Ministry of Environment<br />
and Climatic Affairs, Dhofar<br />
Governorate organised activities<br />
<strong>to</strong> create awareness on environmental<br />
care.<br />
Students numbering 54<br />
of class VIII and two teachers<br />
participated in this programme.<br />
The team visited<br />
the government ministry’s<br />
permanent nursery at Awqad,<br />
Salalah. After a warm welcome<br />
by the Programme<br />
Manager Esam Al Busi, Dr<br />
Ahmed al Saidi, Direc<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
Marine Conservation, explained<br />
about the mangrove<br />
tree planting project and its<br />
importance. He said that, this<br />
project has two phases. The<br />
first phase is <strong>to</strong> collect the<br />
mangrove seeds from the forest<br />
and the initial process is<br />
<strong>to</strong> plant it in the plastic bags.<br />
The second phase begins<br />
by transplanting the grown<br />
plants from the nursery <strong>to</strong> the<br />
an insight in<strong>to</strong> the cultural legacy of a<br />
country. Each region has distinct folklore<br />
traditions, portraying the cultural milieu<br />
of that area.<br />
Jobs are basic rights<br />
MORE than 40,000 young <strong>Oman</strong>i<br />
jobseekers enter the market<br />
every year. It is the duty of the private<br />
sec<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> accept them and offer training<br />
opportunities. Many of these jobseekers<br />
are well-trained and can very well adapt<br />
26 LETTERS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013<br />
<strong>Oman</strong>i folklore at Muscat Festival adds sparkle<br />
<strong>to</strong> the demands of offices. They are hard<br />
working and obedient.<br />
Developing programmes <strong>to</strong> raise staff potential<br />
By Susan Bagyura<br />
ONE important role of a<br />
successful leader is <strong>to</strong><br />
be on the look out for<br />
potential future leaders. It’s<br />
more effective and cost efficient<br />
<strong>to</strong> develop people within the<br />
company rather than instituting<br />
an external search.<br />
Depending on the size of<br />
your company, you may want<br />
<strong>to</strong> implement leadership development<br />
programmes for high<br />
potential staff <strong>to</strong> develop their<br />
skills and give them a broader<br />
view of the company.<br />
High potential staff typically<br />
are conscientious, ambitious,<br />
swampy areas of the Dhofar<br />
coast.<br />
Indian School Students<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok part in the first phase<br />
guided by Badr al Balushi,<br />
Head of Wetlands. In this<br />
stage soaked seeds of mangrove<br />
trees (kept six hours<br />
in water) were planted in the<br />
plastic bags filled with soil by<br />
the nursery.<br />
Since these types of<br />
mangrove trees (Avicennia<br />
Marina) provide shelter for<br />
certain species of migra<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
birds like Flamingos, Western<br />
Reef Heron, Garganey, European<br />
Teal etc, the organisers<br />
have arranged for special bird<br />
watching telescopes and binoculars<br />
<strong>to</strong> watch these species.<br />
Salinity test was conducted<br />
and shown <strong>to</strong> the students.<br />
Eco caps were distributed<br />
<strong>to</strong> the students. The President<br />
of the school management<br />
committee Cyril Samuel and<br />
the Principal TR Brown appreciated<br />
the effort of the Eco<br />
club.<br />
LEADERSHIP CORNER<br />
Leadership is lifting a<br />
person’s vision <strong>to</strong> high<br />
sights, the raising of a<br />
person’s performance<br />
<strong>to</strong> a higher standard,<br />
the building of a<br />
personality beyond its<br />
normal limitations.<br />
— Peter Drucker<br />
committed and invested in the<br />
vision of the company. They<br />
go well beyond expectations<br />
in their pursuit of completing a<br />
task or project. To retain these<br />
types of individuals, it’s essential<br />
<strong>to</strong> have a programme that<br />
challenges and rewards them<br />
for their efforts.<br />
Here are seven tips of how<br />
you can groom your high potential<br />
employees for success:<br />
1) Create an individual development<br />
plan. Work with<br />
your employees <strong>to</strong> create a<br />
plan that harmonises with their<br />
strengths, desires, interests and<br />
experience. The plan should<br />
include miles<strong>to</strong>nes, training<br />
requirements, resources and<br />
deadlines.<br />
2) Give them opportunities<br />
<strong>to</strong> move in<strong>to</strong> different roles<br />
and positions throughout the<br />
company <strong>to</strong> gain new expertise<br />
and perceptions. In meetings<br />
with them, find out what their<br />
viewpoints and recommendations<br />
are <strong>to</strong> determine if they<br />
are in alignment with your understanding.<br />
3) Stretch them by giving<br />
growth-oriented tasks that include<br />
some risk. Push them past<br />
their comfort zone and skill<br />
level. Provide an environment<br />
where failure is valued as a positive<br />
learning experience.<br />
4) Get them pared up with<br />
a suitable men<strong>to</strong>r. Ensure there<br />
are guidelines so both sides are<br />
well prepared. Initially the new<br />
‘partners’ should get <strong>to</strong> know<br />
each other and set the ground<br />
rules for their relationship,<br />
spelling out how often they<br />
will meet, how long the meetings<br />
will be and how they will<br />
communicate outside of those<br />
meetings. It’s beneficial for<br />
each of them <strong>to</strong> understand the<br />
other’s personality, style and<br />
background.<br />
5) Do regular assessments<br />
on the progress of the high potential<br />
candidates <strong>to</strong> verify that<br />
they are growing and stretching<br />
with adequate support. See that<br />
they receive regular feedback.<br />
Address any problems as they<br />
arise.<br />
6) Provide outside coaching<br />
and assessments. Allow the opportunity<br />
for these candidates <strong>to</strong><br />
freely discuss the challenges or<br />
say things that they may not say<br />
<strong>to</strong> an internal men<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
7) Understand that not every<br />
high potential candidate will<br />
have what it takes or the desire<br />
<strong>to</strong> become a leader. Continually<br />
be on the outlook for new candidates<br />
inside and outside of the<br />
company.<br />
As people go through the<br />
process, be willing <strong>to</strong> withdraw<br />
people from the programme<br />
when it becomes apparent that<br />
although they are good employees,<br />
they do not fit your future<br />
leadership requirements.<br />
Leaders must be able <strong>to</strong> deal<br />
with conflict and uncertainty.<br />
Use the above methods <strong>to</strong> see<br />
how your high potential candidates<br />
develop through the process.<br />
They will need an experimental<br />
mindset because some<br />
The government has been working<br />
hard <strong>to</strong> generate employment opportunities<br />
(106,000 jobs for <strong>Oman</strong>is over the<br />
course of 2012 and 2013). The private<br />
sec<strong>to</strong>r, which enjoys huge government<br />
projects and support, must complement<br />
the <strong>Oman</strong>isation programmes. The multinationl<br />
giants operating here need <strong>to</strong><br />
consider the gain they get from the government<br />
in terms of billions of rials worth<br />
of projects and incentives need <strong>to</strong> share<br />
the wealth and give some of it back <strong>to</strong> the<br />
community.<br />
— Ahmed<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>r: <strong>Oman</strong>i graduates need jobs<br />
which is their basic right. They also need<br />
skills and incentives <strong>to</strong> build their own<br />
micro and small enterprises. The multinational<br />
companies need <strong>to</strong> share their<br />
wealth.<br />
New road projects<br />
IN the news item ‘Timeframe for<br />
project’ you have reported the<br />
implementation of the directives of His<br />
Majesty by the Muscat Municipality<br />
which will begin paving and constructing<br />
new internal roads in the Muscat<br />
decisions will work out and others<br />
won’t. Some projects will<br />
be successful and others won’t<br />
be. However, every decision<br />
and project should teach them<br />
something and it’s important <strong>to</strong><br />
know what they’ve learned and<br />
how they will serve the company.<br />
— Susan Bagyura is a leadership<br />
coach and business consultant.<br />
She works with aspiring<br />
entrepreneurs in the essentials<br />
of starting a business and developing<br />
the business mindset. Go<br />
<strong>to</strong> http://www.bizsuccesstraining.com/audios<br />
<strong>to</strong> hear the audio<br />
of this article in English.<br />
Governorate <strong>to</strong>talling 1,000 kilometres<br />
in the next few days. The project will be<br />
carried out within the timeframe set for<br />
the current Five-Year Plan which ends on<br />
2015. The Royal directives point <strong>to</strong> the<br />
paving of 533 kilometres <strong>to</strong> be added <strong>to</strong><br />
the already planned 467 kilometres, with<br />
the <strong>to</strong>tal number of new internal roads<br />
rising <strong>to</strong> 1,000.<br />
This year’s programme provides for<br />
the paving of 420 kilometres, with 160<br />
km in Seeb, 65 in Bausher, 20 in Muttrah,<br />
105 in Al Amerat and 70 in Qurayat.<br />
Next year’s programme provides 125<br />
km in Seeb, 38 km in Bausher, 20 km<br />
in Muttrah, 102 in Al Amerat and 35 in<br />
Qurayat.<br />
The implementation of these projects<br />
will usher in a great degree of flexibility<br />
in managing the rising volume of traffic.<br />
— Abdullah<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>r: Road networks are a key<br />
part of the country’s infrastructure for<br />
progress. <strong>Oman</strong> has been spending considerable<br />
time and funds on roads which<br />
is good for the overall development of the<br />
country.<br />
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Tanzania for <strong>Oman</strong>i investment in gas reserves<br />
By Hasan Kamoonpuri<br />
JOB Ndugai, Deputy<br />
Speaker of the Parliament<br />
of Tanzania, who recently<br />
visited <strong>Oman</strong> with a six-member<br />
delegation of parliamentarians,<br />
had “very positive and<br />
fruitful meetings with <strong>Oman</strong>i<br />
authorities” on developing relations<br />
between the two countries.<br />
After meetings with Shaikh<br />
Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali,<br />
Chairman, Majlis Ash’shura,<br />
Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al<br />
Mantheri, Chairman, Majlis<br />
Addawla, and other <strong>to</strong>p-ranking<br />
officials, Job Ndugai <strong>to</strong>ld<br />
the <strong>Observer</strong> that Tanzania<br />
holds great potential for investment<br />
in its oil and gas sec<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
The Tanzanian official said<br />
he was impressed by his visit<br />
<strong>to</strong> the Sultan Qaboos University<br />
library, Sultan Qaboos<br />
Grand Mosque and the newly<br />
built Majlis Ash’shura and<br />
Majlis Addawla. As many as<br />
60 per cent of the students at<br />
SQU are women and 15 women<br />
have been designated as<br />
member of Majlis Addawla, he<br />
said, adding that “the all round<br />
development and the use of oil<br />
revenues for building infrastructure<br />
under the leadership<br />
of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos<br />
are praiseworthy”.<br />
The Tanzanian guest said<br />
they could gain a lot from<br />
<strong>Oman</strong>’s experience in the oil<br />
and gas sec<strong>to</strong>r. Many African<br />
countries blessed with natural<br />
gas and oil resources are<br />
in chaotic conditions because<br />
of mismanagement. <strong>Oman</strong><br />
has managed <strong>to</strong> tap its natural<br />
resources for the good of the<br />
country, Ndugai added.<br />
<strong>Oman</strong>-Tanzania Business<br />
Council is <strong>to</strong> be formed in<br />
near future as a follow-up of a<br />
memorandum of understand-<br />
ing signed during the visit of<br />
Tanzanian President Jakaya<br />
Mrisho Kilwete <strong>to</strong> <strong>Oman</strong> last<br />
year.<br />
Job Ndugai said once the<br />
council is in place more investment<br />
opportunities could<br />
be explored for joint ventures<br />
in the two countries in addition<br />
<strong>to</strong> the Sultanate’s investment<br />
in the natural gas sec<strong>to</strong>r<br />
of Tanzania.<br />
Tanzania sits on recoverable<br />
natural gas reserves of<br />
over 33 trillion cubic feet (tcf).<br />
New discoveries are an indication<br />
that Tanzania is now becoming<br />
one of the natural gas<br />
hubs and a new frontier in oil<br />
and gas exploration in the east<br />
African region and the world<br />
at large, say experts.<br />
Tanzania hopes the gas<br />
finds would help <strong>to</strong> transform<br />
the country’s economy, which<br />
largely depends on farming,<br />
mining and <strong>to</strong>urism.<br />
He said Tanzania holds out<br />
great opportunities for investment<br />
in its lives<strong>to</strong>ck and fisheries<br />
sec<strong>to</strong>r, and farm production.<br />
Blessed with millions of<br />
hectares of fertile land, water<br />
and very suitable weather,<br />
Tanzania can be an ideal place<br />
for <strong>Oman</strong> <strong>to</strong> invest and grow<br />
its farm products <strong>to</strong> meet its<br />
requirements.<br />
Is winning,<br />
everything?<br />
Dr Rajan Philips<br />
rajanph@yahoo.co.uk<br />
THE other day I listened <strong>to</strong> a popular ABBA song,<br />
The Winner Takes it All. This single released in<br />
1980 from the group’s Super Trouper album won<br />
many awards and <strong>to</strong>pped the charts in several countries. I<br />
believe the context of the song was a broken relationship<br />
that ends in divorce.<br />
Bu the expression set me thinking in a different direction<br />
al<strong>to</strong>gether. My mind explored the notion ‘winner<br />
takes it all’ in relation <strong>to</strong> accomplishments in sports and<br />
in life.<br />
The excessive emphasis in sports on winning is a<br />
modern aberration. The statement “winning is the only<br />
thing that matters in sport” attributed <strong>to</strong> the American<br />
football coach Vince Lombardi, is gaining greater respectability.<br />
Coaches, players, managers and even some<br />
nations are prepared <strong>to</strong> take unethical path <strong>to</strong> glory and<br />
success. Athletes are prepared <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> any lengths. Unfair<br />
means like use of performance-enhancing drugs, or<br />
match fixing are common occurrences.<br />
Take a chance till you are caught seems <strong>to</strong> be the policy.<br />
Fair play and true sportsmanship takes a back seat.<br />
The reasons are obvious. The stakes are high — wealth,<br />
fame and power. Caution and scruples are thrown <strong>to</strong> the<br />
winds. The losers miss out on the rich spoils of the game.<br />
Contracts of players who do not deliver are not renewed.<br />
Coaches are summarily sacked for the below par performance<br />
of teams.<br />
However, such an attitude <strong>to</strong>wards the game does not<br />
augur well for sports in the long run. Winning by devious<br />
means must be recognised as an unacceptable hollow<br />
vic<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
The disgraceful fall from the pinnacle of fame of<br />
super athletes like Ben Johnson, Lance Armstrong, Tiger<br />
Woods prove this beyond doubt. Yet, it is a pity that<br />
sports stars continue <strong>to</strong> chase instant success risking their<br />
careers and health.<br />
Sadly, the obsession with instant success has percolated<br />
every sphere of public and personal life of celebrities<br />
and common folk alike. Don’t we read regularly<br />
of unethical business practices, including recent spate of<br />
criminal tampering of expiry dates of essential commodities?<br />
Or of political leaders who rig elections <strong>to</strong> cling<br />
on <strong>to</strong> power?<br />
It is high time we redefine ‘success’. Winning and<br />
losing must be accepted as a natural element in the process<br />
of building our careers and character. Then we can<br />
draw valuable lessons from the very process of losing —<br />
lessons that spur us <strong>to</strong> grow in<strong>to</strong> better human beings.<br />
Unhealthy competition and rat race in academic, business<br />
and social realms must cease. Parents’ urge <strong>to</strong> goad<br />
their children <strong>to</strong> out shine their peers must be bridled.<br />
They must accept the reality of individual differences<br />
and aptitudes. They must support and encourage their<br />
wards <strong>to</strong> achieve their innate potential.<br />
In the endeavour <strong>to</strong> excel, the key question <strong>to</strong> ask is:<br />
‘As we move forward, are we better than we were before?<br />
Not: ‘Are we better than X, Y or Z’? If we can gain<br />
this balanced state of mind we are already winners.<br />
‘Everyone is a winner’ is the mot<strong>to</strong> of the Paralympics.<br />
Rightly so. Those valiant athletes triumph over incredible<br />
adversities <strong>to</strong> run the race of life with courage<br />
and confidence. They teach us that winning a medal isn’t<br />
everything and losing is not the end of the world.<br />
We must take a leaf out of the lives of such inspiring<br />
examples. That’s the way <strong>to</strong> escape our obsession for<br />
instant and unethical success and live a life of honest endeavour,<br />
contentment and joy.<br />
Quotes:<br />
Success is nothing more than doing what you can<br />
do, well.<br />
— HW Longfellow<br />
Try not <strong>to</strong> become just a man of success but a man<br />
of value.<br />
— Albert Einstein