Success in business is often put down to a single, talented individual. But, as in many other areas of life, it’s more often the result of high-performing teams. As Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, said: “No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.”

In my view, there is a great opportunity here for business owners in the UAE and GCC. We know diverse teams perform better, and there are few workforces more diverse than those in our region. The question is: are we leveraging this advantage?

One other point I also want to stress is that while recruiting the right people is crucial, developing a high-performance team is equally about creating an environment where they can learn, grow, and improve. So, in this article, I’ll give my take on whether we can say if great teams are hired or molded.

DEFINING THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAM

What constitutes a team? Fundamentally, it is the collective endeavor of individuals striving towards a common objective. A team is made up of interdependent individuals who are jointly accountable for results.

What makes it special is that a team possesses the potential to surpass the collective capabilities of its individual members. Whether we call this “team performance” or “team effectiveness,” we’re talking about how well the team fulfils its basic duties, and how it goes beyond them (such as working cross-functionally), as well as its ability to respond to changing demands– through learning and innovation.

When we look at the small startup teams –huddled around kitchen tables, or working away in garages– that later grow into tech giants, we often find a cross-functional team of developers, designers, and marketers working together seamlessly towards a shared goal. Even outside of business, we can find examples to help us think about our own organizations: in the early NASA space program Apollo 11, it took an estimated team of 400,000 people to make the moon landings possible.

In all cases, whether the team in question is large or small, what they share is that they are cohesive units that consistently exceed expectations, innovate, and adapt in the face of challenges. They exhibit exceptional levels of collaboration, communication, and accountability.

Related: Why I Took My Dubai-Based Team To Work Out Of Zanzibar For Two Weeks

THE NEED FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAMS

It’s been found that high-performing teams can lead to a 20%–25% increase in performance. In the context of the GCC region and UAE specifically, where rapid economic growth and fierce competition prevail, cultivating high-performance teams is critical for companies striving to stay ahead. Whether in finance, technology, hospitality, or any other sector, organizations that prioritize the development of such teams are better equipped to navigate uncertainties as well as capitalize on emerging opportunities.

To my mind, these are the key components of high-performance teams:

• SHARED VISION AND GOALS High-performance teams are driven by a common purpose and clear, achievable objectives. Every member understands their role in contributing to the overarching mission, and they are committed to its attainment.
• EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Open, honest communication is the lifeblood of high-performance teams. They foster an environment where ideas flow freely, feedback is welcomed, and conflicts are addressed constructively.
• COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT Collaboration is ingrained in the DNA of high-performance teams. Members leverage each other’s strengths, support one another in times of need, and celebrate collective achievements.
• CONTINUOUS LEARNING High-performance teams are not complacent. They embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement. They seek feedback, adapt to changing circumstances, and proactively identify opportunities for growth.
• RESILIENCE AND AGILITY In the face of adversity, high-performance teams display resilience and agility. They remain adaptable, innovative, and unfazed by setbacks, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

Related: Planning Your Brand Communication Right: Six Trends You Need To Be Ready For In 2024

BUILDING HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAMS

A quick glance at the numbers tells you everything you need to know. Let’s start with what happens if your team isn’t high-performance. A 2024 market data report shows that around 46% of failed startups cited a lack of team competence as the primary reason. That’s almost half of failed startups claiming it all comes down to the team. Another study shows that 75% of teams struggle with dysfunctionality.

As I’ve mentioned, one area of optimism for business owners in the UAE –where teams are, by the nature of the workforce, exceedingly diverse– is that increasing diversity within teams can create a 50% enhancement in performance. This is according to a study, which also found that when team members are empowered and working well together, companies show a 6% higher net profit margin.

So, what does a high-performance team look like, and how can leaders nurture and sustain such teams? As Steve Jobs said, “The best ideas have to win, otherwise good people don’t stay.” So, trusting others, and having arguments that are focused on the task at hand and don’t get personal, is key. (Now, it’s debatable whether Jobs himself truly followed this, but you can’t argue with his success!) In short, if your teams are engaged, they will stay with your organization for the long run.

One question often debated is whether high-performance teams are hired or molded. My view is that the truth lies somewhere in between. While recruiting individuals with the right skills, mindset, and cultural fit is undoubtedly crucial, investing in their development and nurturing a conducive environment for collaboration and growth is equally essential.

To achieve this, leaders must adopt a holistic approach that combines strategic hiring with team-building initiatives. This may involve implementing rigorous recruitment processes to identify top talent, providing ongoing training and development opportunities, fostering a culture of trust and psychological safety, and establishing clear performance metrics and feedback mechanisms. Managers should aim to cultivate cohesion within teams by promoting inclusion and recognition, ensuring that all team members feel valued for their unique contributions.

So, developing cohesion within teams requires a proactive approach on the part of managers. They should recognize that social cohesion is dynamic and can evolve over time, and as such, having regular check-ins with the team is crucial to gauge feelings towards one another, and identify the need for new strategies. Plus, building trust and familiarity through team-building activities remains vital. Additionally, managers should facilitate a sense of belonging among team members by highlighting the value of their individual skills and personalities in contributing to the team’s overall success.

Building high-performing teams in the UAE requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes skillful recruitment, continuous development, and a collaborative environment. By recognizing the diverse cultural landscape of our region, I believe we can harness its unique strengths and unlock untapped potential. This means investing in team cohesion, trust-building, and inclusive practices to enhance productivity and cultivate a sense of unity and shared purpose. If you create a “best idea wins” environment, you will prove the maxim that a great team will always outperform even the most brilliant individual.

Home to more than 3000 Indian companies including publishers, retailers, and other businesses, SPC Free Zone is going to lead several meetings and networking opportunities to inform ecosystem players about the burgeoning prospects for expansion and growth that lie ahead of them when they choose Sharjah and SPC Free Zone as their regional gateway. SPC Free Zone’s participation in the NDWBF 2024 aligns with its mission to serve as a global hub connecting publishers from diverse regions with the lucrative opportunities, business-friendly policies and tax incentives available in the UAE. 

A regional launchpad for the Indian and global publishing industry 
Through their dedicated booth at NDWBF 2024, SPC Free Zone will offer attendees a unique opportunity to explore the array of services and advantages it provides to publishers. From cost-effective licensing solutions to flexible office spaces and access to a vibrant publishing community, SPC Free Zone stands as an ideal platform for those seeking to establish or expand their presence in the competitive world of publishing.

India, with its rich literary heritage and deep-rooted interest in publishing, shares a symbiotic relationship with Sharjah, and SPC Free Zone has become a preferred choice for thousands of Indian companies taking advantage of the 1,500 business activities that the free zone offers through their fast and efficient registration. 

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has unveiled its latest offering — the “Instant Licence Service”. This comprehensive instant business licence has been developed to redefine the process of establishing businesses in Sharjah, offering a swift and cost-effective solution for business owners.

The service is a first-of-its-kind, encompassing a spectrum of essential components crucial for establishing and operating businesses in Sharjah. It is designed to expedite the business setup process, empowering entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions and gain instant access to the thriving economy within the region.

The comprehensive service includes essential components such as the Business Licence, a Memorandum of Association (MOA), a Lease Agreement for securing office or business space within the SPC Free Zone, and a Share Certificate documenting ownership and 1 shareholder.

The service also includes a Certificate of Formation that validates the business entity’s existence and a Business Activity Certificate, which specifies approved business activities under the licence.

This instant licence also allows the flexibility to choose up to three licence activities from over 1,500 options spanning various industries and provisions for an unlimited number of visa quotas, streamlining the process for securing visas for key personnel within the company.

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the Sharjah Book Authority and Acting Director of SPC Free Zone, said, “We adopt a clear strategy towards supporting the business environment in Sharjah and strengthening its status as an attractive global destination for investment. This strategy is embodied in studying the challenges of entrepreneurs, investors, and project owners in the region and providing comprehensive solutions for them, enabling them to advance their businesses from establishment to the development and growth stage.”

With this new offering, SPC Free Zone continues to position itself as a pioneer in supporting business ventures, aligning with the emirate’s vision of becoming a global hub for diverse industries.

A free zone in the UAE is offering instant business licences as it looks to help entrepreneurs start a company in the country.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has unveiled its latest offering — the “Instant Licence Service”.

This comprehensive instant business licence has been developed to redefine the process of establishing businesses in Sharjah, offering a swift and cost-effective solution for business owners.

Instant business licence in the UAE

The service is a first-of-its-kind, encompassing a spectrum of essential components crucial for establishing and operating businesses in Sharjah.

It is designed to expedite the business setup process, empowering entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions and gain instant access to the thriving economy within the region.

The comprehensive service includes essential components such as:

• The business licence
• A Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• A Lease Agreement for securing office or business space within the SPC Free Zone
• A Share Certificate documenting ownership and one shareholder

The service also includes a Certificate of Formation that validates the business entity’s existence and a Business Activity Certificate, which specifies approved business activities under the licence.

This instant licence also allows the flexibility to choose up to three licence activities from more than 1,500 options spanning various industries and provisions for an unlimited number of visa quotas, streamlining the process for securing visas for key personnel within the company in the UAE.

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the Sharjah Book Authority and Acting Director of SPC Free Zone, said: “We adopt a clear strategy towards supporting the business environment in Sharjah and strengthening its status as an attractive global destination for investment.

“This strategy is embodied in studying the challenges of entrepreneurs, investors, and project owners in the region and providing comprehensive solutions for them, enabling them to advance their businesses from establishment to the development and growth stage.”

With this new offering, SPC Free Zone continues to position itself as a pioneer in supporting business ventures in the UAE, aligning with the emirate’s vision of becoming a global hub for diverse industries.

‘Great Place to Work’, a global authority on workplace culture, established over 30 years ago, highlighted key findings that showcase several aspects contributing to SPC’s achievement. The survey conducted by “Great Place to Work” unveiled high levels of trust and satisfaction among SPC’s employees, emphasising the supportive and collaborative atmosphere cultivated by the organisation.

SPC Free Zone stands out as a workplace of excellence, evident in its impressive statistics from the certification process. Boasting 94% for workplace hospitality, 90% for leadership behaviour, 86% for innovation, and 87% for engagement, the free zone exemplifies a robust workplace culture. Further, equity scored 72%, impartiality 76%, fairness 79%, and collaboration 83%, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and teamwork.

Specifically, an overwhelming 99% of employees feel physically safe at work, and the same percentage feels welcomed upon joining. Notably, 96% attest to fair treatment regardless of gender, while an equal percentage finds management approachable. Additionally, 95% express a deep sense of pride in their colleagues’ accomplishments. These statistics collectively affirm SPC Free Zone’s dedication to nurturing an hospitable workplace environment that values diversity, safety, fairness, and pride.

Outstanding customer experience
The Great Place to Work® Trust Model™, a data-based model for quantifying employee experience, has been the global standard for over three decades. It places the employee at the heart of its model, defining  a great workplace as one where employees trust their leaders, take pride in their work, and enjoy the camaraderie with their colleagues. This all translates to an optimum experience for their customers and is shown through the great reviews as well as the speed and ease of services provided by SPC Free Zone.

Home to over 1,500 publishers and investors
SPC Free Zone’s devotion to being a great workplace extends beyond its internal culture. The free zone is a hub for over 9681 businesses and investors from more than 40 countries, including over 1,500 publishers and investors, offering state-of-the-art facilities for the creation and distribution of high-quality educational and cultural content. These efforts align with the “For All Methodology”, ensuring a consistently positive experience for every employee, regardless of their role.

With the “Great Place to Work” Certification, SPC Free Zone not only affirms its dedication to creating a workplace that values its employees but also sets a benchmark for organisations aspiring to achieve excellence in workplace culture and employee satisfaction, and continues to lead the way in shaping a positive and inclusive work environment for all.

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) made a significant impact at the recently concluded London Book Fair 2024, unveiling its vision for a unified business ecosystem tailored to the creative sectors. It showcased world-class services and exclusive offerings for book industry professionals while highlighting investment opportunities.

During the fair, SPC Free Zone presented its strategy for cultivating a comprehensive business environment for the creative industries. These industries are critical to the global economy, contributing 3.1% of global GDP and employing 6.2% of the workforce, generating nearly 50 million jobs worldwide. The free zone aims to attract leading companies in these sectors, fostering a collaborative business community in one location.

With a portfolio of over 10,000 active registered companies and offering more than 2,000 business activities, SPC Free Zone showcased its business-friendly environment, strong investment potential, and unique opportunities for sta
rtups looking to establish themselves in Sharjah and beyond, leveraging the emirate’s advanced logistical infrastructure.

It also provided insights into the growth of the publishing sector in Sharjah and the UAE, unveiling significant opportunities for international publishing professionals.

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of SPC Free Zone, highlighted the participation in the London International Book Fair as a strategic move to solidify its status in global cultural and publishing forums. He noted that it broadens its reach and provides a platform to highlight promising opportunities for startups and businesses wishing to expand in the region.

He added, “SPC Free Zone’s business ecosystem, bolstered by unparalleled competitive advantages and world-class services, plays a crucial role in advancing the global publishing and creative industries. Hosting a multitude of companies across various sectors, we not only fuel their growth but also form enduring partnerships. Furthermore, our commitment extends beyond
investment; we engage in continuous dialogue with our business community to tailor our offerings to their evolving needs, thereby driving their success and the sector’s innovation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) is set to showcase its innovative ecosystem at the Startup Hub Expo India 2024 from January 17th to 19th at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan expo centre, symbolizes a significant stride in SPC Free Zone’s mission to nurture and empower the vibrant Indian startup community with its comprehensive range of services and global business insights.

SPC Free Zone dedicated booth

The Startup Hub Expo India provides a strategic platform for SPC Free Zone to expand its global footprint while showcasing its innovative solutions and services. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit and explore the free zone’s dedicated booth to gain firsthand experience of the cutting-edge offerings, and engage with the onsite team for detailed insights, answers to queries, and the exploration of potential partnerships and collaborations.

Entrepreneurs and startups will also be able to schedule one-on-one meetings during the expo to discuss how SPC Free Zone can tailor solutions to meet their specific needs and contribute to their business success.

Supporting Indian ventures and entrepreneurs

Within the diverse ecosystem of SPC Free Zone, Indian companies stand as the largest contingent, constituting a substantial portion of the registered businesses. The SPC Free Zone has been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for Indian entrepreneurs, offering them a strategic platform to establish and grow their ventures in the UAE.

The streamlined company setup process, instant licences, competitive costs, and state-of-the-art infrastructure have been key attractions for Indian entrepreneurs, contributing to the Free Zone’s status as a preferred destination.

SPC Free Zone’s commitment to collaboration and innovation has fostered a thriving community where startups benefit from networking opportunities, industry expertise, and tailored support services. This relationship has not only strengthened the Free Zone’s global presence, but also empowered Indian entrepreneurs to make significant strides in the publishing and related sectors within Sharjah and beyond.

Under the directives of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone has announced a support package for publishers wishing to establish or relocate their businesses to the city, including financial incentives up to AED 3 million. Whether from within the country or anywhere in the world, publishers will be exempted from 90% of licensing and business establishment fees.

This initiative embodies SPC Free Zone’s goals to advance the regional and global publishing industry. It asserts Sharjah’s status as a destination for creative industries. The agreements with beneficiaries of this generous initiative commit to printing no less than five new books within 12 months.

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the Sharjah Book Authority and Acting Director of SPC Free Zone, said: “This initiative exemplifies our steadfast dedication to fortifying our role as a global epicentre for publishing, printing and distribution. The SPC Free Zone is wholly committed to empowering investors to harness the full spectrum of our extraordinary opportunities and advantages. The Sharjah International Book Fair presents a distinct prospect for publishers to integrate into an international community that has chosen Sharjah as its corporate base. New entrants will have the chance to partake in the success that the SPC Free Zone has cultivated over the years, nurturing an environment conducive to collaboration, proficiency, and knowledge exchange within a competitive landscape”.

He added that the initiative also reflects Sharjah’s steadfast belief in the pivotal role of creative industries in the economy and, “SPC Free Zone’s unwavering commitment to support and nurture them through every possible means. We wholeheartedly welcome all publishers who share our vision and mission.”

The initiative is a new step in Sharjah Book Authority’s journey to promote cultural dialogue between civilisations and support authors’ creative, literary, and intellectual output in the region and the world. It aims to add hundreds of new titles to Arab and global libraries, provide new opportunities for authors to publish their works and present their visions to readers of various languages. The initiative targets publishers exhibiting in the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair.

AMMAN, 28th September, 2023 (WAM) — Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone is showcasing its world-class services and exclusive offerings for book industry professionals at the ongoing 22nd edition of Amman International Book Fair, held from 21st-30th September.

Through its interactive booth at the event, SPC Free Zone is turning the industry’s attention to its comprehensive ecosystem featuring cutting-edge facilities, robust legal, logistical and administrative support, tax-free earnings and other unique business incentives provided by the free zone to those businesses who wish to expand regionally and globally, with a vibrant operational base in the emirate.

At the book fair, visitors are keenly exploring the offerings of the fastest free zone, which boasts a seamless 45-minute trade licence issuance process. They are getting acquainted with UAE residency requirements and the privileges accompanying a single trading licence, including the opportunity to obtain a specific number of residencies. Additionally, they are being informed about the 1,500 commercial activities, of which they can select 5 to execute within the SPC Free Zone.

Visitors to the SPC Free Zone booth at Amman Book Fair are also learning about all the infrastructural facilities offered by the free zone, including warehousing, fully-furnished or empty office spaces, print-on-demand services, as well as a suite of other services like design, translation, shipping and distribution, which can be bought from other businesses who operate in SPC and provide these and other specialised services.

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Acting Director of SPC Free Zone (SPCFZ), noted that the participation in Amman International Book Fair 2023 promotes the free zone’s strategy to boost its business contributions to the Arab region, particularly in publishing and creative industries, and attract more publishers from different countries to Sharjah.

He said, “We are focused on strengthening our status as a top destination for investors in the publishing and creative sectors by offering them agile and intuitive services, strategic business advice and a host of financial incentives to enable them to maximise their profits. The one-stop-shop at SPC Free Zone will expedite issuances of new business licences, allow 100 percent business ownership rights, facilitate employee recruitment, offer priority banking and provide residency permits.”

The Sharjah delegation highlighted to visitors that it is home to 189 Jordanian companies, and nearly 40 percent are publishers and creative content production companies, who have benefitted hugely from SPC Free Zone’s amenities and facilities while establishing themselves, and attained great success while expanding from the region’s cultural and publishing hub – Sharjah.

The world’s first-of-its-kind free zone marks International Literacy Day by supporting the publishing and creative industries through its offerings and services.

According to a recent UN report, 773 million adults worldwide grapple with fundamental reading and writing deficits, depriving them of their rights and opportunities for education, employment, and meaningful social participation. And to overcome this challenge, the world annually observes International Literacy Day on September 8 to advance collective and concerted efforts to bridge the knowledge divide by promoting better access to knowledge and literacy.

Illiteracy, an affliction felt universally, calls for a collaborative approach, drawing upon the collective strength of institutions and individuals to mitigate its adverse impact on pursuing comprehensive and sustainable development objectives. This annual occasion, therefore, shines light on the tireless endeavours of international institutions and organisations dedicated to advancing literacy, promoting books, and facilitating access to knowledge, both in the Arab region and across the globe.

In the Arab world, Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone serves as a model of support for the global book industry & a key driver of UAE’s knowledge building efforts.

The entity’s relentless efforts to promote literacy worldwide by supporting the publishing sector and creative industries, are reflected in its myriad offerings and a business-friendly environment, which empower and enable industry players to thrive and produce quality educational and literary content tailored to stimulate individuals of all age groups.

SPC Free Zone also fosters collaborative innovation within the industry by promoting and facilitating knowledge and expertise exchange between publishers.Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Acting Director of SPC Free Zone (SPCFZ), underscored the significance of International Literacy Day and the integral role Sharjah plays in implementing strategies to eradicate illiteracy globally.

“SPC Free Zone embodies the vision of Sharjah – the UNESCO World Book Capital 2019-20 – to strengthen culture, education and creativity in society, closely aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #4, that is to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’”, he said.

“We are committed to bolstering the publishing sector through the free zone’s comprehensive services and facilities. Our practical approach includes promoting the creation of quality content and the production of books locally to increase access and ignite a passion for reading, nurture a love for knowledge, and support global efforts to eradicate illiteracy. We believe education and reading are fundamental human rights and the bedrock for sustainable development”, he added.

SPC Free Zone’s efforts encompass a spectrum of initiatives, including robust collaborations with publishers and creators. The free zone is home to over 1,500 publishers and investors from more than 40 countries, offering them unique and state-of-the-art facilities to create and distribute high-quality educational and cultural content and facilitating their access to readers regionally and globally.

The efforts don’t stop there. It proactively supports literacy campaigns and educational initiatives through partnerships with governmental and private entities, such as the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA). SPC Free Zone is also home to Lightning Source Sharjah – the first large-scale print-on-demand operations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, revolutionising book printing by facilitating high-quality, rapid production and global distribution, empowering publishers to manage their inventories and reduce printing expenses efficiently.

Furthermore, it spares no effort to champion raising the quality of educational and cultural content, foster cultural exchange between nations, and spearhead literacy campaigns to cultivate a culture of reading among all segments and age groups.