Shahnawaz Ali
Manager - Infrastructure & Cloud at ADIB - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
With over 16 years experience holding UAE Golden Visa, exceptional talent & leadership in the Emerging Technology. I am a passionate and visionary Leader in Digital, Cloud and Governance...
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- Cloud Adoption Strategies: Effective frameworks for cloud integration success
- Advanced Data Governance Practices: Ensuring data integrity and compliance management
- Digital Transformation Methodologies: Best practices for organizational technology evolution
- Disaster Recovery Planning: Strategies for business continuity and resilience
- Cybersecurity Best Practices: Safeguarding digital infrastructures against threats.
Meet the mentor
Tricky Workplace Situation Handled
- I can provide an example to bring a skill to life. Let's take the skill of active listening as an example. Active listening is a valuable skill that involves fully engaging with the speaker, paying attention to what they are saying, and responding appropriately. Here's an example of how this skill can be put into practice: In case of a manager conducting a performance review with one of your team members. During the review, your team member expresses concerns about their workload and mentions feeling overwhelmed with their current responsibilities. As an active listener, you would focus on what the team member is saying, provide feedback and encouragement, and ask questions to clarify their concerns. You might say something like: "I hear that you're feeling overwhelmed with your current workload. That must be stressful. Can you tell me more about what's causing the overload? Are there specific tasks or projects that are taking up more time than you expected?" By actively listening and asking open-ended questions, you create a safe space for the team member to express their concerns and feel heard. You may be able to identify the root causes of the workload concerns and work with the team member to develop solutions or strategies to manage the workload more effectively. This helps to build trust and rapport with your team members, and ultimately supports their success and the success of the team and the organization. In summary, the skill of active listening can be brought to life by actively engaging with the speaker, asking open-ended questions, and responding appropriately to create a safe space for honest communication and problem-solving.
- Dear Team, I am writing to inform you that our company will be implementing major changes to our work procedures. These changes have been discussed by management for several months and we believe that they will promote creativity and increase performance. To ensure a smooth transition, training will be provided for all departments. We understand that change can be difficult, but we are committed to supporting you through this process and ensuring that you have the resources and information you need to adapt to these changes. We will be providing more detailed information on the nature of these changes, including a timeline for implementation and any potential impacts on your roles and responsibilities, in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your line manager or HR team. Your feedback is important to us, and we welcome any input you may have as we work to improve our procedures and support our team's success. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to our company. Best regards,
- Tin can beyond its traditional use as a container for food or beverages. Here are some examples: Pencil holder: A cleaned and decorated tin can make a great pencil or pen holder for your desk. Plant pot: Drill some holes in the bottom of the tin can for drainage, and it can be used as a small planter for herbs, succulents, or other small plants. Candle holder: Place a small candle inside the tin can and create a cozy ambiance with soft lighting. Bird feeder: Attach a piece of string or wire to the top of the tin can and fill it with birdseed to make a DIY bird feeder. Vase: Paint or decorate a tin can and use it as a vase to hold flowers or other decorative items. Wind chime: Punch holes in the bottom of several tin cans, tie them to a piece of string or wire, and create a unique wind chime. Utensil holder: Use a larger tin can to hold kitchen utensils like spatulas, whisks, and wooden spoons. Gift wrapping: Use a cleaned and decorated tin can to present small gifts like candy, jewelry, or other small items. Toy drum: With the addition of a drumstick or two, a tin can can be used as a simple toy drum for children
- I am on Stage 4 of Critical Thinking. To Increase creativity and innovation, Stage 5 of critical thinking skills can help me to think more creatively and generate innovative solutions to problems. This can also lead to improved performance in areas such as product development, process improvement, , strategic planning and better decisions to improve overall organizational performance.
- One work experience that I can share to bring critical thinking to life is from my time working in project management. In this role, I had to use critical thinking skills to plan and execute complex projects on time and on budget. For example, I was working on a project that required a specific tool to complete the work, but the tool was not available in the local market. Instead of giving up or delaying the project, I used my critical thinking skills to research and identify alternative tools that were available locally. I then evaluated the alternatives based on cost, compatibility with our other equipment, and ease of use. By using my critical thinking skills, I was able to find a suitable alternative tool and keep the project on track. This experience shows how critical thinking can be used to overcome obstacles, think creatively, and find solutions to complex problems. By approaching problems with a curious and analytical mindset, individuals can often find alternative solutions that they may not have otherwise considered. Furthermore, in project management, it is essential to think critically to anticipate potential risks and plan contingencies. Critical thinking can help individuals identify potential roadblocks and develop strategies to mitigate them before they become serious problems. This skill is important not only in project management but also in many other areas of life, from personal finance to strategic planning.
- Patient safety may be compromised. If a healthcare worker is running behind schedule or not using their time efficiently, they may rush through procedures or not give patients the attention they need. This can lead to mistakes, errors, or missed diagnoses, all of which can put patients at risk. Quality of care may suffer. If a healthcare worker is not managing their time effectively, they may not be able to provide the level of care that patients need or deserve. This can lead to patient dissatisfaction, poor health outcomes, and a damaged reputation for the healthcare worker and their organization. Burnout and stress may occur. Healthcare workers who are not managing their time effectively may find themselves constantly rushing, working long hours, or taking work home with them. This can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased job satisfaction. Workflow and productivity may be disrupted. If one healthcare worker is not managing their time effectively, it can disrupt the workflow and productivity of the entire healthcare team. This can lead to delays, longer wait times for patients, and a general sense of chaos in the workplace. Overall, effective time management is critical for healthcare workers to ensure that they can provide high-quality, safe, and efficient care to their patients.
- Self-discipline and time management are closely connected because effective time management requires a certain level of self-discipline. Self-discipline refers to the ability to control one's behavior and make choices that align with their goals and values. Time management is the process of planning and organizing how much time is spent on various activities in order to maximize productivity and achieve desired outcomes. Here are a few ways that self-discipline is connected to effective time management: Prioritization: Self-discipline helps individuals prioritize their tasks and activities according to their importance and urgency. This allows individuals to focus their time and energy on the tasks that will have the most impact on their goals, rather than getting sidetracked by less important tasks. Focus: Effective time management requires individuals to stay focused on their tasks and avoid distractions. Self-discipline helps individuals maintain their focus and resist the temptation to engage in time-wasting activities or get sidetracked by unrelated tasks. Goal-setting: Self-discipline helps individuals set clear goals and take the necessary steps to achieve them. By setting clear goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable tasks, individuals can use their time more effectively and avoid wasting time on activities that don't contribute to their goals. Consistency: Effective time management requires consistency and discipline in sticking to a schedule or routine. Self-discipline helps individuals stay consistent in their time management practices, even when they don't feel like it or encounter unexpected challenges or obstacles. Overall, self-discipline is essential for effective time management because it helps individuals prioritize their tasks, stay focused, set clear goals, and maintain consistency in their time management practices. Without self-discipline, it can be difficult to manage time effectively and achieve desired outcomes.
- Using Pomodoro Technique i manage effective time because it allows me to break down a larger task into smaller, more manageable segments, which can help me stay focused and avoid procrastination. By setting a specific time limit for each work interval, me are also more likely to stay on task and avoid distractions. Additionally, taking regular breaks can help me avoid burnout and maintain my energy levels throughout the day. Overall, the Pomodoro Technique is an excellent example of how to manage my time effectively by breaking my work down into smaller segments and taking regular breaks to maintain me focus and productivity. To improve my time management skills: Analyze how me spend mer time: The first step to improving mer time management skills is to understand how me are currently using mer time. Keep a log of mer daily activities for a week or two and analyze how me are spending mer time. This can help me identify time-wasting activities and areas where me can make changes. Set clear goals and priorities: Once me understand how me are currently using my time, set clear goals and priorities for what me want to accomplish. Make a to-do list or use a task management tool to prioritize my tasks based on their importance and urgency. Plan my day/week: Create a daily or weekly schedule and plan out my day in advance. This can help me stay focused and avoid distractions. Use time management tools: There are many time management tools available that can help me stay organized and focused. Consider using a calendar, task management tool, or time tracking app to help me stay on track. Learn to say no: One of the most important skills for time management is learning to say no. Avoid overcommitting merself and be realistic about what i can accomplish in a given day or week. Take breaks: Taking breaks is essential for maintaining mer energy and focus throughout the day. Take short breaks every hour or two to help me stay productive. Evaluate mer progress: Regularly evaluate mer progress and make adjustments as needed. Take note of what is working and what is not working, and make changes accordingly. By following these steps, i can improve my time management skills and become more productive and efficient in work and personal life.
- For example, one customer complained that their order had been lost in the mail and demanded a full refund. While I could have simply processed the refund and moved on, I used my critical thinking skills to investigate the situation further. After some research, I discovered that the customer had provided an incorrect mailing address, which had led to the order being returned to us. Instead of simply refunding the customer, I used my critical thinking skills to come up with a solution that would satisfy the customer while also protecting the company's interests. I contacted the customer and explained the situation, and offered to reship the order to the correct address at no extra charge. The customer was grateful for the solution, and the company was able to avoid a costly refund. This experience illustrates how critical thinking can be used in real-world situations to solve complex problems and find creative solutions. By taking a thoughtful and analytical approach to problem-solving, individuals can often come up with solutions that benefit all parties involved, rather than simply taking the easiest or most obvious path.
Tricky Workplace Situation Handled
- I can provide an example to bring a skill to life. Let's take the skill of active listening as an example. Active listening is a valuable skill that involves fully engaging with the speaker, paying attention to what they are saying, and responding appropriately. Here's an example of how this skill can be put into practice: In case of a manager conducting a performance review with one of your team members. During the review, your team member expresses concerns about their workload and mentions feeling overwhelmed with their current responsibilities. As an active listener, you would focus on what the team member is saying, provide feedback and encouragement, and ask questions to clarify their concerns. You might say something like: "I hear that you're feeling overwhelmed with your current workload. That must be stressful. Can you tell me more about what's causing the overload? Are there specific tasks or projects that are taking up more time than you expected?" By actively listening and asking open-ended questions, you create a safe space for the team member to express their concerns and feel heard. You may be able to identify the root causes of the workload concerns and work with the team member to develop solutions or strategies to manage the workload more effectively. This helps to build trust and rapport with your team members, and ultimately supports their success and the success of the team and the organization. In summary, the skill of active listening can be brought to life by actively engaging with the speaker, asking open-ended questions, and responding appropriately to create a safe space for honest communication and problem-solving.
- Dear Team, I am writing to inform you that our company will be implementing major changes to our work procedures. These changes have been discussed by management for several months and we believe that they will promote creativity and increase performance. To ensure a smooth transition, training will be provided for all departments. We understand that change can be difficult, but we are committed to supporting you through this process and ensuring that you have the resources and information you need to adapt to these changes. We will be providing more detailed information on the nature of these changes, including a timeline for implementation and any potential impacts on your roles and responsibilities, in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your line manager or HR team. Your feedback is important to us, and we welcome any input you may have as we work to improve our procedures and support our team's success. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to our company. Best regards,
- Tin can beyond its traditional use as a container for food or beverages. Here are some examples: Pencil holder: A cleaned and decorated tin can make a great pencil or pen holder for your desk. Plant pot: Drill some holes in the bottom of the tin can for drainage, and it can be used as a small planter for herbs, succulents, or other small plants. Candle holder: Place a small candle inside the tin can and create a cozy ambiance with soft lighting. Bird feeder: Attach a piece of string or wire to the top of the tin can and fill it with birdseed to make a DIY bird feeder. Vase: Paint or decorate a tin can and use it as a vase to hold flowers or other decorative items. Wind chime: Punch holes in the bottom of several tin cans, tie them to a piece of string or wire, and create a unique wind chime. Utensil holder: Use a larger tin can to hold kitchen utensils like spatulas, whisks, and wooden spoons. Gift wrapping: Use a cleaned and decorated tin can to present small gifts like candy, jewelry, or other small items. Toy drum: With the addition of a drumstick or two, a tin can can be used as a simple toy drum for children
- I am on Stage 4 of Critical Thinking. To Increase creativity and innovation, Stage 5 of critical thinking skills can help me to think more creatively and generate innovative solutions to problems. This can also lead to improved performance in areas such as product development, process improvement, , strategic planning and better decisions to improve overall organizational performance.
- One work experience that I can share to bring critical thinking to life is from my time working in project management. In this role, I had to use critical thinking skills to plan and execute complex projects on time and on budget. For example, I was working on a project that required a specific tool to complete the work, but the tool was not available in the local market. Instead of giving up or delaying the project, I used my critical thinking skills to research and identify alternative tools that were available locally. I then evaluated the alternatives based on cost, compatibility with our other equipment, and ease of use. By using my critical thinking skills, I was able to find a suitable alternative tool and keep the project on track. This experience shows how critical thinking can be used to overcome obstacles, think creatively, and find solutions to complex problems. By approaching problems with a curious and analytical mindset, individuals can often find alternative solutions that they may not have otherwise considered. Furthermore, in project management, it is essential to think critically to anticipate potential risks and plan contingencies. Critical thinking can help individuals identify potential roadblocks and develop strategies to mitigate them before they become serious problems. This skill is important not only in project management but also in many other areas of life, from personal finance to strategic planning.
- Patient safety may be compromised. If a healthcare worker is running behind schedule or not using their time efficiently, they may rush through procedures or not give patients the attention they need. This can lead to mistakes, errors, or missed diagnoses, all of which can put patients at risk. Quality of care may suffer. If a healthcare worker is not managing their time effectively, they may not be able to provide the level of care that patients need or deserve. This can lead to patient dissatisfaction, poor health outcomes, and a damaged reputation for the healthcare worker and their organization. Burnout and stress may occur. Healthcare workers who are not managing their time effectively may find themselves constantly rushing, working long hours, or taking work home with them. This can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased job satisfaction. Workflow and productivity may be disrupted. If one healthcare worker is not managing their time effectively, it can disrupt the workflow and productivity of the entire healthcare team. This can lead to delays, longer wait times for patients, and a general sense of chaos in the workplace. Overall, effective time management is critical for healthcare workers to ensure that they can provide high-quality, safe, and efficient care to their patients.
- Self-discipline and time management are closely connected because effective time management requires a certain level of self-discipline. Self-discipline refers to the ability to control one's behavior and make choices that align with their goals and values. Time management is the process of planning and organizing how much time is spent on various activities in order to maximize productivity and achieve desired outcomes. Here are a few ways that self-discipline is connected to effective time management: Prioritization: Self-discipline helps individuals prioritize their tasks and activities according to their importance and urgency. This allows individuals to focus their time and energy on the tasks that will have the most impact on their goals, rather than getting sidetracked by less important tasks. Focus: Effective time management requires individuals to stay focused on their tasks and avoid distractions. Self-discipline helps individuals maintain their focus and resist the temptation to engage in time-wasting activities or get sidetracked by unrelated tasks. Goal-setting: Self-discipline helps individuals set clear goals and take the necessary steps to achieve them. By setting clear goals and breaking them down into smaller, achievable tasks, individuals can use their time more effectively and avoid wasting time on activities that don't contribute to their goals. Consistency: Effective time management requires consistency and discipline in sticking to a schedule or routine. Self-discipline helps individuals stay consistent in their time management practices, even when they don't feel like it or encounter unexpected challenges or obstacles. Overall, self-discipline is essential for effective time management because it helps individuals prioritize their tasks, stay focused, set clear goals, and maintain consistency in their time management practices. Without self-discipline, it can be difficult to manage time effectively and achieve desired outcomes.
- Using Pomodoro Technique i manage effective time because it allows me to break down a larger task into smaller, more manageable segments, which can help me stay focused and avoid procrastination. By setting a specific time limit for each work interval, me are also more likely to stay on task and avoid distractions. Additionally, taking regular breaks can help me avoid burnout and maintain my energy levels throughout the day. Overall, the Pomodoro Technique is an excellent example of how to manage my time effectively by breaking my work down into smaller segments and taking regular breaks to maintain me focus and productivity. To improve my time management skills: Analyze how me spend mer time: The first step to improving mer time management skills is to understand how me are currently using mer time. Keep a log of mer daily activities for a week or two and analyze how me are spending mer time. This can help me identify time-wasting activities and areas where me can make changes. Set clear goals and priorities: Once me understand how me are currently using my time, set clear goals and priorities for what me want to accomplish. Make a to-do list or use a task management tool to prioritize my tasks based on their importance and urgency. Plan my day/week: Create a daily or weekly schedule and plan out my day in advance. This can help me stay focused and avoid distractions. Use time management tools: There are many time management tools available that can help me stay organized and focused. Consider using a calendar, task management tool, or time tracking app to help me stay on track. Learn to say no: One of the most important skills for time management is learning to say no. Avoid overcommitting merself and be realistic about what i can accomplish in a given day or week. Take breaks: Taking breaks is essential for maintaining mer energy and focus throughout the day. Take short breaks every hour or two to help me stay productive. Evaluate mer progress: Regularly evaluate mer progress and make adjustments as needed. Take note of what is working and what is not working, and make changes accordingly. By following these steps, i can improve my time management skills and become more productive and efficient in work and personal life.
- For example, one customer complained that their order had been lost in the mail and demanded a full refund. While I could have simply processed the refund and moved on, I used my critical thinking skills to investigate the situation further. After some research, I discovered that the customer had provided an incorrect mailing address, which had led to the order being returned to us. Instead of simply refunding the customer, I used my critical thinking skills to come up with a solution that would satisfy the customer while also protecting the company's interests. I contacted the customer and explained the situation, and offered to reship the order to the correct address at no extra charge. The customer was grateful for the solution, and the company was able to avoid a costly refund. This experience illustrates how critical thinking can be used in real-world situations to solve complex problems and find creative solutions. By taking a thoughtful and analytical approach to problem-solving, individuals can often come up with solutions that benefit all parties involved, rather than simply taking the easiest or most obvious path.
