Qtel launches dynamic development plan to maximize domestic and international growth

"In a rapidly changing telecoms sector, we are determined that Qtel should set the bar and not just keep pace. With high customer expectations and what is set to become a more fluid market, we are taking bold steps to reach our goals. At Qtel, we are actively encouraging and enabling the development of our staff. These learning initiatives are an essential tool in our drive to become one of the top 20 telecommunications companies in the world by 2020," commented Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO.

The learning initiatives provide a development framework for achieving two key goals: to actively prepare its workforce ahead of the entrance of competition into the market by enhancing key capabilities and raising performance levels to meet the demands of a newly competitive, international environment, and to launch a sustainable growth phase that will position Qtel as a global player in the region.

The series of initiatives will include a transformation of the existing training centre into a learning centre, new frameworks identifying the behavioral and functional competencies required from all employees at all levels in the organization, the launch of a new learning portal and e-Learning,leadership programs tailored to management and employee needs, a new Qatari Graduate Development program, and a Personal Engagement Program (PEP) that will allow all employees to link their development objectives to the vision and values of the organization.

The launch of the initiatives is part of Qtel's vision to become one of the leading learning organisations in the world. During Qtel's Annual General Assembly meeting on 25 February 2007, Qtel outlined its plans to further invest in training its employees. At the same time, Qtel recognized the need to create an appropriate work ambiance to enhance staff productivity. The learning initiatives are the practical application of these aspirations.

The initiatives are designed to embed a culture of learning at all levels of the company by setting expectations, monitoring progress and enabling development. A key objective of the initiatives is to engage staff in their own development by addressing their individual needs. While managers will be developed under the specially designed Leadership Development Program, employees will receive training under a wide range of Skills Enhancement Programs.

"The goal of these learning initiatives is to enable us to improve products and services company-wide. It is not a piecemeal approach; this is about a sustainable, fundamental and global transformation. At Qtel we believe that a world class workforce will deliver a world class service and we are taking aggressive steps as an entire organization to ensure that we are successful in this endeavour," said Jassim Al-Mansouri, Executive Director, Group HR.