Intra regional collaboration will greatly influence long term career success (page 2 of 2)

For some involved in complex deal structures, their tenure and opportunity to advance seems certain, and often they are able to negotiate a career package that supports their level of accountability. Their experience is required, a lot depends on making the right caliber hire and companies are willing to pay for talent. However, there are some issues outside the control of the new incumbent and the employer and they are affecting career decisions and influencing the ability to attract talent.

Sadly, good talent has left the Middle East and not only because of security scares. Often the many difficulties faced on a daily basis including: package erosion, a continuing increase in the cost of living resulting in less liquidity, uncertain career prospects, intra-regional rivalry often creating barriers to movement, lack of legislative protection for the individual and domestic barriers that prevent transfers, has made it very difficult for families to justify remaining here.

If this region is going to be successful in securing the right talent, talent necessary to drive the many initiatives and complex business alliances over the next decade, then the Middle East has to be seen as a natural path through which one would traverse. There needs to be passion to want to come to this region, people need to feel that this place has a lot to offer and that time spent here is considered an investment in the overall career strategy.

Importantly, we need to recognise that keeping what you already have and allowing it to flourish is the first step in the process.