Bad leadership is drain on resources

Bad leadership can cost a firm more than $500,000 (Dh1.83 million) a year, according to an expert – and it can also result in missed business opportunities.

"Just as a good leader can really do wonders for any group, organisation or country, so a bad one can soon lead to doom and destruction," said psychologist Professor Adrian Furnham, a leading author on management. "Understanding and developing great leaders is one of the most important responsibilities of all organisations."

Professor Furnham, from University College London, is visiting Dubai to address a seminar being held today called the Challenge of Leadership. It is being held at the One and Only Royal Mirage from 10am to noon.

Furnham will discuss what he thinks makes a true leader in today's business environment. In addition he will give a taste of his new Developing Leaders programme, which is designed as a series of forums that follow an interactive, experiential format. The series start next month. The scheme is geared to developing leadership skills and techniques that ultimately produce sustainable organisational success.

Furnham is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society, adjunct professor at the BI Norwegian School of Management and has written or contributed to more than 650 scientific papers and 55 books.

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