ABSTRACT
Strategy development and execution of strategies are two areas where leaders cannot simply delegate responsibility. Just like an organization, a State can only make things happen, drive change, and deliver strategic objectives if a leader's heart and soul are immersed in the State. A State that fails to commit to the future suffers from an absence of inspiration and imagination, a failure by leaders to describe a shore worth reaching: the vision. Describing a compelling future requires an understanding of what triggers the commitment of followers, particularly those close to the action and close to where value is created. A vision can provide both a sense of being and a sense of enduring purpose. Without a sensible vision, efforts to change can dissolve into a list of confusing governmental projects that take the State in the wrong direction. The vision should be easily communicated and understood. Whilst vision is also about action, in order to make strategy happen from a strategic leadership point-of-view, vision requires an understanding of what exactly a leader, who is in charge of execution, does. The study focuses on an exemplary strategic leader of our time: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, U.A.E. Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The study explores how HH Sheikh Mohammed has driven the achievement of Dubai's success to this day and how he has managed to make Dubai become internationally known for its competitiveness in achieving its strategic programs and initiatives performance through three key leadership attributes or characteristics: Vision, Determination and Engagement, or the VDE Factor.
Keywords
Inspiration, Strategic Leader, Transformational Leadership, Vision, Determination, Engagement, Performance, VDE Factor, PQ, MBWA