In most cultures, much emphasis is placed on good solid education. Children are pushed to get good grades, to go to the best schools, and parents work tirelessly to afford the best education for their children. If you are lucky, you may have gone to university, and that is the first step towards a professional vocation or management job. You then have entered the realm of only 600 million people worldwide that have a bachelor's degree. You are already in the top 10 per cent of the world order, in terms of education or perceived intelligence. You are lucky. If you are wealthy or have access, you may then pursue a Master's degree or even an MBA and graduate into the global elite.
Mathew Lewis
A degree and MBA, however, do not necessarily guarantee you the best job or a fast-promotional rise in a company. Many entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals like Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of university or business school to develop ideas and businesses that have transformed the world for billions. Then there are others like Elon Musk who would either go to space or implode on the way.
A good education does not guarantee a formula of wealth or success. Many entrepreneurs in this region are a testament to this fact, and they will tell you that hard work, spotting an opportunity, grit, resilience, and being driven to succeed, are, if not more, important than just great education. Prior to the full emergence of AI and robots, or the Internet of Things, humans will continue to rule the world. As the planet becomes more densely populated and connected, we are all still learning to work together and collaborate in business and the workplace. Therefore, management and leadership are an art form learnt on the job, and not taught at undergraduate or MBA school. We are all in the people business, and people buy people - human relations still drive the core ideals of politics, governments, commerce and industry.
Working in or managing a team, especially multicultural ones, is an art. There are no rulebooks, no guidebooks, and no magic formulas. Whether you are navigating a promotion within a company, NGO, government or any group - education alone will not get you through.
Mathew Lewis is a Partner at Boyden Middle East in Dubai, a talent expert and leadership coach, mentor and trusted advisor to CEOs and family groups.