RIYADH, 11 December 2007 — If there is anything close to a consensus in the understanding of intelligence, it is that IQ (Intelligence Quotient) does not wholly account for an individual’s success or failure in the world, as it is widely believed by many in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, said Dr. Wesam Halawani, a world-renowned certified learning and development professional.
“In fact, most social scientists, who study intelligence, estimate that IQ accounts for only 20 to 30 percent of outcome or success,” said Halawani.
Halwani was speaking during a high-profile counseling seminar organized by the Indian Engineers Forum (IEF) in Riyadh.
A huge crowd of technocrats, social activists, teachers and doctors attended the event, which focused on the emotional intelligence revolution that has already impacted the education and corporate worlds today.
Rajeev Shahare, deputy chief of the Indian mission and a number of VIP participants, also attended the event.
Amir Khan, IEF president, Owais Ahmed, vice president, Faisal Ziauddin, event coordinator, and Mohammed Z. Nadeem, IEF member, were the brains behind the seminar.
Halawani, who is credited with designing and developing numerous learning programs, especially in Canada and the Middle East, began his presentation with a brain storming solo activity, asking the audience to select five to six people that might be considered to be “real leaders” — names of people that come to mind when they think of a leader.
After the solo activity, the audience could not fathom how time has passed, as Halwani kept the audience spell-bound for three hours, moving around the tables, which were arranged in a circular fashion at Al-Mutlaq Hotel in Riyadh.
At the very outset, he requested the participants “to build their own personal intelligence development action plan by setting goals.”
“We have to develop ways to avoid losing emotional control by pausing for several moments during a conflict, taking a sip of coffee or shifting our physical position to avoid being overwhelmed,” he said.
“Such an action to convert your negative feelings into positive ones require inculcation or consistent practice to enhance one’s emotional intelligence,” suggested Halawani, who has also the distinction of conducting a number of training sessions on a range of topics across the world.
He is also the founder and partner of Cantactics World Inc., a leading consultancy firm that specializes in adult learning and business development.
Referring to the definition of emotional intelligence (EI), he said that EI is often measured as an emotional intelligence quotient (EQ), which describes an ability, capacity, or skill to perceive, assess and manage the emotions of one’s self, of others, and of groups.
As a relatively new area of psychological research, the definition of EI is constantly changing, said Halawani.
EI, like other technical skills, can be developed through a systematic and consistent approach, he said. However, changing one’s habits requires focus and discipline.
Leaders, who take seriously their impact on others, modify their behavior to achieve positive results by practicing EI techniques. Halawani called on all present to practice EI techniques to derive maximum satisfaction and benefits in their daily life, in their businesses or even in their private lives.
In his opening speech, Rajeev Shahare, deputy chief of the mission at the Indian embassy, said, “The IEF has established a brand image in Saudi Arabia and this forum has been on the forefront to keep the Riyadh community abreast with current professional and technological knowledge by conducting seminars and workshops from time to time.”
IEF President Amir Khan said that the body, founded on Mar. 18, 1998, seeks to inculcate engineering skills among technocrats living in Saudi Arabia. “Hence, this event is part of an endeavor on which the IEF has stepped on,” said Khan, while giving his own views on the term emotional intelligence. Khan, quoting from Halwani’s presentation, said, “The first application of the term ‘Emotional Intelligence’ is usually attributed to Wayne Payne’s doctoral thesis entitled ‘A Study of Emotion: Developing Emotional Intelligence.’”
Owais Ahmed, whose company “Arms International” was the main sponsor of the event, said, “We are planning to host several such events in future for the benefit of technocrats in particular and for residents of Riyadh in general.”
Ahmed, who is also one of the top IEF office bearers, also spoke on this occasion and shed some light on the construction industry of Saudi Arabia in general.
“Arms International is involved in all areas of the construction industry...The company has won several prestigious projects like Arar Sports City, Wadi Al-Dawasir Sports City and various technical schools’ projects and projects in the banking sector,” said the Arms International chief, adding that his company is also involved in Ethra Mall, Khorayef Commercial Company and Shatery Commercial Building.
Arms has also the distinction to work as one of the several companies, which helped the construction of another a major landmark in the capital city — The Kingdom Tower.
At the end of the program, Deputy Chief of Indian Mission Shahare presented a memento to speaker Halawani.
