Qatari author Sharoq Almalki at the ongoing 27th Doha International Book Fair at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
After the success of her book “A Piece of Peace”, Qatari author Sharoq Almalki is back with “A Tale of Two Beehives”- a contemporary corporate fable that delves into employee engagement and working culture she said are crucial to the advancement of every organisation.
“It reflects through a fable the importance of employee engagement and working culture and how they affect the organisation positively in increasing revenue and profits. When employees are pleased, customers are also pleased,” she told The Peninsula.
Recent studies and current trends in the corporate world show that employee engagement is key to success of companies in any part of the world, claims Almalki, a multi-awarded human resources practitioner in the Middle East, international speaker and certified coach.
“It’s not anymore getting the top talent or retaining employees because it’s not anymore the financial aspect that matters most. Talents are seeking a more stable and healthy working culture and that can be done only through employees engagement,” she said.
The story ponders on the reality of two entirely different working environments - one where employee engagement and working culture exists and the other without them.
Showcasing her exceptional skill in the art of storytelling, the author creatively weaves a tale using fable as an effective format to deliver a compelling universal message on leadership.
On why she opted to use fable to get her message across: “I think that the market has enough theoretical books. Fables inspire readers and it motivates them to continue reading to know how the story will end,” she said.
The book, she said, goes to all CEOS, executives and employees who are seeking a quick win in employees engagement and how to fix their organizations in this respect.
“Is it doable? Yes. Is it easy? I would say yes, but it requires the mindset who believes in that concept,” she stressed.
She expressed optimism on employees engagement in the Qatari setting with government thrust on developing human resources as the country’s most valuable asset as stated in Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030.
“We do care about investment on human capital. QNV 2030 clearly states the development of human resources and that they are the most valuable assets. With regard to employee engagement some sectors have taken a better step compared to others, yet there’s a lot more that we can do,” she explained.
Launched in Chicago earlier this year, the book has been endorsed by NY Times bestselling author Chester Elton.
Soon to hit the shelves of bookstores nationwide, “A Tale of Two Beehives” is in English but it will be available in Arabic and other languages in the coming months.
“I have my books in English but my articles are both in English and Arabic. I’m looking at it as an advantage. Nevertheless, I respect that we are in an Arabic-speaking society and it is the readers’ right to get a copy of the book in Arabic.”
Almalki’s books are available at stand B51 at the 27th Doha International Book Fair at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. She will have a book signing session on Thursday, 6pm at the Ministry of Culture and Sports pavilion.
