Institutional leadership is a prerequisite for project success

Ali Nasser Suleiman Al-Zamaki, an Associate Professor of Financial Management and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Aden, argues that institutional leadership is the most critical investment for any project. In the seventh installment of his series on institutional capabilities, reform, and sustainable development, Al-Zamaki posits that even the most advanced systems, plans, and resources cannot achieve organizational goals without leadership capable of converting potential into achievements.

He emphasizes that building leadership must precede the launch of projects to ensure long-term sustainability. Al-Zamaki distinguishes between a manager and an institutional leader, noting that while a manager focuses on daily procedures and maintaining current operations, a leader looks toward the future, develops the organization, and creates environments that enable others to succeed. He suggests that true leadership involves questioning how to improve work methods and building organizational readiness for the future rather than merely completing tasks.