Michael Kouly, President of the Cambridge Institute for Global Leadership, is a speaker who knows how to make every word count. His style of communication is arrestingly simple, but startlingly unconventional.
It certainly startles Randi and (MELA Bus Hero) Peter Mehany.
An anonymous appreciation of Michael's opening gambit: jotted on a notepad (found on a desk after class): "This is an amazing way to start."
Dissatisfied with his approach, however, Rita engages Michael in a tête-à-tête.
Attempts are made to reason with the speaker -- by level-headed, sensible people like Rany and Basma, for example.
Yet consternation at Michael's methods steadily grows. Abdullah Riri performs push-ups in a vain endeavor to appease him.
Cinderella tries to melt his stony heart by singing -- without success.
The group gathers during the coffee break to reconsider strategies against Michael's erratic demands and beastly behavior.
The facilitators have some ideas of their own, but keep them to themselves. They are in no imminent danger of being forced to do push-ups.
A delegation of Nader, Salma and Rany returns to the platform with the idea of negotiating with Michael, but the process fails.
By this stage, Monther's favored solution to break the deadlock is to beat Michael's head with drumsticks.
Rateb senses that the sides are not going to be able to bridge their differences with any reasonable concessions. Beside him: MELA Bus Hero Khalid Al-Salehi.
Michael debriefs the morning session with a further disquisition on the dynamics of power and authority.
Enjoying the Red Sea view at lunchtime: Lama, Mohammed, Adam, Abdullah, Tory.
The afternoon sessions are devoted to "Telling Your Leadership Story." Jim Crupi's motto: In today's visual world, you communicate your message best when your audience can see what you are saying -- can hear it in pictures.
Pre-dinner Parallel Group discussions. Group One's topic is becoming an entrepreneur and starting a new business, especially in unstable environments.
Group Two looks at sustainable development and social responsibility.
Group Three focuses on the ins and outs of human resources, including hiring and firing, motivating employees, and managing labor unrest.
RUBA AL-ZU'BI
We were very sorry that Ruba had to return home to Jordan today following news of illness in her family. We will miss her, send her our best wishes, and hope to see her again in a future MELA.
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