New Regional Service Director APAC & ME, Ziad Fraiwat shares his perspective
When Ziad Fraiwat joined Smiths Detection in 2017 as Middle East Service Director, he was keen to take advantage of the opportunities for career progression – and, in 2020, has already achieved promotion to Regional Service Director APAC & ME.
“I had reached a ceiling with my previous employer and was looking for a position where I could continue advancing my career yet stay in Dubai where my family and I are based,” explained Ziad. “At Smiths Detection everyone has access to an individual development plan (IDP) which is a very good tool for identifying goals and potential roles.”
Embracing opportunities
Ziad believes everyone has to take responsibility for their own development, utilising all available resources. It is also important to be flexible and prepared to grab opportunities to learn new skills, explore different experiences or create relationships throughout the company.
At the same time, support and encouragement from management and teamwork are also very important. Ziad was recommended by his Line Manager to lead one of the Smiths Detection Improvement Targets where he got face-to-face time with senior leadership and gained exposure to leading cross-functional team members globally.
“My managers (both functional and regional) were very good at identifying gaps in my career and what needed development, and as a result, I was ready “now” when the position became available,” added Ziad. “Much of my success is also due to being part of a highly competent and engaged team, with a high level of trust. It is never about one individual, by leveraging everyone’s strengths you can develop a strong and effective unit.”
Flexible, prepared and determined
Most of the Service team members are field engineers working at customer sites, rarely visiting the main office, yet they must not work as a silo, but collectively to ensure our equipment is maintained to the highest standards, and our customers are supported with minimal impact to their operations. The result is a highly effective service team which enables the business to move forward.
There is a progression path within the Service organization but you are also able to move across functions, regions and across the Smiths Group of companies. Ziad emphasised:
“I am fortunate to lead a team of highly qualified and motivated service professionals who are passionate in serving our customers. We have to maintain a mind-set of continuous improvement and customer focus; learn from failure; and take action to move forward. The key is to be flexible, prepared and determined.”