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Leadership from an EFQM perspectiveI have been a long-time advocate of the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Model and its principles of overall quality management. My first exposure to the model was in 2008, when I was tasked with implementing elements of it at the ASPIRE Academy in Qatar. Since then, I have applied the model in various leadership positions, including my work in Singapore at the Singapore Sports School, as Performance Director at the German Volleyball Federation, and across multiple consulting mandates.
The EFQM framework has provided valuable guidance in structuring leadership and management approaches, helping organizations align strategy, processes, and results. I also integrate the EFQM Model into my university courses, particularly with my international Master’s students in leadership programs. Understanding and applying this framework is critical for leaders who aim to drive sustainable excellence in their organizations. Let's get an Overview of the EFQM Model The EFQM Model is a globally recognized framework for excellence that helps organizations assess their performance, implement improvement strategies, and achieve sustainable success. The model is built on seven key criteria, divided into two main sections: Direction (How the organization sets its purpose and strategy):
These criteria guide organizations in defining clear leadership, setting the right priorities, and ensuring that performance measures align with long-term strategic goals. The model does not prescribe a fixed approach, allowing flexibility for leaders to adapt it to their organizational context. Leadership in the EFQM Context Good leadership in the EFQM Model is defined by:
Within the EFQM framework, leaders are responsible for setting direction, fostering collaboration, and enabling performance transformation. Successful leadership requires balancing strategic decision-making with operational execution, ensuring that an organization remains resilient and forward-looking. Some key areas where leaders must excel include:
A national sports federation aiming to enhance athlete development and competition results can benefit greatly from EFQM leadership principles. By creating a clear vision, the federation ensures that all stakeholders—coaches, athletes, and sponsors—align with long-term goals. A strong leadership culture fosters innovation in training methods and improves athlete engagement. For example, applying stakeholder engagement strategies can enhance collaboration between sports science experts and performance coaches, ensuring that decisions are based on data-driven insights. The continuous improvement mindset encourages feedback loops, refining competition strategies and athlete development programs. Additionally, implementing performance monitoring systems allows real-time tracking of athlete progress and resource allocation, ensuring operational efficiency. By integrating EFQM principles, a sports organization can achieve sustainable success, enhance stakeholder satisfaction, and develop a culture that fosters excellence in both administration and athletic performance. Conclusion: Leadership within the EFQM framework is about much more than just management and operations—it’s about creating a culture of excellence, fostering collaboration, and driving long-term sustainable success. As I have seen through my professional experience, applying the EFQM model helps leaders structure their vision, enhance stakeholder engagement, and implement strategies that drive organizational growth. By integrating quality management principles into leadership, organizations can ensure that they are not just meeting today’s demands but are also future-proofing their success. In my leadership courses, I continue to explore how modern leaders can leverage EFQM to develop high-performance cultures and resilient organizations. For those looking to deepen their leadership knowledge, the EFQM framework provides a solid foundation to build effective leadership strategies for any industry. 7/3/2025 March 07th, 2025How the Middle East Fitness Market evolvesIn one of my university courses, I regularly cover the topic of new markets in the health and fitness industry as well as internationalization. Following my last article about the rise of the
health & fitness industry in Asia, this analysis explores the latest trends in the Middle East. This article is based on a survey conducted by Gymnation, an operator of fitness events in the region, as well as an analysis of governmental policies in Qatar, Dubai, and KSA, along with personal insights and interviews with key stakeholders in the region. Having lived and worked for five years in Qatar with my family, I witnessed firsthand how sports and fitness were still in their infancy at the time - back in 2005-2010. Fitness clubs were primarily catering to expats rather than locals, and the concept of structured fitness training was only beginning to take shape. My role as Head Coach for Athletics at ASPIRE Academy gave me a unique perspective on how governments were starting to integrate sports into education, recognizing that not all junior athletes would become Olympic champions—but at the very least, they would understand the lifelong benefits of regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Fast forward to today, and the Middle East’s fitness landscape has completely transformed. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are now at the forefront of promoting active lifestyles, public health initiatives, and fitness accessibility. The latest UAE & KSA Health & Fitness Report 2025 by GYMNATION, a gym operator in the region, highlights just how much progress has been made, with fitness participation skyrocketing across the region, but at the same time leaving some space for further development. Key Insights: A Growing Fitness Culture 1. A Strong Desire for Healthier Lifestyles 92% of respondents in KSA and the UAE want to improve their health—a significantly higher percentage than in the UK (76%) and the USA (75%). Additionally, 64% have improved their health over the past year, while 26% have maintained their fitness levels. This reflects a shifting mindset in the region, with more individuals embracing fitness as a long-term commitment. 2. A Boom in First-Time Gym-Goers Over 56% of people in Saudi Arabia and 58% in the UAE did not have a gym membership in the previous 12 months, yet 82% say they are at least somewhat active. This means that more people are engaging in physical activity, even if they are not part of a traditional gym environment. The market is experiencing rapid growth, with low-cost gym memberships expected to increase by 30-45% annually over the next five years. This trend mirrors the fitness boom in the UK between 2011 and 2019, when affordable gym models expanded the fitness sector significantly. 3. Affordability and Accessibility Remain Key Barriers While enthusiasm for fitness is at an all-time high, challenges remain. The report highlights that cost is the biggest factor preventing people from joining gyms, with 51% in KSA and 53% in the UAE stating that gym memberships are too expensive. It is worth noting that Dubai and Riyadh rank among the world's most expensive cities for gym memberships, surpassing London and New York. However, the rise of budget-friendly, high-quality gym options is expected to make fitness more accessible to a broader audience. 4. Mental Well-Being and Fitness Are Closely Linked The report confirms that fitness is not just about physical health—92% of respondents value exercise for mental well-being and stress reduction. Additionally, nearly half of gym-goers see the gym as a social space, forming friendships and finding motivation within a supportive community. 5. Technology and Digital Fitness Are on the Rise More than 60% of people in KSA and the UAE use wearable fitness technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, to monitor their workouts. Additionally, there is growing interest in virtual fitness programs, AI-driven coaching, and hybrid workout models that combine in-person and digital training. Government-Led Initiatives Driving Fitness Growth One of the most remarkable aspects of this transformation is the role of government policies. The UAE's Dubai Fitness Challenge and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are prime examples of how national strategies can successfully encourage a more active population. These initiatives not only promote personal well-being but also contribute to economic growth by supporting the fitness industry. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is experiencing one of the fastest fitness market growth rates in the world (16.8% CAGR from 2020-2023), with women’s participation in gyms increasing at an even faster rate than men’s due to recent policy changes. What’s Next for the Fitness Industry in the Middle East? The findings suggest a bright future for the fitness sector in the Gulf Region. To sustain this growth, affordability, accessibility, and education will be key. More budget-friendly gyms, increased public workout spaces, and fitness education programs will ensure that people not only join gyms but continue their fitness journey long-term. From my own experience, I have seen firsthand how public health programs and initiatives can positively impact communities in the region. It’s exciting to see the Middle East embracing a fitness-driven future, where health and wellness are becoming a priority for all. Outlook The Middle East is at a pivotal moment in its health and fitness evolution. With strong government backing, increasing accessibility to fitness facilities, and a growing cultural shift towards active living, the region is setting new benchmarks for public health and fitness engagement. Looking ahead, the challenge will be to maintain this momentum by ensuring fitness remains inclusive and sustainable. As affordability improves and digital fitness solutions continue to grow, even more people will be able to embrace a healthier lifestyle. For fitness professionals, educators, and policymakers, this is an opportunity to further drive engagement and create long-term, sustainable health solutions. One of the most exciting developments in the region has been the rise of fitness racing, with HYROX leaving its footprint in the UAE and Qatar. With successful events in Dubai and Doha, and an upcoming HYROX event in Sharjah in April 2025, it is clear that fitness racing is rapidly gaining popularity. The concept of combining running with functional workouts has caught the attention of policymakers and fitness enthusiasts alike, making it a key driver in the region’s evolving fitness culture. The future of fitness in Gulf region is bright—and I am excited to see how this remarkable transformation unfolds. What are your thoughts on the region’s growing fitness movement? Have you seen similar trends in your community? Share your experiences in the comments below! 28/2/2025 February 28th, 2025The Transformation of Asia's Fitness Market: |
AutorRalf Iwan MBA Archiv
February 2025
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14/3/2025
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