Ilsur Metshin gives 10 commandments of effective management

(KZN.RU, September 28, by Taisiya Basharkina). The third phase of a unique educational project «MadeInKazan» kicked off in the capital of Tatarstan. This time, the expert classes “Expand Your Horizons 3” conducted by world-class executives are devoted to creative technologies in business, management, urban planning, architecture, design and fashion. The first lecture was given by Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, who laid down 10 rules of effective management.

"The key to success must be sought in oneself"

Ilsur Metshin sees super task setting as a major precept of good management. The mayor illustrated this by the example of the capital of Tatarstan winning the right to host the 2013 Universiade. "Doing something big after the massive Kazan millennium celebrations was an extremely difficult task. Our first bitter defeat in Turin in 2007 made us think about the ways to win the next time," recalls I. Metshin. "After analyzing the situation in 2008, we became better prepared; we made a new film presentation, improved our English and, as a result, won a victory,” continued the mayor noting that the key to success must be sought in oneself. Hence the second commandment logically follows: "Defeat is a cause for more persistent work."

"Kazan has gotten rid of provincialism"

While setting a super task it is important to remember that decisions should be beneficial to all. This is another commandment of good management. "Thanks to the Universiade, we are going to obtain new transportation and sports infrastructure. A massive housing construction program is currently underway, and three metro stations will be completed in June 2013," said I. Metshin.

In 2013, Kazan will play host to the whole world - people from all over will come to the capital for three-week competitions. "Realizing this, we began aiming at high numbers," recalls the head of the city voicing the following commandment: "Don’t be afraid of high speeds, big numbers and great people."

Preparation activities for the student games will require the expenditure of 117 million rubles. The massive federal budget infusions will enable us to build 14 road junctions, 44 pedestrian crossings and many other facilities, including sports facilities.

Kazan has gradually transformed and has lost its touch of provincialism; it is no longer a "county town", added the mayor.

"Do not lose your ambitions"

"Having achieved your goals, do not lose your ambitions" is the next commandment. 2013 Universiade is not the only international event that is awaiting Kazan. In 2015, the city is due to host a world championship in water sports, and in 2018, a group stage matches and World Cup playoffs will be held here.

As Ilsur Metshin emphasized, these international sporting events will raise Kazan to a higher level. But this is only a means to an end. "Our goal is to create a comfortable, safe, clean and attractive city for all. The comprehensive urban project benefits everyone," said the mayor. This is another commandment of successful urban management.

"Why reinvent the wheel?"

The basis of any major project, according to the head of Kazan, is team expertise and enthusiasm. Preference should be given to a team full of enthusiasm, rather than vice versa, intimated the mayor.

Another point demonstrated by the 2013 Universiade is that it is cheaper to buy a wheel than to re-invent it.” We made use of the best foreign experience to realize many of our 2013 Universiade, was made by a prominent Hollywood film-maker. Kazan Universiade will take into account the best practices of Shenzhen and other Student Games host cities, I. Metshin assured.

Finally, any project should inspire. "Nothing is more inspiring than pride in one’s own city," summed up the mayor.

It will be recalled that the expert classes are being held under the auspices of the Mayor’s Office of Kazan from September 28 to October 1. A wide variety of participants from undergraduates to leading business executives have come here to become acquainted with cutting-edge views and ideas, to "expand their horizons". The participants will attend lectures by such giants of world business as Craig Cohon (vice-chairman of Cirque du Soleil Rus), Vladimir Dolgov (Google Russia CEO) as well as by some of the famous Russian top-managers - Natalia Sindeeva, the owner of the radio station "Sereberyany Dozhd"; lawyer Fatima Shanaeva; Doctor of Arts Vyacheslav Glazychev; journalist Evelyn Khromchenko and many others.