Workplace

Politics is ubiquitous; hence, it is part and parcel of human dealings even in most, if not all workplaces. Employees play politics simply to come in the limelight and gain undue attention and appreciation from their supervisors and managers. It has been insinuated in some quarters that Employees who do not believe in working hard depend on nasty politics to make their position secure at the workplace. And I concur; office politics promotes irrational behaviour leading to a negative ambience at the workplace.

As a matter of principle, I believe that every employee must pay their due; not in any way relating to money but must have a visible amount of contribution and commitment to the growth of the organisation. I recall starting a new job and feeling I must make myself relevant; this is how everyone feels but this feeling makes two kinds of individuals;

1. Those who play politics to remain relevant

The major challenge to the growth of organisations are employees who feel entitled. I am not saying employees should not request what is rightly theirs. What I mean is politics increases the feeling where some employees feel entitled and superior over their superiors; ironically, this happens and it is counterproductive especially in organisations that require information to move from one cadre to the other.

2. Those who work hard to remain relevant

For me, remaining relevant through hard work and being productive is the most sustainable of the two ways. As a matter of fact, individuals who have this mindset are the strongest; they are more resilient, always learning and are often in search of new ways to remain productive. They maintain a lifestyle that ensures complete loyalty to their organisation.  

It has been my principle as a professional to always clearly define two sides to situations; the side that touches my weakness is often converted to a strength. I remind myself that I could give myself excuses why I must not be perfect (weakness; Afterall, nobody is above mistakes); not giving in to this thought, I encourage myself that I should strive to attain perfection (strength).

In the word of Saint Francis of Assisi;

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

St. Francis of Assisi

This has been my motivation for self-development. Why bother myself about what is impossible? If it is necessary then it becomes possible; I must find a way out.  

Although in some workplaces, politics is enabled and encouraged by those at the helm of affairs, every employee must know that this path is not sustainable. As a matter of fact, I don’t envy such employees. As an employee, what should be in your priority is to develop yourself for cross functionality and trans-organisational relevance.  

Apart from what I have just stated above, politics have other negative effects on employees;

1. Affects Concentration

Office politics has the ability to cause distractions in the workplace; thus, making it difficult for employees to concentrate. Imagine a workplace where employees are constantly afraid of their words being twisted before a superior. That workplace won’t have efficient collaboration. Employees won’t contribute freely and gradually; such behaviours breed a negative and toxic workplace environment.

2. Spoils the Ambience

A negative and toxic workplace has no ambience. Employees don’t have good relationships with each other; it goes further to create micro gossip groups. This is usually instrumental in changing the attitude of employees.

3. Changes employee Attitude

Recalcitrant and tardiness are infectious; and none is more infectious as incivility. However, efficient employees can become infected with bad behaviour which usually causes a hostile work environment and low morale among employees.

4. Decrease in productivity

Politics reduces an individual’s output, which has an impact on the organization’s productivity. People who engage in workplace politics, according to popular belief, pay less attention to their work. Backbiting is more appealing to them. They spend the majority of their time criticizing one another.

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History of Nigerian Independence Day

European influence in modern-day Nigeria began in the 16th century when the first explorers from Spain; and also Portugal began trading with locals, leading to the development of ports, such as Lagos. The British became an increasingly dominant influence on the region in the late 19th century; through the Royal Niger Company, resisting attempts to expand in the region.

In 1900, the territories under the control of the Royal Niger Company became the Sothern Nigeria Protectorate. In 1914, this was combined with the Northern Nigeria Protectorate to create the Colony and also Protectorate of Nigeria; which forms the borders of modern-day Nigeria.

However, many aspects of modern life in Nigeria were established under the period of British Rule; but by the middle of the 20th century, the call for independence sweeping across Africa; and the decline of the territories in the British Empire led to Nigeria being granted independence on October 1st 1960; under a constitution with a parliamentary government and also a degree of autonomy for the country’s three regions.

Nigeria marked total independence from Britain when it became a federal republic and a new constitution was adopted; on 1st October 1963 with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first president.  

Significance of Independence Day

Independence Day is an official national holiday in Nigeria; this is the national day in Nigeria and is always celebrated on October 1st. It marks Nigeria’s proclamation of independence from British rule.

On 1st October 1960, Nigeria was granted full independence from Great Britain. The country received its Freedom Charter, on 1st October 1960; from Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Queen’s representative at the Nigerian independence ceremonies. Nigeria’s first Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; announced the country’s independence in his speech read at what was then known as the ‘Race Course’; alongside Princess Alexandria and Sir James Robertson on October 1st, 1960.

The event in 1960 eventually led to the formation of the federal republic of Nigeria; and also the journey to independence started with some constitutional developments that saw the country attaining self-rule in some quarters in 1957 and total independence on 1st October 1960.

Hence, October 1st has been designated a national holiday; to commemorate the day Nigeria eventually laid down its claim to be a free; as well as independent nation from the United Kingdom.

However, Independence Day (National Day) in Nigeria is celebrated each year by patriotic citizens; across all of 36 states, regardless of ethnicity and religion.

On the morning of October 1st, the incumbent President of Nigeria delivers a speech to officially commence the Independence Day celebrations also the country’s green-white-green flag will be unfurled with the singing of the national anthem in the capital city of Abuja.

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Do you fear the prospect of making a mistake at work just like me? Perhaps you are worried about getting something wrong or upsetting your boss with honest feedback.

Well!! While its natural to feel this way, but a lack of self-confidence could actually hold you back in the workplace; and prevent you from reaching your full potential.

A lack of confidence in your work can cause all kinds of problems such as; procrastination on tasks because you are worried you won’t get them done right; and also, you might avoid sharing your opinion on key topics; because you don’t think that it will contribute to the conversation or perhaps that nobody will listen.

Having confidence in the workplace can be crucial to your success. Confidence can make you more motivated and ambitious; and it can help you overcome fear and anxiety so you can take action. Perhaps most importantly, confidence can help you improve your performance and develop your skills.

Here are simple steps you can take to develop your confidence level;

Leave Your Comfort Zone

Confidence-boosting strategy can be tough to apply; but leaving your comfort zone can be one of the most effective ways to gain more confidence in your career. Sign up to present or speak at an event, and tackle your fear of public speaking head-on.  

Learn new skills

Learning entirely new skills can have a lasting impact on your confidence. Choosing to exercise your development can help boost your confidence by; allowing you to assess your capabilities and motivation to develop your knowledge. When you learn new skills, you can apply it to your job; and this can help increase your productivity, ability to stay organized and enable you to take new tasks more confidently.

Emulate confident peers

Consider the successful people you know; or find someone who appears confident and self-assured in their job; and observe their gestures and how they interact with other people. Incorporate some strategies you observe confident in their own careers to help you develop your own confidence.

Dress for success

Consider your professional wardrobe and improve your work appearance to match what is required in the office. Dressing to appear more professional and coming into work with a business appearance may help influence the confidence you feel when performing your job and interacting with your superiors.

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Employees are the face of their company. Therefore, the people the company hires reflect its goals and visions. Professional attire standards vary by industry, so it is up to each location to establish its own set of rules. Even if someone works in an office with little front-facing interaction; the general rule is everyone should dress as if their clients could come through the door at any moment.

Business attire has evolved dramatically over the years, particularly in the last 20 years. Too many people have forgotten the significance of proper business attire.

Some businesses prefer to allow, even encourage their employees to dress freely and also casually for comfort. This works best in more creative work environments.

Other companies, on the other hand; will typically encourage or require a more defined and professional dress code; to maintain a professional image of themselves and the business; where employees routinely interact on a daily basis with prospects, clients, and co-workers.

Conflicts arise when employees prefer to dress casually; or in the latest fashions rather than recognize the importance of presenting themselves in a more professional or conservative manner.

The Significance of Workplace Dress Code

1. The primary reason that proper business attire is important for every business professional is that; it presents a visual image and sends the message that the employees are professional.
2. Another reason that proper business attire is essential in the business world is that; you never know when you will be required to meet with someone from outside your company. Your image to this outsider will be remembered as the image of your company.

This image and message must be professional in business dealings. That image could mean the difference between securing a new deal; contract, or sale and passing up the opportunity to do so.

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When young, people usually ask what you want to be when you grow up, they were asking about your desired career path. People don’t always choose their career paths and meet each of their professional milestones in a straightforward way. Usually, people’s career paths are long and winding with many stops, detours and decisions along the way. Choosing a career path, on the other hand, is a great way to begin your career and gain the necessary skills, education, and experience to find a satisfying, enjoyable job.

However, as you make certain life decisions, it is critical to consider your interests, skills, as well as career goals.

I will explain how to choose a career path by identifying your keys skills and interests, matching those qualities to a potential job field, and starting a career but first you need to have a knowledge of what career path is.

What is career path?

A career path is a long-term strategy for managing your learning and progression throughout your working life. Its goal is to assist you in visualizing the actions you need to take to achieve your career goals, as well as how to put those actions into practice.

When deciding on a career path, consider the following tips;

Identify your skills and interests.

Choosing a career is very crucial. You will spend quite a lot of your life at work, so make wise career choices if you want to enjoy your job, stay motivated, and reach your full potential.

You must first become acquainted with yourself. It is critical to understand your range of skills and knowledge in order to determine whether you are a good fit for the job you are applying for.

Explore career ideas

This is all about researching the job market and career paths that interest you and narrowing your choices. Consider your job sector and its key trends by researching the local, national, and global job markets. This will assist you in discovering additional potential career paths as well as understanding which roles are expanding or declining.

Consider the size of employer that best fits your personality and work ethic. This is also an excellent time to think about work experience, internships, and volunteer opportunities. They will assist you in gaining an understanding of the areas in which you are interested before committing to a specific career path.

Make a choice

You are now ready to make decisions. Combine what you’ve discovered about yourself with what you’ve learned about your options and the graduate job market.

Choose the role that most interests you from your list of job ideas, and then choose one or two alternatives to fall back on if you are unable to pursue your first choice.

Set clear goals

Your career plan should outline how you will get to where you want to go, what actions are required, and when they are required, and should be divided into short, medium, and long-term goals. Review your progress on a regular basis, especially after each short-term goal is met.

Also establish a backup career development plan, in case your situation changes. Map several alternative paths to your long-term goal, considering how will overcome the types of problems you might encounter such as training.

Your initial short-term goal may be to improve your CV and cover letter. Other short- or medium-term goals could include participating in relevant internships, volunteering, or attending career fairs.

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Tips on how to cope with unemployment is extremely difficult. Unemployment can be devastating on many levels, including professionally, psychologically, financially, and emotionally. Our jobs and careers shape so much of our identity and sense of self-worth. We are, in many ways, what we do, and being unemployed can shake us to our core.

Unemployment, on the other hand, can help you cope and grow as a person. That sounds strange, right! But, while it is true that it is not an easy task, you can overcome it with focus, determination, and a little faith.

Here are tips on how to cope with unemployment

1. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Do not allow yourself to drown in despair. Being optimistic is crucial. As corny as it may sound, positive thinking produces positive results. Your actions and attitude reflect your thoughts, so if you are constantly depressed and grumpy, that is how you will behave and appear to others.

So, do everything you can to keep your spirits high. Make your physical and emotional well-being a top priority. Take walks, eat healthily, get enough sleep, and do whatever it takes to reduce stress, anxiety, or despair.

2. Stay Active and Productive

Opportunities come from other people, so stay active in the world and involved in activities and projects that keep you energized, focused, and productive.

3. Establish a Connection to Your Network

Opportunities come from other people, so make sure to notify your networks that you are looking for work. They do not need to know the specifics of your unemployment, but they need to know you are looking for a job.

4. Acquire New Skills

The more skills you possess, the better off you will be and the more marketable you will become. These also help you stay fresh, energized, and valuable at work. It also broadens your network by connecting you with new people.

Consider what you did in your previous position. Were there any skills you wished you had but never got around to learning? Are there any new skills you can learn that will help you become even more successful? Think it through and then take action.

5. Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to maintain your skills, learn new ones, meet new people, connect with the community, expand your network, and gain more business exposure.

Volunteering is also an excellent way to boost your self-esteem and spirits. It feels good to do good. It also gives you something to talk about when people ask what you have been doing.

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Individuals who are unemployed are often more susceptible to several challenges, including difficulty in finding future employment as well as decreased income. Unemployment also impacts society and the economy as a whole. The longer a person is out of work, the more likely they are to suffer negative consequences; and also contribute to the multiplier effect that unemployment has on the community. I recall going through a terrible emotional, psychological, as well as physical trauma a few years after graduating without a job. In this article, I will use my experience to educate you on the negative effects of unemployment on an individual; society, and the economy, as well as my success story.

Effects of unemployment on an individual

An unemployed person is vulnerable to a variety of difficulties. The following are some of the most common disadvantages of being unemployed:

Reduced income

As an unemployed person, you will have a lower income as a result of not having a job. People who are unemployed and have no other source of income frequently rely on their savings or borrowed funds to cover essential expenses. Individuals who are the primary caregivers in the family; on the other hand, face additional challenges because they must meet the needs of other family members.

Health problems

Unemployment can also have a negative impact on one’s physical health. Because being unemployed is a highly stressful situation, it may result in stress-related problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, and so on. Because many people rely on their jobs to provide health insurance, when they are unemployed, they are unlikely to have access to good health care.

Mental health challenges

Unemployment raises a person’s risk of developing depressive symptoms. Anxiety is another mental health issue that many unemployed people face. Unemployed people frequently have poorer mental health than employed people.

Effects of unemployment on society

Unemployment has an impact on the community and society in which the unemployed person lives. While one unemployed person usually has little impact on society, high unemployment rates in certain areas frequently lead to higher poverty rates.

Communities with high unemployment rates are more likely to have limited employment opportunities, poor housing, fewer available recreational activities, and also limited access to public services and underfunded schools.

Effects of unemployment on the economy

Unemployment has a direct impact on the economy as a whole, in addition to its effects on the individual and societal levels. When people are unemployed, they spend less money, resulting in a lower contribution to the economy in terms of services and goods sold and produced.

Unemployed people have less purchasing power, which can cause other people who make products that these people buy to lose their jobs as well.

My Success Story

After graduating from high school; I assumed that finding a good job would be easy, especially since I had good grades. However, my years-long efforts to find a good job were futile.

Several of my friends were getting jobs, but I wasn’t, despite having better grades than many of them. I began to wonder if a white-collar job wasn’t for me at some point.

After several interviews with various companies; I was on the verge of abandoning white-collar jobs in favor of a menial job when I received yet another interview offer. I was discouraged after receiving negative feedback; but I decided to summon courage and call HR to find out why I hadn’t been accepted despite my qualifications and professional appearance. He responded in a way that changed my life.

Although you have got an impressive academic result and you look smart, getting employed goes beyond all of that. These days we are more concerned about practical soft skills an individual can offer to enhance the work. Wow!!!! What an eye opener; that was how I upskilled myself with the necessary employability skills and today I am gainfully employed.

If you are in a job seeking situation, do not give up. Hone your skills for improved workplace productivity and career success and thank me later.

For Employability Skills Training:

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There are multitudes of variables responsible for youth unemployment problem particularly in Nigeria and other developing countries. As a result, comprehensive data on the factors that contribute to youth unemployment are required. Factors contributing to youth unemployment according to research; among other variables, fast population growth, rural-to-urban migration; and a lack of employable skills and experience among the youth are primarily responsible.

Youth are an important productive asset in nation building, especially in a developing economy like Nigeria. However, if the youth are not meaningfully engaged; they pose a security, socioeconomic, and political threat to the nation; as we see in Nigeria today like Kidnapping, militancy, boko-haram, political thuggery, secession agitation, and other vices. The urgent need to holistically document the variables causing the youth unemployment problem is unavoidable in order for stakeholders to intervene.

However, there are many factors contributing to youth unemployment in Nigeria such as:

Lack of employable skills and experience

Employability skills are a set of abilities that employees should have in order to perform a specific job; and adapt to changes in the workplace. They are a set of skills required to perform a specific job, such as technical skills; self-perceived employability skills, social skills, and so on. Unemployment and career development can be constrained by a lack of employability skills. It is crucial to have these skills, so youths are encouraged to renew their skills in accordance with the demands of the workplace; otherwise, they will find it difficult to get involved in the desired work.

Lack of job hunt skills

Job hunting is the act of looking for employment, due to unemployment, underemployment, discontent with a current position; or a desire for a better position. In order to be successful in your job hunt; you need to be the type of employee that employers want to hire. Employers want people with the right skills to do the work; a personality that fits the company culture, and a good work ethic.

Rapid population expansion

Rapid population growth has serious economic ramifications. It stimulates imbalances in income distribution; as well as slows the rate of growth of the gross national product by lowering the level of savings and capital investments; it puts pressure on agricultural production and land; and it also causes unemployment problems.

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