TALK BACK - OFFICE HORROR STORIES

In the article "Why Your Boss May Start Sweating The Small Stuff" TIME writer Julie Rawe examined how more companies are training managers to be more sensitive to their employees' feelings. Here is a selection of what readers cited as their biggest pet peeves about their boss or workplace.

From a food sales representative:

Beyond the checking of the BlackBerry—how about my boss writing emails during my annual review! I stopped talking and he looked up at me like I was dumb for not continuing. He starts waving his hand, gesturing, while telling me urgently to "Go on." What is that about? Not to mention his phone-answering. During a meeting he was sitting in on, with one of my biggest customers, he picked up the phone and made a call!

But the last, and just most annoying, of all, he will walk into my tiny cubicle, not paying attention to what I am doing—oftentimes when I am on the phone, mid-sentence with a customer—and whack me on the arm to get my attention!

From a supervisor at a sports venue:

One of the employees that I supervise was reprimanded by me, then later again by our boss. Since I had already handled the situation, I asked our boss how she learned of his misdeed. She said not to worry about it. This happened a few more times. One day, I passed by her office to find her listening on an intercom. She had bugged our offices. Morale plummeted immediately and took another hit when our union did nothing.

From an industrial-products entrepreneur:

Your article struck a painful chord. I worked with two partners for over 30 years. They had started the company together—but with my help—before I was able to join them on a full-time basis 3 years later. Together, we built a struggling business into a $33 million success.

On the day we finally sold the company and were walking out the door, the two of them stopped, turned to one another, and hugged. These were guys I'd worked, sweated, planned, laughed and cried with for over three decades. They were good guys. And on every other occasion, they acted as if I were a full partner. But in that precise moment, I knew where I had always stood.

Lonely? Three years later, the feeling still hasn't left. The power of small signals? You'd better believe it.

From a corporate communications director:

To approach my boss with even a simple question is to be subjected to incredible rudeness, unmistakable signals that what I need to discuss just doesn't matter—at all. During such encounters, he sighs, loudly and often; gets a slack-jawed, glaze-eyed expression just 15 to 20 seconds into the conversation; makes sounds like "ughh, ughh" to seem engaged; and asks no questions, but inevitably lets you know the "meeting" is over by either picking up documents to read or turning completely around to read e-mails on his PC ... Ironic how such "micro" inequities have such a HUGE demoralizing effect on employee morale. I always trudge away from his desk totally disgusted.

From a software course developer:

When my boss is here, there's a tension that permeates everything. Your breath catches in your chest and just sticks there for the entire day—no heartburn or reflux medicine can remove the feeling! The man never recognizes anyone for a job well done, yet he never yells at anyone for screwing up. He rarely ever cracks a smile or laughs, but he doesn't yell. It's almost like he's a robot, an automaton that lives to sit in his office and go over minute details of things people will never see or read. He's not married, doesn't have any children, and he has no interest in knowing the names of anyone's spouses or children. I'm not sure if there's anything called "positive personality-in-a-can" but if there was, he would be the first person I would recommend use it!

culled from http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1174815,00.html

 

Got your own office horror story and want to share it? Please send it down to info@insitefulsolutionsconsult.com and it will be published anonymously. We’ll also share free advice and tips on how to deal with the situation.

JOB HUNTING - IS YOUR CV WORKING FOR YOU OR AGAINST YOU?

Good day Readers,

for all my Nigerian readers, happy belated democracy day!!! I know we are going thru a lot but the fact that we live in a time that encourages free speech, writing, and gatherings is enough to celebrate this holiday!!

I was thinking yesterday about a vacancy I recently posted online. I still cannot believe some of the responses I got. CVs written so badly I couldn’t get past the first sentence, rude email addresses; hostile language through out the CV, and long rambling personal statements. So many people were disqualified before I even had the opportunity to know whether I could consider them for the job because their CVs were so horrible.

You may be at home right now wandering why you are not getting called back for interviews and it could be a simple reason of your CV not making it past the secretary's desk, much less passing HR's scrutiny and here are 22 reasons why:

• A recruiter,  manager or HR manager can’t get the gist of you and your story in less than 10 seconds
• You can’t stand to look at your own résumé because you dislike it so much.
• It is loaded with buzz words and meaningless words you copied from the Internet.
• Your CV looks like a template.
• Your CV is longer than two pages and you have only worked in 2-3 places.
• It doesn’t sound authentic – like you’re a real person who solves real problems.
• Your CV contains lies of any variety – big or little.
• Your CV contains exaggerated job titles.
• Your CV doesn’t showcase your key successes, achievements and accomplishments.
• Your CV doesn’t integrate a present-future focus along with your past employment record.
• Your CV looks like 2500 other résumés in the pile.
• Your CV doesn’t sound like you.
• Your CV lacks a flow and good organization.
• Your CV reads like a job description.
• Your CV is unattractive and in some cases, downright difficult to read.
• Your CV has a boring account of your work history.
• Your CV doesn’t provide direct evidence (proof) as to why your qualifications warrant an interview.
• Your CV contains errors (One of the worst offences).
• Your CV doesn’t represent you with excellence in your absence.
• Your CV gives the reader reasons not speak with you.
• Your CV doesn’t exemplify the very best of you and your amazing brand.


• Your CV doesn’t generate any action for you.

Culled from http://www.careerhubblog.com/main/2012/05/does-your-r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-suck-22-things-to-consider.html

So darling readers, going thru the above points, did any of them jump out at you that you may be committing one or more of these offences on YOUR CV? If your answer is yes, it's time to redraft your CV and do let me know if you need professional advice, I'm always happy to help!

FOR FEMALE MANAGERS - TOPS TIPS FOR MANAGING GENERATION Y EMPLOYEES

In the last few years, a significant portion of Generation Y  has entered into the labour market and like many of us who have worked with or managed workforces in the last 5 years, we have noticed something: this crop of employees is unique being that generationY are both high-maintenance and usually high-performance.

Gen Y employees are known to be excellent team-players, multitaskers, and innovators. However, they may also seen as tricky to managing and self serving when unmotivated in a job. That is why the manager’s role in the workplace has ever increasing importance on the Millenials’ retention and performance.... read more

http://www.theglasshammer.com/news/2011/10/26/how-to-manage-young-professional-women-5-tips-for-female-supervisors/

Succeeding In A Small Business - Take Care Of The Details

I can't count how many times I've met entrepreneurs (myself included) who feel like they must make a certain amount of money before they decide to formalise their business operations. After losing out on a couple of major jobs, I respected myself and re-branded. Why? Because just like you would never go shopping without a list, you should not be in business without a plan!! If you have made even one hundred thousand naira profit from your business idea, I implore you starting this weekend to take the following actions:

 1. Register your business - Look for a lawyer and register your business. Did you know cannot access certain funding and opportunities if your not registered with CAC? Now you do so go find a good lawyer and register your business.

 2. Brand your company - You can carve a niche for yourself as a consultant in your field but today start thinking about the services you want to provide Nigeria within the next fifty years and create a business name and logo. Hint: if you're stuck, go online and check out names/logos of companies doing what you want to do so you can create generate ideas in order to create your own unique brand

 3. Create a business and marketing plan - You will not succeed if you are jack of all trades unless you are a handyman. Decide on at least one service you'd like to do. Research what is available already in the market and find a way to do your thing differently. When this is done, create a 5 year business and marketing plan. Learn more about doing this here https://www.dropbox.com/s/0r93sfygdd5yudb/BUSINESS%20PLAN%20FORMAT%20003.doc

 4. Hire at least an intern - I have learnt the hard way that I can not be in ten places at once but you don't have too. Starting today, keep your eyes open for a young woman/man that can help you achieve your goals and objectives who is waiting to serve or just finished school. Set aside a stipend each month to cater for them and build a weekly plan of action for them. Hint: don't think you must do 9am - 5pm and kill your intern in the name of saving a naira. If you need them to work 12 hours a day, stick to that and work out a plan that is right for your business and interns. If you'd like help setting up an internship programme, please feel free to write me at insitefulsolutionsconsult@gmail.com

 5. Use your smart phone smartly - you may not be ready to get a website but you can open a twitter account or group on your blackberry.

 6. Get a mentor - find someone who is not risk adverse and beg if you have to so that they will find time in their busy schedule to provide you advice and listen to your problems. Even if this happens for 2 hours a month, if you receive sound advice, it will make a big difference before the year runs out.

 Ok readers, these are my top six tips for ensuring you increase your profit and build your business within the next seven months. Follow them and I guarantee success! If you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact me at insitefulsolutionsconsult@gmail.com Have a great evening everybody!

NOT PAYING YOUR STAFF THEIR DUE WAGES WILL SOON LAND YOU IN JAIL IN NIGERIA!!!

Employers of labour in the country risk one-year imprisonment and loss of 30 per cent of benefits due to employees if they delay or fail to pay their salaries.

The penalty is contained in a new bill before the House of Representatives, Workman (Unpaid Wages Prohibition) Bill.

 Read more by clicking the below link:

http://www.punchng.com/news/employers-risk-one-year-jail-term-over-unpaid-salaries/

THE AVERAGE NIGERIAN EMPLOYEE AND THEIR SALARY INSIGHTS 2012- 2013

Ok so I stumbled across an infograph created by Bayo Adekanmbi and it was under the title technology, brands, and consumer ecosystem.

http://www.bayoadekanmbi.com/nigeria-middleclass-job-profile-by-jobberman/

Its shows Nigeria’s middle class- a job profile by jobberman  and it is very important for employees and employers alike. Why? Understanding what people expect as basic salary after working for about 2-5 years will help manage your expectations as a business or as a job candidate is very important.

As a business, if you note that you are paying below the minimum of what people expect, you should understand that you will have a very unhappy workforce that will end up costing you more than what you are saving

As a job candidate it is also important you understand what the reality of the job market is in Nigeria versus your expectations. For example, according to the inforgraph, at least 47% percent of the population currently holds a masters degree with a fair number from outside the country yet only 25% of the working population earns between 50- 100k with 17 % earning between 110 and 200k. what does that tell you. We have a highly skilled job population who are at most times ready to earn far below what their masters should fetch them. However, if we think about it, what if most Nigerians earn far below their expectations because they don’t deserve any more? After all, a large number of employers will be quick to tell you that the average worker doesn’t deserve what they earn? I'm of the opinion that currently exploitation of workers in Nigeria is still very rampant but the labour force isn’t doing much to help their status. Simple tips like:

·         Self improvement through online and offline training

·         At least an hour per day dedicated to reading job specific material

·         Networking beyond casual interaction

·         Building personal confidence

can mean the difference between a average paying job and an above average paying job. Maybe for those with masters working for less than 100k, its time you stopped and considered the possibility of harnessing your talent into a small scale business because most business owners will make at least an average of 150k a month with hard work and determination. Will be writing more about becoming a small scale business owner and succeeding through the management of expectations in my next article.

THE SKILLS JOB-SEEKERS NEED AND EMPLOYERS DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIND

This is life in the new workplace. As a kid you wanted to be a baseball player, a ballerina, a fireman, or maybe an musician. Later on your dream changed to being a lawyer, an investment banker, a doctor, or an entrepreneur. But now Nigerians share a different dream—to do work they love, to do work that matters. I know those jobs are hard to find, but you may not know they are also hard to fill. Now, technology manages things that repeat and humans manage things that change. So what do employers want now? That’s just it: with everything in tupsy turvy, they think they don’t know yet. They may need the sort of people who can reach the big goals while the big goals change. That’s why college degrees do not come with job offers attached—your education does not reliably help an employer predict whether you can be a high performer in a fast-paced, changing environment. Why? Students are graded on certainty and schools unwittingly train people to need it. But employers do not need more people with certain answers to discrete problems. Employers need people who are unafraid to apply limited knowledge to the new and complex problems at hand. Experience does not necessarily teach you how to face the unpredictable, nor does it always predict high performance. Experience used to prepare you for leadership roles because you’d “seen it all before,” but nowadays leadership means being ready for things you’ve never seen before. Businesses are teaching their old dogs new leadership tricks: how to give up ‘control’ and how to ‘conduct’ chaos instead. Businesses invest big money and time on helping their best and brightest unlearn what they know. So, if neither education nor experience makes you a shoe-in for a job, what does? Employers care first whether you can reach big goals even as the big goals change. Now for the good news: in a world with more madness than method, employers still know what they want when they see it. You know that employers want mathematicians, scientists, coders, and engineers. But you might not know that some employers aren’t hiring because they can’t find enough people with adequate “soft skills,” like empathy, attitude and critical thinking to put on payroll. Growing organizations have a big, latent disaggregated demand for employees that can adapt to and drive change. If you’re that sort of person, landing a dream job may be easier than you—and labor force analysts—think. There is more good news: This shift in business produces the sorts of challenging, high-impact jobs you will love. So how do you show an employer you’ve got what it takes? Start by making sure that you actually do and pay attention to developing the softer side of your personality

Adapted from the original source article:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka/2013/02/22/the-skills-job-seekers-need-and-employers-dont-know-they-want/

GETTING A JOB AFTER SCHOOL – POWERFUL INSIDER TIPS

Almost every university graduate faces the same issues when searching for a first job: How do you demonstrate you possess the necessary qualifications for a job when you haven't had a "real job" before? With more and more people returning from overseas with both foreign degrees AND work experience, coming into an interview and announcing you are a fresh inexperienced graduate is no longer acceptable. In fact, stating you have no real skills and training in this age of more people than jobs is no longer acceptable or pleasing to most employees. As unfair as this sounds, it is our present reality. However like everything else in life there is a way round this situation and here's how you do it:

·         Drop the ridiculous email address: having the email address hashtagbeautifulbabe@yahoo.com might work in uni or high school but not in the job market. If you have to, open a new email address and keep it simple. For example my first out of school email address was enkoyo@yahoo.com (combination of my first name and first letter of my surname) it looked professional then and it still looks professional now.

·         Drop the objective statement: Most objective statements ("Go-getter seeking sales position") say more about what a job seeker hopes for in a job than why that person would be a good fit for the position. So ditch the objective statement and create a summary section instead. It's a brief rundown of your skills and qualifications, targeted to the company and opening. For example: "Economics graduate with experience gained through internship with a reputable PR firm. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including expertise in Excel."

·         Create a combination CV: Instead of submitting a traditional chronological CV, consider a combination CV. This format allows you to place more focus on your professional skills by grouping them near the top of your document. You might, for example, have a section titled "Computer Skills" or one called "Supervisory Experience." Don't limit yourself to abilities you've honed through full- or part-time jobs. Skills you've gained through internships, volunteer work, or even clubs or social committees can be just as relevant.

·         Focus on transferable skills: Think the years you spent waiting tables, helping in your mother’s company, working in your dad’s firm, or volunteering in an uncle’s ICT firm won't help you land a job? Think again. This experience may have prepared you for your career better than you realize. If you supervised some other staff members, for example, you have managerial experience to add to your CV. You could also highlight your strong customer service and communication skills. Almost every employer values these abilities. #freetip: provided you are not losing money, take advantage of each and every volunteer and paid work experiences that come your way. HR and Management are always on the lookout for value adders not value reducers. A fresh graduate with relevant skills will almost always get a job over someone with more years of “irrelevant” work experience.

·         Include keywords: You can increase your chances of getting an interview if you look at the job listing and use words or phrases from it in your own CV. Use these keywords to describe skills you possess -- as long as they are accurate, of course.

·         Create a LinkedIn profile: creating a profile on LinkedIn or a similar professional networking site may help in your search for employment. Many hiring managers and recruiters search sites such as LinkedIn to find job candidates -- and the trend is growing.

Take the time to create a quality document that shines a light on your most marketable skills and experience, and you'll give yourself the best shot at landing an interview and, ultimately, your dream job.

Have a great week everyone!!

WAYS TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER LOSING YOUR JOB

Rebuilding your confidence after a job loss can be difficult especially in Nigeria where most of who you are is tied into the job you do. It's easy to fall into the trap of feeling sorry for yourself, which can cause you to doubt your ability to land a new position. If that happens, make bouncing back your top priority. Here are nine ways to regain confidence after a job loss:

·         Do a self audit: when the dust has settled and cursing out your “incompetent” former bosses/colleagues is no longer a source of comfort, its time to do a self audit. Was there anything you could have done to prevent your job loss? Was there a skill you lacked or a part of your duties you neglected? Was there a difficult team lead, customer, or boss you could have handled better if you just knew how? You cant know any of this without a self audit!!! Read more about this topic here http://www.helenemarcoz.net/

·         Develop a routine: Not having control of your job search can have a negative effect on your self-esteem. Instead of wallowing, treat the job search process like a full-time job and be thorough and deliberate in your search. "Develop a routine each day to regain control," says Jayne Mattson, senior vice president of Keystone Associates, a New England-based career management firm. "There are so many activities of a search that will keep you busy and that you have control over, so use your time wisely."

·         Find a supportive network: Being surrounded by supportive circle can help rebuild your confidence. Anyone from former colleagues or acquaintances to family members can help boost your self-esteem after a layoff. Do not under any circumstances surround yourself with negative people or enablers. Be wary of someone who is glad to sit and have a daily pity party but will not send you encouraging tweets, vacancies, or invitations to training programs.

·          Help others: Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, use your new free time to help others. Establishing new connections and applying your skills to other areas like volunteering can help you to bounce back. I personally recommend taking advantage of every single training opportunity available to you and getting online (even if it is just your BB internet) and read, read, read. For those who have Ipads, download e-books and make a commitment to read at least one new book a month.

·         Use positive affirmation: While getting support from others is key, it's also important that you believe in your own skills. Use each day to verbalize a positive affirmation and remind yourself that you possess valuable skills.

·          Take time to do something you love: It can be as simple as reading a book or listening to your favorite song, but make sure it's a part of your day that you can look forward to.

·         Exercise: Exercise is a natural endorphin booster, so you're bound to be in a much better mood post-workout. If paying for a gym membership is prohibitive, keep costs low by walking/jogging outdoors and doing an at-home aerobic routine. Since you're no longer tied to your desk for hours each day, use the new flexibility to get back into shape and feel better about yourself.

·         Allow time to heal: Especially in a tough economy like Nigeria-- when job interviews are harder to come by -- it can take time to regain confidence and no one expects you to recover right away. Going through a job loss is never easy, and there's nothing wrong with allowing some time to heal. The key is not to wallow in misery or surround yourself with constant negativity. You can even give yourself a daily one hour whining limit and then when the time ends – stop!! We are fond of Nigeria of using the phrase “it is well” to cover up emotions but if you do that, you fool everyone but yourself. Balance positive talk with time to grieve/pray so you can move on to something better.

·         Meet other job seekers: Knowing that you're not alone can go a long way in helping boost your mood. Seek out networking events in your industry or attend job search lectures to get out and mingle with other job seekers.

On a final note, the road to bouncing back after a job loss can be tough but it can also be an exciting time, if you choose to see it from a different perspective. All across the country, people are taking advantage of free training, networking, learning, and interactions so instead of wallowing in pity at home, why not try to attend one in your area? Maybe it’s time to explore that business idea you have been wandering about. Remember to keep reading, keep praying, keep dressing well, speaking confidently, and taking chances in your future job search.

Have a great week everyone!

TOP NINE HR TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

As a small business, you’re only as good as your people. This means effectively managing your people is more important than ever. In fact, it’s a must. Here are 9 human resources tips for small businesses.

1. Know what your legal employment obligations are.
   Changes to employment take place frequently. If you are laying people off, then make sure you follow best practices and state and federal regulations in order to avoid costly unfair dismissal or discrimination claims.
2. It’s not just about the money.
   Financial rewards are only one way of rewarding and motivating staff, and research proves it is a relatively ineffective tool to do so. Studies have found the most important factors cited were interesting work, work-life balance, and the working environment.There may be interesting and diverse incentives you can use to reward your staff. Offer flexible working patterns or put in place recognition programs. These can result in improved employee engagement and performance. Small businesses should not ignore nonfinancial rewards as they are a vital tool for retaining and motivating employees.
3. Make your employees feel valued.
   Don’t underestimate the importance of new employee orientation. Even if you have only one employee, it is important to give all new workers an employee handbook that contains all the relevant information about the company and procedures in place. Involvement in team meetings from day one will ensure a culture of teamwork is fostered and strengthened. 
4. Communicate, communicate, communicate.
   Talking to staff in a small company is just as important as in a big organization. Communication will foster a more open working environment where mutual respect between managers and employees can thrive.In addition, by consulting with employees you will give them a sense of feeling valued, of having their issues and concerns listened to, as well as tapping into a well of knowledge that could benefit your business.Making sure employees know what’s happening in their own organization and the wider industry is important, whatever the size of the company. Lack of information can spark rumors and dent morale. But information overload is just as destructive because employees won’t have time to read it and might miss important news. 
5. Be flexible.
   A flexible organization will better meet the challenges facing it in these economically uncertain times. The benefits of a flexible approach are considerable—increased productivity, less absenteeism, increased loyalty to the organization, and improved staff well-being. Flexibility can reflect the structure of a company’s resources, such as having a core team supported by part-time or outsourced staff when the business needs it. You can implement flexible working practices such as part-time working or job-sharing. Introducing new technologies also enables small businesses to embrace the concept of flexibility.
6. Get creative when competing with larger employers for good workers.  Even if you can’t compete monetarily with larger employers in the groundwater industry, you can get creative. Small companies have an advantage over larger companies because they can quickly and inexpensively introduce low-cost or no-cost creative perks. Consider allowing workers to extend their shifts so they “earn” one or two Fridays off a month. Try feeding them regularly—breakfast treats once a week or a monthly lunch that’s on the company. Clarity is so essential to running a company, regardless of size. Be clear about the company’s business goals and expectations. Make sure workers clearly understand the organization’s rules, language, and culture.
7. Training, training, training.
   Taking employees out of work for a training course can be difficult in a small business where people usually fulfill more than one role. But in most industries, and this includes the groundwater industry, training is essential if you want to keep up with your competitors. The best training for a small company is short sessions focused on a specific need.Consider joining up with other businesses—it cuts the cost of training and time spent away from the office. “Training clusters” of companies in the same geographic area produce economies of scale and allow workers to learn from different approaches.
8. Designate an HR “go-to” person.
   Very few small businesses can afford to employ a full-time human resources manager. But personnel issues are too important to leave up to chance. Every company should have a strategy to deal with areas such as training, keeping staff informed, health and safety, maternity cover, and pay awards. Putting yourself, a partner, or the most senior personnel in charge of seeing to it all these areas are covered highlights the importance of human resources to the rest of the organization. The manager should review HR policies regularly and make sure staff knows HR is there for them too.
9. Consider outsourcing.
   According to surveys we did last year, small business owners spend anywhere between 35% and 55% of their time handling employee-related paperwork. Not the most productive use of their time! But by outsourcing some or all of their employee-related functions—such as payroll, benefits, health care or recruitment and retention—small business owners can focus on what they do best. And in the process, they can improve productivity and even save some money. If you are interested in outsourcing your HR needs, please  call us on 08184275857 or visit www.insitefulsolutionsconsult.com