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  • Why your organisation needs an in-house coach

    If you want to get better at something get coached, says Atul Gawande, a professor in the department of Health policy and management at Harvard, according to him coaching isn’t just good for athletes it can help anyone from lawyers to doctors to musicians, for him despite being an experienced surgeon, he saw his surgical complications reduce after he hired a coach to come into his surgery room to watch him, and give him feedback. He found the process a bit rough at first because like every human being receiving feedback could be tough, but as he adhered to every feedback he saw his complications drastically reduce. This is essentially the definition of workplace coaching.

    Workplace coaching is the process of equipping people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to fully develop themselves to be effective in their commitment to the organisation, and themselves. Workplace coaching is essentially shifting individuals within an organisation from where they are to where they need to be, for the overall good of the organsation.

    Organsations like Hewlett Packard, IBM, MCI and others have recognised that employees must be coached, and have included coaching in their management/leadership development. A company is a group of people who come together to achieve a goal, it only makes strategic sense that an organisation will hire someone to come on board to help the individuals maximise their potentials so the organisation can reach it’s goals.

    Research has shown that the traditional “command and control” style of management, which requires rapid response, individual effort and performance in order to remain competitive is no longer effective in today’s workplace environment. Coaching is a development process whereby an individual meets with a coach on a regular basis to clarify goals, deal with potential stumbling blocks, and improve their performance.

    Workplace coaching is not training or a workshop unlike these methods, coaching helps the individuals leverage on their inner wisdom, creativity and productivity.

    Below are three major advantages of coaching in the workplace:

    GOALSETTING: Goal setting is a major part of an organisational progress. It is important that in an organisation the employees are immersed into the goals of the organisation so much so that their personal goals are aligned with that of the organisation. This creates a sense of harmony within the employees and they are able to work more from a place of passion instead of aggression. In an organisation where the employee’s goals are not aligned with that of the organisation it results in internal conflict and such employees only work for a monthly pay check, in the long run this stifles progress, creativity and productivity in the workplace.

    PROBLEM SOLVING: Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life time. Having an in-house coach in the workplace is simply teaching a man how to fish, problem solving is not what an individual learns in a 5 hour seminar or training, problem solving is a deliberate and intentional process that individuals have to be coached through. Coaching individuals on problem solving in the workplace is a skill they are able to carry on to their personal, financial, spiritual and psychological lives. Coaching helps employees tap into their inner wisdom and grooms them to look for answers within them instead of always blaming the next person, the next colleague, the manager, the government etc. Coaching encourages resourcefulness within one’s self.

    ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY AND PERFORMANCE: This two P’s as I like to call them are key indicators of progress in an organisation both on a personal level and in the organisation. One important tool to ensure enhanced productivity and performance is via feedback. According to Bill gates we all need feedback to help us improve. Great industry leaders like Steve Jobs are known to surround themselves with people who are committed to give them un-biased and constructive feedback. According to Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, his coach always sat in on staff meetings, simply to observe and give constructive feedback on how he could have handled such meetings better.

    In more progressive climes learning and development and Human Resource professionals are now taking a shift towards inputting coaching into the yearly budget of the organisations, it is seen as the quickest and most effective way to transform the organisation from the inside out, one person at a time.

    In the Nigerian workplace coaching is gradually gaining momentum, a few organisations already make use of coaches. Here are some added advantages of hiring a coach for your organisation.

    To work through workplace conflicts.

    To work through emotional issues.

    To overcome motivation slumps.

    To improve performance and results.

    To identify solutions to problems..

    To become responsible and independent thinkers.

    To develop their emotional intelligence.

    To develop a positive approach to learning.

    To make use of their strengths and work through their weaknesses.

    To learn more about organisational coaching, or how your employees can be coached follow me on Instagram @coachgbemz or send me a mail at gbemieobadan@gmail.com

    Organisational coaches are your external eyes and ears, providing a more accurate picture of your reality. They recognise the fundamentals, break your actions down, then help you build them back up again, hence they are a worthy investment.

     

  • NBCC seeks members’ economic interests

    The Nigerian Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has reiterated its commitment to protecting the economic and business interests of its members.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, NBCC President,  Akin Olawore  the visit followed series of strategic engagements by the group to key stakeholders within the Nigerian and British business community to form collaborations, strengthen partnerships whilst also extending the commitment and support from the chamber.

    Olawore said the visit would further foster the relationship between both organizations by highlighting the continued importance of the role they play.

    He used the medium to call for the continued support for NAFDAC in the fight against adulterated drugs in the Nigerian market which considering its effects, has a negative impact on competitiveness and margins of legitimate businesses within the country.

    Olawore also pledged the Chamber’s support in the fight against adulteration.

    Adeyeye stated that, in ensuring the medium and small-scale businesses thrive, the Agency has reduced the registration fees for micro businesses to encourage more registrations while also engaging in trainings for such businesses.

    She also stated that, a support system has been set up on its online and offline platforms to engage more with prospective and operational businesses and ensuring for a greater understanding of NAFDAC procedures within the Nigerian Market.

     

     

  • ‘Gbajabiamila best choice for Speaker’

    A Lawmaker-elect, Musiliudeen Akinremi, has said he supports Femi Gbajabiamila to become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives because “Gbajabiamila will usher in development and render quality services”.

    Akinremi, in a phone interview yesterday, said the support Gbajabiamila is getting will ensure that the House performs well by passing quality bills, enjoying harmonious relationship, robust leadership and quality debate.

    The lawmaker, who won his election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent Ibadan North Federal Constituency, said: “The Gbajabiamila declaration on Sunday, which was attended by the majority of the ninth Assembly members, has shown that he will enjoy our support and confidence in the green chamber.

    “Such development will foster seamless and timely passage of quality bills and amendments to existing ones, to quicken the next level agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari. With his experience spanning 16 years, Gbajabiamila will provide good leadership.”

    The new APC lawmakers across the six states in the Southwest last Friday pledged their allegiance to the party’s decision on house leadership structure.

    Led by their National Coordinator, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Ondo State), and Akinremi, the lawmakers-elect, who met at Ibadan Business School, Bodija, said Southwest deserved the position of Speaker.

    They said as loyal party members, they had no objection to the party’s position on selection of the House leadership.

    They said: “We had a fruitful deliberation during the meeting, which lasted over three hours. We all agreed on the party’s supremacy and the need to support the success of the President Buhari administration when inaugurated on May 29.

    “We agreed to abide by the consensus arrangement of the party in choosing the House leadership. We pledged to protect the party’s interest, especially on the need to make APC stronger ahead of the 2023 general election in Yorubaland.”

  • Court upholds Omo-Agege’s election

    The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State has upheld the candidacy of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and the other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who emerged through the primaries supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and conducted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

    Justice Emeka Ewite struck out the suit by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, challenging the validity of the shadow poll that produced Omo-Agege for incompetency and lacking in merit.

    According to him, Omo-Agege and Rev. Francis Waive, winners of the Delta Central Senatorial District and Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituencies elections, were necessary parties, who ought to have been joined to the suit.

    Justice Ewite noted that Emerhor failed to deny the counter-affidavit filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that it did not monitor the primary election that purportedly produced him.

    He said: “Failure to deny the counter-affidavit is an admission which requires no further proof that INEC only monitored the primaries which produced Omo-Agege. INEC is to supervise or monitor primary elections and not conduct.”

    APC’s lawyer Lucky Ajokperiniovo described the verdict as a landmark for the party and candidates who emerged legitimately through the primaries.

    He said: “It is a landmark judgment, the court has again reaffirmed the position of the Supreme Court to say that persons who are not joined as parties to a suit are not bound by the judgment given by that court. The court struck out the suit filed by Emerhor for being incompetent and lacking in merit. The court says Omo-Agege’s election remains the valid and legitimate primary conducted by the party’s National Working Committee.

    “The consent judgment is a judgment of court that is valid and binding on all persons until it is set aside. This judgment has given the party huge relief in determining who is the senatorial candidate in the Delta Central Senatorial election.”

    INEC’s lawyer Robert Emukpoeruo said the commission was neutral and impartial.

    “It is the statutory duty of INEC to monitor primary elections and report those who won and their scores. The report by INEC shows that Omo-Agege won the primaries conducted by the NWC,” he said.

    Emerhor’s lawyer Mr. G.C Igbokwe said: “We are happy with the judgment.”

  • ‘I know nothing about Oba-Akoko electoral crises’

    A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Victor Adekanye Olabimtan, has debunked reports linking him with the electoral crises in Oba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area, during the March 23 elections.

    He described the report as fallacious, reckless, wild and a calculated to tarnish his integrity.

    Olabimtan said contrary to the report that he led soldiers and policemen to Oba-Akoko to snatch ballot boxes, leading to the death of two persons; he was ambushed by protesting youths of the town on his way to Akure after voting in his Supare-Akoko country home.

    The ex-Speaker, who addressed a news conference yesterday, said investigations have revealed that all the “impeccable sources” quoted in the story are fake, fictitious and fabricated. He challenged the online news medium to come up with evidence to prove his involvement in the exercise in Oba-Akoko.

    The statement reads: “…on March 25, Sahara Reporters published a malicious and unverified story against my person. I believe the fabricated news was sponsored to malign my name and tag me what doesn’t concern me. This conference is necessary to clear my name and put the record straight.

    “I was in my house in Supare Akoko relaxing after voting in my unit on March 9. Sometime between 1 and 2pm, I got a call from one Dapo Faseesin that there was crisis in Ose, a suburb of Oba. Election had been concluded in Ose, but that INEC officials, he and ballot boxes were in danger.

    “He said he tried the governor’s number but could not get through, so I should help him raise alarm so that security can be provided for them in Ose. He said they were been attacked because they disobeyed the order of Oloba by voting their conscience instead of voting for one particular candidate as ordered. He explained that his house, business and properties were being attacked and destroyed because he refused to obey the marching order.

    “I called the governor to update him. Surprisingly, the governor was already aware of the incident. He was surprised, and assured me that security personnel will be sent to Oba to control the situation. The governor said his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Dojumo, will mobilise security operatives to secure Oba and Ose. I also told the governor that I might meet Dojumo and his team on the way as I was already leaving Supare for Akure to resume my duty as the state agent for my party at INEC office.

    “So I left for Akure with my driver and police orderly. We were just three in the vehicle, contrary to the multitudes reported by Sahara Reporters. My journey to Akure was smooth until I arrived at Oba-Akoko.”

     

     

     

     

  • Foundation’s scholarship for best graduating students

    Eight students have received scholarships from Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education (SOAFSE).

    The scholarships were given to the best graduating students of nominated public and private tertiary institutions to enable them pursue their post-graduate degree.

    The scholarships were presented during the 24th Annual lecture of the foundation which held at Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos last week.

    The awardees included: Mr Adeola Adeyemo, a graduate of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos; Miss Patience Abugu (Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka); Mr  Chukwuemeka Nwagu, Electronics Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Mr  Obinwa  Enewally (Pharmacy, University of Lagos); Miss Adedoyin  Adeyemi (Microbiology, University of Lagos); Mr Laughter Olagunju Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure); Miss Osemeran Idialu; Computer Science, Redeemer’s University Ede); and Mr Joshua Adewolu (Mechatronics Engineering, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti).

    Read also: Foundation offers scholarships to Makoko kids

    Speaking at the event, a member, Board of Trustees, Dr Fola Awokoya, highlighted the importance of the foundation scholarship

    “The Awokoya Foundation scholarship is a reward for excellence and it is aimed at encouraging excellence in educational performance”

    The theme of the event titled ‘Towards safer natal experiences in Nigeria: How far and what next?’ recalled the achievement the foundation has made.

    “In the area of scholarship award, the foundation has made a total of 113 postgraduate scholarship awards”

    Awokoya Foundation started 24 years ago in 1995 with the aim of promoting science and science education in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

    The award which is renewable each year, for a maximum of three years, provides the Awardees in maintaining a good record of academic performance as attested to the authorities of the University he or she attends

    Earlier, chairman of the occasion,  His Highness, Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile of Oke Ona, Egbaland urged Nigerians to assist in awarding more scholarships in order to attain 26 per cent provided by UNESCO on education.

    “Please help us to award more scholarships and equip more laboratories and libraries in Nigerian higher institutions as we have done at Molusi College.

    “We should and indeed must attain the United Nations/UNESCO prescription that 26 per cent of the annual budgets of all developing countries should be provided for education.”

     

  • Fed Govt tackles Senate for padding votes

    The Senate erred by marking up the reimbursement approved for Delta and Taraba states by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), it was learnt yesterday.

    The Federal Government, which faulted the approval of N90.2 billion for contracts the two states executed on its behalf, also tackled the Red Chamber for not approving reimbursement for Bauchi and Kogi states.

    In a letter dated March 5, President Muhammadu Buhari said the National Assembly’s approval was in excess of the amount approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    The letter, read by Senate President Bukola Saraki,  reads: “Wish to inform the Senate that we have received approval of the National Assembly via letter ref: NASS/CAN/106/Vol.11 /004 dated 29th January 2019 for the refunds to Delta and Taraba state governments through the issuance of Promissory Note for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government.

    “The Senate may wish to note that following a review of the approval from the National Assembly, the following were observed:

    While the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a total sum of N78,601,631, 430.16 as reimbursement to Delta and Taraba State Governments, the National Assembly approved N90,236,461,031.36 which is higher than the amount approved by the FEC.

    Read also: Cut NASS salaries; no VAT hike

    The National Assembly did not approve any reimbursement to Bauchi and Kogi states government whereas the FEC had approved reimbursements for them.

    “The Senate may note the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007 which empowers the Bureau of Public Procurement to approve vendors and contract sums.

    The amounts presented to the National Assembly for approval were duly certified for reimbursement by the BPP before they were approved by FEC.

    “Since the BPP is charged with the responsibility of approving contract sums and there is need for compliance with the BPP Act 2007, I wish to request that you forward to us details relating to the amounts approved by the National Assembly for Delta and Taraba states in excess of what was certified by the BPP, for necessary certification and approval.”

     

  • 350 NGC’s host communities for development

    The Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Mr Babatunde Bakare has said that the organisation would continue to develop a robust and sustainable relationship with its over 350 host communities in the country to enhance business growth.

    Bakare gave the assurance during the official inauguration and hand over of a Basic Health Centre to the Oniparaga community in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Represented by the NGC General Manager, Support Services, Mrs Mariam Emmanel-Ate, Bakare said the wellbeing of the community was paramount to the Social Corporate Responsibility thrust of the company.

    According to him, the company had a Metering Stations located in 11 states in the country noting that by implication, its pipeline transverses over 350 host communities.

    He said “We present to you this fully equipped Basic Health Centre as a token of our appreciation and our contribution to the development of Oniparaga community.

    “As a company, we shall continue to solicit for your co-operation and assistance in the maintenance of peace and support for our business growth aspiration in the interest of the community and Nigeria in general.

    “NGC will always encourage and appreciate communities that promote peace, dialogue and understanding in the resolution of issues. This is the hallmark of our community relations engagement process,” he said.

    Bakare urged the people to make judicious use of the multi-million Naira health facility project.

    The Chairman, Odigbo Local Government, Mr Tunde Ikumawoyi thanked the NGC and the people of Oniparaga for ensuring that the project materialised.

    He assured that the project would be put into proper used by the primary healthcare department of the Council.

    Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Francis Akanbiemu described the facilities as the best in the local government.

    While appealing to the NGC and the NNPC for a continuous support Francis promised to deployed qualified staff to man the facilities.

    Oniparaga’s monarch, Oba Adetokumbo Aderopo who described the project as a milestone said the faculty would go a long way in improving on the health of the people, pleading that the facilities should start operation in earnest.

  • OGSG advocates maintenance culture for government properties

    Civil servants in Ogun State have been enjoined to embrace maintenance culture in the protection of government’s properties.

    This call was made by the Acting Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Surajudeen Olusesi, while delivering his keynote address at the first edition of the year 2019 quarterly in-house training, organised by the Commission in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    He said most government’s property which are dedicated for public use were now in bad shape, due to lack of maintenance, adding that the training was intended to educate participants on how to inculcate the habit of maintenance culture in the protection of government’s properties at all times.

    The guest lecturer, Director Planning Research and Statistics,  Ministry of Housing who is also Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Architects, Ogun State Chapter, Arch. Sulaiman Oladipo, while speaking on the topic : ”Maintenance Culture in the Protection of Government Properties”, identified proper maintenance as ‘’a process of preserving something to retain it’s good condition for effective continued use.’’

    Read also: Panic in Ogun community as farmer kills two

    Oladipo maintained that effective and efficient utilisation of public facilities is a contributing factor to the promotion of industrial growth, adding that the need for effective maintenance could be realised by considering the adverse consequences of ineffective maintenance system.

    He, however, suggested that adequate maintenance planning, allocation of adequate funds, creation and effective running of maintenance units, with adequate training, as well as government formulating policies that would promote the importance of maintenance culture.

    One of the participants, Mr. Olusegun Obasan from Bureau of Establishment and Training, commended the organisers for coming up with such an important topic, saying that it would have great impact on the participants.

  • Expert harps on soft skills for better performance in work place environment

    A Talent Acquisition/training Specialist, Abolarin Afeez Olawale has said that communicative Skills, thinking and Problem-solving Skills, teamwork and Leadership skills as panacea for effective performance in the workplace.

    Olawale said this in a statement issued to The Nation said that many graduates and entrepreneurs have either lost their jobs or opportunities to scale not because they are not brilliant but because they lack soft skills that can help in their development.

    He said that to be employed in the 21st century, there is a need for soft skills that would attract potential employers.

    Olawale, who authored a book titled “Job Interview- Principle and Practical Steps stated that soft skills can be said to consolidate all aspects of generic or conventional skills that include the subjective elements associated with non-academic skills.

    “research has shown that entry worker level required soft skills such as problems solving, conflict management, effective communication, creativity and innovation to survive in the workplace”.

    “What the new world of business is looking for are self-motivated people of character who will bring positive values, growth and success to organisation and is doing so ultimately bring the same to themselves”, he said.

    “staying above board is not dependent on the numbers of certificates acquired but on soft skills acquired”.

    “This is an indication that part of the unemployment problem is that of employability and lack of new skills and know-how needed in a rapidly transforming economy”.