OPINION

People Shape the Culture

Published

7 years ago

August 22, 2017

If you have an interest in Entrepreneurship or business management, you’ll often come across the term “Culture” mentioned as an integral part of any business. When you see companies with colorful work spaces, and happy employees, you’re quick to conclude that they must have an amazing culture, and maybe they do. But, what exactly is this culture?

culture

“Company culture is the personality of a company. It defines the environment in which employees work. Company culture includes a variety of elements, including work environment, company mission, value, ethics, expectations, and goals.”

The common discussion in the business blogosphere is that if a business has a good company culture, then employees will look forward to going to their job each day, and in turn will produce amazing work. This is absolutely true. However, there’s a misconception that a company’s culture is solely the company’s job to create. The lie detector proves this is a lie. The company may provide a game room for the employees to enjoy, but the company cannot force the employees to utilize it in a way that is beneficial to them. The company also may have one day a week where employees share their hobbies with colleagues – but the company cannot enforce that this is executed. My point here is that the ‘Company’ is not some person who sits somewhere and works magic to ensure that everyone is satisfied. My view is that it’s the people, not the company that makes the culture. The company is PEOPLE – of the people, by the people, for the people. I share this same point of view when conversations are had about “The Government”. Again, it’s the people.

Employees learn culture by interacting with their colleagues. Culture is shaped and nurtured by co-workers, managers, and executives, all of whom are People. Once this notion is understood, it becomes easier to create and execute an amazing company culture that works for everyone. If you’re a business owner, here are a few things to consider as you decide to introduce a culture into your business:

Leader2

1. Watch how you act as a leader: We create our culture by the actions that we take. If your company culture involves being on time, then it’s important that you are on time to client meetings, internal sessions, and any events that require your attendance. If your culture is centered around customer service, then your internal meeting agendas should reflect this, and you must frequently drive consumer centric conversations. Culture is learned, and this means you play a crucial role in ensuring that your people understand this. Your people play a more crucial role in ensuring that this organizational culture is implemented. Make sure you’re setting the behavioral example that you want everyone else to imbibe. In the end, if employees feel that they will get in trouble for finding flaws in their bosses ideas, they will shy away from sharing feedback.

company culture

2. Company culture is not always colored walls and free lunch: One mistake that a lot of businesses make is to focus on extravagant perks. While the colored walls, game room, free lunch, and weekly karaoke is great, this is not the true essence of company culture. In fact all that daily pizza being ordered in the office may be hiding the deep seated culture issues that the company needs to deal with. It doesn’t matter how many boxes of pizza your employees eat a week, if they’re not getting work done. The true value lies in your employees trusting your organization, taking pride in what they do, and enjoying working with their co-workers. Once these core tenets are in place, the colorful stuffs become vehicles/tools to drive home the culture. The relationships will always trump the perks.

cultural fit

3. Hire for Cultural Fit: Cultural fit is the likelihood that a job candidate will be able to conform and adapt to the core values and collective behaviors that make up an organization. Your company values should be reflected in your company hiring. Don’t just hire anyone. In the past, I have hired people for various reasons including job skill, and willingness to learn. How did that work for me ? It worked well for some time, and then as our company evolved, we realized that some of our employees were not a cultural fit for where we are now, and where we are headed. At the point where you realize this important part of your business, it becomes a tough decision to let people go. Hence, I suggest making it a key part of your hiring. You need to hire people who genuinely care about the people they work with and for and not hire those who show up to work every day just to collect a paycheck, because #EndOfMonthBills. An employee who is super skilled, but is not aligned with the culture and the mission of the company, can kill the entire team.

Here’s an excerpt from Recruit Loop – CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh recently revealed a clever technique the company uses to make sure their new hires aren’t only a good culture fit but also good people. The deciding factor – even if you make an amazing impression in the interview, if you’re rude to your ride from the airport, you aren’t getting the job. “A lot of our candidates are from out of town, and we’ll pick them up from the airport in a Zappos shuttle, give them a tour, and then they’ll spend the rest of the day interviewing,” Hsieh says. “At the end of the day of interviews, the recruiter will circle back to the shuttle driver and ask how he or she was treated. It doesn’t matter how well the day of interviews went, if our shuttle driver wasn’t treated well, then we won’t hire that person.” Such a clever yet simple interview technique and it gives you real-life insight to a candidate before you make any hiring decisions. Your candidates may not always arrive by company shuttle but they will always be greeted by a receptionist or personal assistant.

4. Avoid excessive employee turnover: It’s tough to build a successful company if you’re continuously getting rid of people. The process of hiring, training, integrating people into your business requires a lot of valuable time and also has financial implications. Your focus should be to find a core team of people who key into your vision, understand your mission, and embody your values. Once you find them, it’s important to keep them happy and if possible, provide an opportunity for them to officially be a part of the company as it grows. This requires encouraging their passions, and acknowledging their needs, thereby making them feel truly invested in their jobs. If your team is passionate about the work they’re doing, then it increases their productivity and ultimately creates satisfaction.

intrapreneurship

5. Encourage Intrapreneurship: “Intrapreneurship involves creating or discovering new ideas or opportunities for the purpose of creating value, where this activity involves creating a new and self-financing organisation within or under the auspices of an existing company.” Many successful companies today actively promote entrepreneurship within their organizations, allowing their employees to spend a percentage of their time building innovative ideas that may be unrelated to their usual job. Gmail, Google Maps, Playstation, ITunes, Post It Notes, Skunkworks, Google Glasses, are some examples of products and businesses that were born out of intrapreneurship. A company culture that promotes intrapreneurial thinking starts with a leader that demonstrates it – and the best way to do this is to Trust your employees, Reward initiative taking and proactive thinking, Encourage healthy competition, and providing the freedom and support for your employees to succeed. In a business world that is fast developing and continuously evolving, companies that do not embrace innovation and intrapreneurship will remain stagnant or fall by the wayside.

title on office door

6. Set Titles, but don’t let them be restricting: It’s okay to give your employees set titles for easier operations. However, it is important to ensure that your employees are not restricted to the roles associated with the title. You may find that they have more to offer than the title that they were hired into, and it’s important that you identify their skills and abilities outside of their title tag. During your work meetings, your accountant may have amazing marketing ideas that could propel the company forward, and they should feel comfortable to share these ideas. You may even find that roles may switch depending on the project at hand – i.e considering what each person brings to the specific project.

Hopefully, the application of the ideas that I have shared in this article should help you create an organizational structure that supports a positive, productive, environment, and ultimately moves your business towards your goals.

Related Topics:Business Contributors Culture employee Employer Entrepreneurship Labour People Culture Work environment Work ethic

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LIFESTYLE

How To Avoid Billing This December

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

How To Avoid Billing In December | fab.ng

As a Nigerian adult, you understand that December isn’t merely a festive season—it’s the ultimate billing battlefield. In this case, knowing how to avoid billing this December can be your financial lifeline.

The month transforms into an elaborate financial obstacle course where every social engagement becomes a potential wallet-draining experience.

Picture this: you’re suddenly expected to match expensive aso-ebi for your partner’s distant cousin’s wedding, shell out cash for elaborate office hangout festivities, purchase thoughtful gifts for an extensive network of friends and family, grab concert tickets for the hottest “detty December” events, and somehow maintain some semblance of financial sanity.

Each commitment is strategically designed to empty your bank account, with Sapa waiting eagerly in the wings to completely demolish your January savings.

The universe seems to have conspired with social expectations to orchestrate a complex financial challenge, transforming December into an unofficial billing Olympics where your wallet is the primary competitor.

But here’s the good news: you can become a strategic “shege survivor” by mastering how to avoid billing this December with calculated precision and smart financial manoeuvres.

In this comprehensive survival guide, we’ll explore tactical approaches to navigate the treacherous December spending landscape, ensuring you emerge victorious without sacrificing your financial stability or social reputation. Prepare to become the ultimate December financial ninja!

1. Always Complain Like It’s Your Birthright

Nobody wants to bill someone who complains every five minutes. If you consistently make a point of complaining about your financial situation whenever you get the chance, the likelihood of being asked for money will drop drastically.

The only exception is if you have people around you who are heartless and completely audacious—if that’s the case, there’s a solution in step two.

2. Trade Your Flashy Phone for a ‘Torchlight’

Do you see that iPhone 14 Pro Max of yours? That big phone that attracts unnecessary attention? It’s essentially a billboard screaming, “I’m open for billing!”

To avoid billing, sell it and invest the money in preparing for next year’s challenges. No one will suspect you of being a “billionaire in transit” if you’re using a humble Nokia torchlight or an old-school TECNO phone.

Picture this: someone asking you for money while you’re holding a phone that looks like it belongs in 2003. They might even feel sorry for you and give you some spare change.

The goal here is to avoid billing by making it clear you’re not the person with deep pockets.

3. Buy Okrika Clothes

As the saying goes at the “Okrika” stores, “na mumu dey go boutique.” Avoid billing by steering clear of designer clothes that scream wealth and immediately mark you as a target for requests.

Instead, buy “Okrika” (secondhand) clothes and proudly share how much you paid when people compliment you. Tell them, “You won’t believe how much this outfit cost; it was just 500 Naira!” and make sure to add, “I’m making do with the little I have…”

This strategy helps position you as the king or queen of thrift, ensuring that nobody dares to ask you for money or extravagant contributions.

4. Avoid Calls Like a Pro

Screen all your calls, and be strategic about who you answer. The call from your cousin in the village? We both know it’s not “Merry Christmas” they’re about to say—it’s more likely “I need money for the New Year.”

To avoid billing, activate your Do Not Disturb (DND) mode and only return calls from people who won’t ask for a handout.

If you must respond, use WhatsApp messages so you can carefully craft your excuses without feeling pressured.

5. Go Solo: Break Up With Your Partner

Let’s be real—being in a relationship is one of the major sources of billing in December. To avoid billing and enjoy some peace of mind, consider going solo this season.

Enjoy your money without worrying about shared expenses, and enter the New Year without emotional or financial baggage. You deserve it!

When you want to avoid billing in December, it isn’t just about saving money—it’s about preserving your sanity and entering January without the financial hangover.

These strategies will help you avoid billing and ensure a peaceful, financially secure holiday season. When you’re sipping zobo in the comfort of your home instead of crying over debt recovery meetings, remember to thank me.

If you found these tips helpful and want more, visit here. And remember not to fall in love this December!

OPINION

11 Ways To Build Emotional Connection With Your Woman

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

How to build emotional connection with a woman | fab.ng

Building a deep emotional connection is crucial for lasting romantic relationships. Understanding how to build an emotional connection with a woman requires genuine effort, empathy, and consistent communication.

Building a strong emotional connection with your woman is more than just physical attraction or shared interests. Emotional intimacy is the glue that holds couples together.

Here are eleven practical ways to foster this deep connection:

1. Prioritise Quality Time

How to build emotional connection with a woman? One of the most effective ways is to prioritise quality time together. This means putting away distractions like phones and focusing on each other.

Engage in activities you both enjoy, whether it’s a shared hobby, a simple conversation, or a romantic dinner. These moments create lasting memories and strengthen your bond.

How to build emotional connection with a woman | fab.ng

2. Active Listening

To truly understand your woman, you must listen actively. This involves paying full attention, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting on her feelings. Active listening goes beyond merely hearing words.

Avoid interrupting or formulating your response while she’s speaking. When learning how to build emotional connection with a woman, focus entirely on her when she speaks. Show that you value her thoughts and emotions.

Maintain eye contact. Put away digital devices. Avoid interrupting. Reflect back on what you’ve heard to demonstrate understanding. Show genuine interest in her experiences.

Ask follow-up questions that reveal you’re truly engaged. Validate her feelings without judgment. This approach creates a safe emotional space where she feels heard and respected.

3. Express Gratitude and Appreciation

Show your appreciation for your woman through words and actions. A simple “thank you” or a heartfelt compliment can go a long way.

Recognise her efforts, both big and small, and express gratitude for her presence in your life. This positive reinforcement strengthens your emotional connection.

4. Physical Touch and Emotional Affection

Physical touch is a powerful way to connect with your woman on an emotional level. This doesn’t necessarily mean intimate acts.

Simple gestures like holding hands, unexpected hugs, and gentle touches on the arm, hair, and neck can convey love and affection. These physical cues deepen your bond and create a sense of emotional security and intimacy.

Understanding how to build emotional connection with a woman involves recognising her unique affection preferences. Some women appreciate frequent physical contact, while others prefer occasional, meaningful gestures.

How to build emotional connection with a woman | fab.ng

5. Open and Intentional Communication

Open and honest communication is essential for a healthy relationship. Share your thoughts, feelings, and fears with vulnerability. Create a safe space where she can express herself without judgment. By being open and honest, you build trust and intimacy.

Communication is the cornerstone of emotional intimacy. Learn her communication style. Some women prefer direct conversations, while others appreciate subtle emotional nuance.

When discovering how to build emotional connection with a woman, communicate regularly and meaningfully. Share your thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences. Create moments of genuine conversation beyond surface-level interactions.

6. Surprise Her with Thoughtful Gestures

Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on your emotional connection. Surprise her with a thoughtful gift, plan a romantic getaway, or simply leave a heartfelt note.

These unexpected gestures show that you care and are thinking of her.

7. Celebrate Milestones Together

Celebrate life’s milestones, both big and small, together. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or a personal achievement, these moments create shared experiences and strengthen your bond.

8. Express Vulnerability

Emotional connections deepen when partners share authentic feelings. Men often struggle with vulnerability, but it’s essential when understanding how to build an emotional connection with a woman. Share your fears, dreams, and personal challenges.

Demonstrate emotional intelligence by opening up about your inner world. Talk about your insecurities and past experiences. This transparency invites her to connect more deeply and builds mutual trust.

9. Show Consistent Emotional Support

Support goes beyond physical assistance. This means you have to prioritise her emotional landscape. Be present during her challenging times.

Offer comfort without attempting to fix everything. Listen empathetically. Validate her emotions. Demonstrate that you’re a reliable emotional anchor she can depend on during difficult moments.

10. Cultivate Shared Experiences

Shared experiences create emotional memories. Plan activities that allow genuine connection. Try new experiences together. Take classes, travel, or explore mutual interests.

These shared moments become emotional touchstones in your relationship. They create opportunities for deeper understanding and mutual growth when learning how to build emotional connection with a woman.

11. Practice Emotional Empathy

Empathy transforms relationships. Put yourself in her emotional shoes. Understand her perspective without judgment. Recognise her emotional triggers and respond with compassion.

When mastering how to build emotional connection with a woman, emotional intelligence becomes your greatest asset. Validate her feelings, even when they differ from your perspective.

Conclusion

Building an emotional connection requires continuous effort, patience, and genuine commitment. These strategies provide a roadmap for creating deeper, more meaningful romantic relationships.

Remember that every woman is unique. What works for one might not work perfectly for another. Stay adaptable, communicate openly, and approach emotional connection with sincerity and respect.

By implementing these strategies consistently, you’ll create a profound emotional bond that transcends surface-level interactions, fostering a relationship built on trust, understanding, and genuine love.

If you found this article helpful, click here to check out more.

HOW TO

How To De-Escalate Arguments In Relationships

Published

4 weeks ago

November 24, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Arguments In Relationships: 6 Tips To De-escalate Them | fab.ng

Arguments in relationships test every couple’s communication skills. They reveal deeper emotional dynamics. Healthy partnerships transform conflicts into opportunities for understanding.

Navigate arguments in relationships with strategic approaches. Stop escalation before it destroys the connection. Recognize that disagreements happen naturally. Your response determines relationship quality.

These relationship arguments require emotional intelligence. Listen actively. Control reactive responses. Use compassionate language. Avoid accusatory statements. Show genuine respect.

Understand that arguments in relationships aren’t battles to win. They’re conversations to understand. Each disagreement offers a chance to strengthen bonds. Develop mutual empathy.

The final key to managing arguments in relationships involves staying calm. Take deep breaths. Pause when emotions run high. Focus on solutions, not problems.

Successful couples treat arguments as growth opportunities. They communicate openly and respect each other’s perspectives. They commit to mutual understanding.

Choose connection over being right. Transform conflicts into moments of intimacy and trust.

Below are 6 tips you can use to de-escalate arguments in relationships:

1. Take a Break

Arguments in relationships can quickly spiral out of control. When conversations become heated, take a strategic timeout. Step away from the intense moment.

Give yourself space to reset emotionally. Take a walk to clear your mind. Listen to calming music. Practice meditation techniques. Breathe deeply and center yourself.

The goal of taking a break during arguments in relationships is emotional regulation. Return to the conversation when both partners feel calm and rational. This approach prevents saying hurtful things in the heat of the moment.

2. Active Listening

Mastering active listening transforms arguments in relationships. When your partner speaks, give full attention. Silence your inner defensive voice. Avoid interrupting or preparing counterarguments. Focus entirely on understanding their perspective.

Ask clarifying questions. Repeat what you’ve heard to ensure comprehension. Show genuine interest in your partner’s feelings. Demonstrate that you value their emotional experience.

3. Use “I” Statements

Language matters in arguments in relationships. Replace blame with personal vulnerability. Instead of accusatory statements like “You always ignore me,” express your feelings directly. Say, “I feel lonely and disconnected when we don’t communicate.”

“I” statements reduce defensiveness. They invite empathy and understanding. They transform potential conflicts into opportunities for a deeper connection.

4. Avoid Personal Attacks

Arguments in relationships should never become character assassinations. Stick strictly to the current issue. Avoid bringing up past mistakes or criticizing your partner’s personality. Focus on resolving the specific problem at hand.

Maintain respect. Treat your partner with kindness, even during disagreements. Your goal is collaborative problem-solving, not winning a battle.

5. Find Common Ground

Every argument contains potential for understanding. Look for areas of agreement, no matter how small. Acknowledge shared feelings or goals. Build a bridge of mutual understanding.

Collaborative approaches transform arguments in relationships from confrontations to conversations. Work together as a team. Seek solutions that satisfy both partners.

6. Seek Professional Help

Persistent communication challenges require professional intervention. A qualified therapist can provide:

Objective communication strategies
Tools for emotional regulation
Insights into underlying relationship dynamics
Personalized conflict resolution techniques

Professional guidance helps couples break destructive communication patterns. It provides skills for healthier, more understanding relationships.

Transforming Conflicts

Arguments in relationships are growth opportunities. They test and strengthen emotional bonds. By approaching conflicts with empathy, respect, and strategic communication, couples can turn challenges into moments of deeper connection.

Disagreements are normal. Respect is essential. Love is a continuous journey of understanding.

Click here to read more articles on relationships.