Job Security does not exist. Even if you felt it did (before the pandemic), I trust this false concept has finally been laid to rest! From senior roles like pilots and bank managers to more junior roles (shop attendants, factory workers and service workers), many Nigerians have been thrown into the over-saturated labour market. According to latest reports, over 21 million Nigerians are unemployed (a figure that exceeds the population of 35 African countries)
Small and medium enterprises have not been immune either. The pandemic, harsh economic climate and rising exchange rate have made the ‘hustle’ for small business owners excruciating
For a change, there are no ‘greener pastures’ abroad. The UK is officially in a recession for the first time in 11 years. In the United States alone, over 17 million people are unemployed
So, what should the employed, unemployed and business owner do? I do not have a quick-fix solution to landing your next job, doubling your company’s revenues, or launching a new service for your small business. What I do recommend are a set of attributes we all need to develop to wade through this season and thrive beyond the pandemic.
Resilience
Nelson Mandela said, “Don’t judge me by my success; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again”. Maybe you have lost a job, made a poor investment – or the pandemic has made desire for your product or services unattractive. It is okay to sulk for a while, but you need to get back up, learn, re-strategize and move forward. Left to me, resilience should be taught in schools. Our young people need to imbibe this – and so do we.
Read Also: Labour-intensive sectors slow growth means no relief for Nigeria’s jobless
Courage
There is a famous quote that says, ‘Feel the fear but do it anyway’. That sums up what we all need in this season – an aptitude for risk taking and exploration. It requires ‘facing your giants’ – things you’ve feared or felt were insurmountable. This could be trying out a new business venture, exploring partnerships, applying for a job or even asking for help. Where you currently are is not ideal, where you could be is worth the risk!
Understanding
How do you treat vendors who are owing you? Should landlords make threats at this time? Some banks, schools and other service organizations are showing understanding by adopting flexible payment terms. Organizations are promoting CSR and free learning opportunities. When things get better – and they will, customers will remember those organizations and individuals who showed understanding and ‘gave’ during this period. How much understanding do you show your colleagues or staff when Zoom sessions are interrupted by children or domestic emergencies? We are all in this together.
Adaptability
This goes without saying – we must be humble, flexible, and open to change how we work, what we offer – or how we offer them. Numerous small and large businesses are now providing their services on digital platforms. A major soft drinks manufacturer is now producing sanitizers. A major bike hailing service recently pivoted to delivery services. Some major schools abroad are now offering 100% online education. While companies are shutting down or struggling – companies like Amazon, Netflix and Zoom are hiring and smiling to the bank. Are we ready to embrace new mindsets, exploit technology, develop new skill sets and provide same services (differently) or entirely new services? Great things never come from your comfort zone.
Renewal
Do you remember that announcement made before a plane takes off? “Use your mask before helping others?” Well, how do we maintain physical, emotional and mental health so that we are renewed daily to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead? Steven Covey calls this ‘sharpening the saw’ and recommends that we take care of our physical health (exercise, rest and nutrition), heart (staying in touch with key relationships), spirit (prayer, inspirational literature, meditation and service to others) and mind (reading, learning, writing). It’s important to ‘zone out’ from the negative news, unending video meetings and life’s stressors and take time for yourself every day. This gives you the ability to do everything else.
Hope
Everything has taken a hit – the economy, social life, travel, exchange rate, businesses and schools. Indeed, we are being hit from every side. It is difficult to see light at the end of the tunnel when there’s so much bad news everywhere. But this too will pass. Martin Luther King said, “We must accept finite disappointment; but never lose infinite hope.” Hope. is indeed, the anchor for the soul. Imbibe the attributes above and use video communication tools to engage with loved ones and friends. And if ‘symptoms still persist’, see a Coach or a Counsellor.
Akanimo Ekong is currently the Founder and Managing Director of Candor Consulting Ltd, an adaptive and authentic Business Consulting firm providing training, employee wellbeing & team building programs, performance management and IT outsourcing services. Candor Consulting also sources & recruits mid and senior level candidates for organizations. Akanimo is a serial trainer, peak performance coach and mental health facilitator. Contact [email protected]; www.candor.ng LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/candorconsulting
