The Nigerian telecom regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun a regime of checks on operators in the telecom sector to ensure strict compliance of best practices through a Code of Corporate Governance which became active in November 2016.

This is one of the measures by the commission to engender consumer satisfaction, industry resilience, accountability and sustainability of businesses in the sector which now contributes a huge chunk to the nation’s GDP.

As part of the new push, NCC has sent out a team of chartered accountants to check the financial status of telcos as well as their technical well-being including network integrity. Using four key performance indicators (KPIs), the commission said it was all in line with the dictates of the new Code made public Tuesday to stakeholders.

After the financial meltdown which hit Etisalat (now 9Mobile) in which syndicated loans from a  consortium were not serviced as at when due, the commission said it would be indirectly minding how funds are managed by the operators especially since some of the funds were funds from the subscribers through recharge.

Principle 11.9 of the Code states: “To ensure continuity and injection of fresh ideas, a Director may serve on a Board for a period of three3) terms of five(5) years each. No Director shall on any Board for a period exceeding a total number of 15 years.

“Subject to satisfactory performance and the provisions of CAMA, all Directors shall be submitted for re-election at regular intervals of five years. In order to guide decision of shareholders, names and sufficient biographical details of Directors nominated shall be accompanied by performance evaluation statement and any other relevant information”.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Professor Umar Danbatta, said the Code was not to stifle innovation and growth among operators but to ensure sustainability and conformity to best practices by operators. He explained that the regulator was not interested in sanctions but that sanctions only apply as a last option when other advisory roles of the commission were not adhered to by any operator.

“We want to ensure that things are done the right way; that the books are transparent and that new ideas are injected by new and younger Board members at all times to complement the experience of the older Board members”, Professor Danbatta said.

The Nigerian telecom sector has attracted foreign direct investment in excess of $68 billion since 2001 and participants at the workshop in Lagos said there was the need to protect such investments and even grow it through adherence to global best practices.

SOURCE: https://brandspurng.com/aftermath-of-etisalat-fiasco-ncc-begins-financial-checks-of-telcos-directors-to-serve-only-15-years/

Speaking in front of other people—even a small group—can be nerve-wracking. You feel anxious, terrified that you'll make a fool of yourself. While the butterflies may never go away completely, there are still some things you can do to help clear your head before your big moment.

1.Practice.

Naturally, you’ll want to rehearse your presentation multiple times. While it can be difficult for those with packed schedules to spare time for practice, it’s essential if you want to deliver a rousing presentation. If you really want to sound great, write out your speech rather than taking chances winging it.

Try to practice where you’ll be delivering your talk. Some acting strategists suggest rehearsing lines in various positions–standing up, sitting down, with arms open wide, on one leg, while sitting on the toilet, etc. (OK, that last one may be optional.) The more you mix up your position and setting, the more comfortable you’ll feel with your speech. Also try recording your presentation and playing it back to evaluate which areas need work. Listening to recordings of your past talks can clue you in to bad habits you may be unaware of, as well as inspiring the age-old question: “Is that what I really sound like?”

2.Transform Nervous Energy Into Enthusiasm.

It may sound strange, but I’ll often down an energy drink and blast hip-hop music in my earphones before presenting. Why? It pumps me up and helps me turn jitters into focused enthusiasm. Studies have shown that an enthusiastic speech can win out over an eloquent one, and since I’m not exactly the Winston Churchill of presenters, I make sure that I’m as enthusiastic and energetic as possible before going on stage. Of course, individuals respond differently to caffeine overload, so know your own body before guzzling those monster energy drinks.

3.Attend Other Speeches.

If you’re giving a talk as part of a larger series, try to attend some of the earlier talks by other presenters. This shows respect for your fellow presenters while also giving you a chance to feel out the audience. What’s the mood of the crowd? Are folks in the mood to laugh or are they a bit more stiff? Are the presentations more strategic or tactical in nature? Another speaker may also say something that you can play off of later in your own presentation.

4.Arrive Early.

It’s always best to allow yourself plenty of time to settle in before your talk. Extra time ensures you won’t be late (even if Google Maps shuts down) and gives you plenty of time to get adapted to your presentation space.

5.Adjust to Your Surroundings.

The more adjusted to your environment you are, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Make sure to spend some in the room where you will be delivering your presentation. If possible, practice with the microphone and lighting, make sure you understand the seating, and be aware of any distractions potentially posed by the venue (e.g., a noisy road outside).

6.Meet and Greet.

Do your best to chat with people before your presentation. Talking with audiences makes you seem more likeable and approachable. Ask event attendees questions and take in their responses. They may even give you some inspiration to weave into your talk.

7.Take Deep Breaths.

The go-to advice for jitters has truth to it. When we’re nervous, our muscles tighten–you may even catch yourself holding your breath. Instead, go ahead and take those deep breaths to get oxygen to your brain and relax your body.

8.Smile.

Smiling increases endorphins, replacing anxiety with calm and making you feel good about your presentation. Smiling also exhibits confidence and enthusiasm to the crowd. Just don’t overdo it–no one enjoys the maniacal clown look.

9.Work on Your Pauses.

When you’re nervous, it’s easy to speed up your speech and end up talking too fast, which in turn causes you to run out of breath, get more nervous, and panic! Ahh!

Don’t be afraid to slow down and use pauses in your speech. Pausing can be used to emphasize certain points and to help your talk feel more conversational. If you feel yourself losing control of your pacing, just take a nice pause and keep cool.

10.Drink Water.

Dry mouth is a common result of anxiety. Prevent cottonmouth blues by staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water before your talk (just don’t forget to hit the bathroom before starting). Keep a bottle of water at arm’s reach while presenting in case you get dry mouth while chatting up a storm. It also provides a solid object to hurl at potential hecklers. (That’ll show ‘em.)

Finally, when you’re on that podium trying to make a presentation, find some way to move around and remind yourself that everyone is weird—including the people watching you. It's usually an aspect of our humanity that we forget as we approach the podium, and instead we perceive ourselves speaking to perfect individuals that will criticize our every move. It's one of the reasons that picturing your audience Unclad is one of the most classic of tips. It makes them vulnerable, not you. However you choose to make that presentation, ensure you get your message out there with confidence.

Nobody wants to be a yes-man (or woman), but that doesn’t make it any easier to say no to your boss. Whether you’re being asked to increase your workload, take on a task that you believe is a bad idea, or work on a weekend, how do you tactfully decline?

“People have a hard time saying ‘no’- period - and when you introduce power, it gets exponentially worse,”

- Joseph Grenny.

Yet, good bosses appreciate employees who have the confidence to say no. if you ask around, most say they’re willing to listen to sound reasoning to find a solution. In essence, it’s all about how you frame and phrase it.

Instead of declining the request and walking away, here are seven tips for delivering an effective, non-opposing “no”:

1. Avoid a power struggle

Begin by acknowledging that the decision is ultimately your boss’s. Clarify that by saying, ‘I have strong opinions on what is the right answer but I understand this is your call,’” he says. “Otherwise the subject can become a power struggle.”

It’s not who is right, it’s what is right.

Sometimes a “no” is a battle not a war, and you need to know the difference. Ask yourself what the worst outcome may be from saying ‘no’ and write this down. Decide which appears to have the biggest impact on your current workload and future with the company.

2. Acknowledge that you ultimately have the same goals.

Members of the military say to salute the flag before you disagree with a senior officer, says Grenny. The same is true in business. Keep in mind that your ultimate goal is the same: to further the company.

“Your mutual higher purpose is to serve, and your job is to accomplish goals,” he says. “It’s not who is right, it’s what is right.”

3. Empathize

People are more open to having someone disagree with them if they feel deeply understood.

Listen to your boss’s arguments and concerns before voicing your own, and he’ll feel much less defensive if he feels heard. If you aren’t willing to change your opinion, don’t expect your boss to change his.

However, you can say, ‘I understand your perspective, and here’s another way to think about the situation’. If you have sound reasoning and honored their idea, your boss will be more open to listening.

4. Explain the consequences of the request

People often believe if their boss trusted them, they’d be willing to take a chance and follow their suggestion, but you shouldn’t make a disagreement personal when it doesn’t need to be, says Grenny.

Instead, draw power from the facts. After you’ve acknowledged the importance of the request, share how the new task might impact other projects. For example, it might take away needed resources or burden your workload. Then ask for a solution.

For example, is there something your boss could take off your plate to allow you the time to take on this project?

5. Share your facts.

Too often we get into a debate about conclusions. “If you want to say ‘no,’ and your boss wants you to say ‘yes,’ each of you has information that differs. Start by exposing where your facts are thin.

Acknowledge what you know to be true and tell your boss how it caused your conclusion. Ask how your boss came to his conclusion. If you’re simply in a no-yes argument, you’re arguing conclusions not facts.

Overall, your boss is your boss and you the employee, meanwhile, as you’ve just learnt, you can always convey your disagreements whenever you have one. Just ensure you’re doing it properly using the guidelines above.

A job interview is a common and an inevitable part of acquiring a job. This is the case when the first impression is of great importance. Many talented people lose their chance to get the job they wished due to a horrible interview. Therefore, you should be really prepared for it. You should avoid mistakes and fill in all the gaps in your plan.
A preparation means a lot! You should make steps after you have thought them thoroughly through. Here are some tips on how to pass your job interview successfully.

1. Do a research about the company.

In this occasion, you have some background knowledge about the company where you wish to work your chances of success will greatly increase. You should know its main profile, the directions it develops and the demands it requires. Show your seriousness and interest in your future position.

2. Work out the common interview questions.

Regardless of the company and your specialization, there will be always some common questions, which are asked. For instance:
• What things you know about the company?
• Why should the company employ exactly you?
• How can you benefit the team?
• Describe your methods of overcoming challenges at work.
You should also think about other potential questions. Depend on the specification of the company and your own skills.

3. Tell about your strong and weak sides.

You will be asked about your best skills and your biggest weaknesses. You should reveal your strongest qualities at full. Tell that you are quick in fulfilling orders, can easily manage your time schedule, organize the entire working process and so on.

 4.   Put reasonable and smart questions of your own.

Do not be afraid of putting your own questions. Why is it necessary? In such way, you will show that you are really interested in this job and that you are engaged in the conversation. You may ask the following questions:

    What will I need for success here?
    Whom will I collaborate with?
    What are my main everyday duties?
    Will I be able to develop myself with your company?
    What difficulties may I face?

Makes allowances for the most important things that interest you and may help you while working at the company.                                         

 5. Avoid clichés.

Nobody likes a stereotypical way of thinking. Some employers may think that you do not have your own ideas if you operate with canned answers. Show your individuality and emphasize your originality. Try to assure your employer that you can resolve problems in different ways regardless of the case. You can implement the ideas of your own and they will work.                                                                       
6. Complete and bring all necessary documents ahead of time.

You will require some necessary documents that are connected with your future position at the company. Bring along copies of your resume, portfolio and so on. While filling them, be watchful and avoid making any mistakes. This will show that your intentions are serious and that you act professionally.                                                          
 7. Dress the part.

Do not forget about your appearance. It also makes a positive impression on other people. Pick up a nice outfit so that it displayed you as a determined and confident person. It should also match the business you will be applying for. While your research about the company learn about possible dress code and choose it.                                                                                         

Following these pretty simple tips, you will easily prepare for a good job interview and will sufficiently increase your chances of getting the job of your dream.

http://www.ngjobseekers.com/2017/08/11/7-best-steps-to-pass-your-job-interview-successfully/