Yemi Alade slams colleagues for downplaying Afrobeats genre
Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has berated her colleagues who downplay the Afrobeats genre.
She said that while it is not wrong for artists to denounce Afrobeats especially if they feel it doesn’t define their art, it is hypocrisy for them to downplay the genre, adding that it has contributed to every Nigerian artist’s development.
On her X handle, the ‘Johnny’ crooner wrote: “I don’t see anything wrong in informing your listeners of the genre of music an artist makes especially when you feel it doesn’t define your art.
“Just Announce your Genre in peace. Downplaying the role Afrobeats has played in every artist’s development is hypocrisy.”
Alade’s social media outburst is coming against the backdrop of some Nigerian singers including Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy denouncing the Afrobeats genre.
They all claimed that they ditched the genre because all African artists boxed into Afrobeats regardless of their musical styles.
Nigerian-born singer, Shaboozey displaces Beyoncé from top of Billboard’s Country Songs chart
Nigerian-American singer, Collins Obinna Chibueze, popularly known as Shaboozey, has made history on the US Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
His song ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ dethroned ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ by Beyoncé as the number one song on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart this week.
It also marks the first time in history two Black artists have led the chart back-to-back.
“Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” rises to #1 on this week’s Hot Country Songs chart, replacing @Beyonce’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”,” American music statistics company, Chart Data tweeted.
Shaboozey recently collaborated with Beyoncé on two tracks from her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter.
‘I’m better than lots of Nigerian musicians’ – Nasboi
Popular skit maker and singer Lawal Michael Nasiru Bolaji, aka Nasboi, has boasted that he is better than many Nigerian musicians.
Appearing on the Bahd and Boujee Podcast, co-hosted by reality star Tolanibaj and actress Moet Abebe, Nasboi, who relaunched his singing career with “Cinderella” featuring Wande Coal last year, said he was certain he was better than many of his colleagues.
“I am better than a lot of musicians out there. I put my life to that sh*t. I’m way better than a lot of musicians. I know it,” he said.
On his relationship with Wizkid and Davido, Nasboi said: “I used to be a Wizkid fan. I loved Wizkid. I love Davido so much because I am close to him. I don’t know Wizkid. I have never seen Wizkid in my life.”
Grammy-winning South African singer, Tyla, has stated that because of her meteoric rise in the music industry, some people are beginning to think she is a member of the Illuminati.
She said the belief that being a member of the Illuminati is the only way to attain superstardom in the global music industry is flawed.
The ‘Water’ crooner noted that “God is the center of everything” that she has achieved so far.
Tyla covered the latest issue of the Cosmopolitan Magazine.
“People already think I’m in the Illuminati? Oh, now. I know some people think that’s the only way, but it really isn’t. God is the center of everything that we are doing, and clearly, it’s working,” she said.
On her new reality as a mixed-race South African in America, Tyla said, “When people are like, ‘You’re denying your Blackness,’ it’s not that at all. I never said I am not Black. It’s just that I grew up as a South African knowing myself as Coloured. And now that I’m exposed to more things, it has made me other things too. I’m also mixed-race. I’m also Black. I know people like finding a definition for things, but it’s ‘and,’ not ‘or’.”
Home to over 1.4 billion individuals belonging to hundreds of different ethnic groups and having varying cultural values, Africa is a diverse landscape. The continent is vibrant, colorful, and teeming with life.
Nowhere is this diversity and richness more pronounced than in African cuisine. African dishes are at the very heart of the region. Each area of the continent has its unique cuisine with its distinct flavors and aromas.
Trying African cuisines is the best way to explore the region. African dishes not only have the honor of representing national flavors and histories but also incorporating the specific colonial influences that they endured.
Exploring Africa through your taste buds
Food is a basic part of the culture. The food is prepared and the ingredients used to prepare it to provide great insight into a people’s history and current way of life. Here are ten popular dishes from different parts of Africa:
1. Jollof Rice
Spiced and savory, Jollof Rice is the ultimate comfort food. A West African dish, involves cooking the rice in a tomato sauce. Served with chicken or fish, it is readily available in Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana.
2. Couscous Royale
Turning to North Africa, or Tunisia in particular, Couscous Royale is a real delicacy. The dish comprises steam semolina served with spicy chicken. Adding lamb and saffron makes the dish even more decadent.
3. Chicken Kebabs
Egypt is known for its chicken kebabs. Seasoned with cardamom, black pepper, and a whole host of local spices, these kebabs are hard to resist.
4. Injera from Ethiopia
A meal staple in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Eritrea, this flatbread is made from teff flour. Served with stews, it is a basic part of Ethiopian cuisine.
5. Alloco
Western Africa, especially Ivory Coast is known for its plantains. Alloco is a savory dish made from fried plantains that are accompanied by chili peppers, onions, eggs, and tomato sauce.
6. Koki
Looking for an appetizer? Koki is a bean cake found in Central Africa. The beans are mashed and steamed while wrapped in banana leaves. The result is a mouth-watering snack that goes well with chilies and fish.
7. Egusi Soup
No trip to Africa would be complete without trying the Egusi soup native to Eastern Nigeria. Made from melon seeds and leafy vegetables, the soup is generously seasoned. It usually includes other vegetables as well as meats for a hearty meal.
8. Fufu
Egusi is usually accompanied by Fufu which is a doughy bun. It can be made from boiled yams or plantains that have been mashed and made into balls.
9. Mandasi Donuts
Mandasi Donuts are readily available sweet snacks. These are made from flour, egg, sugar, and milk, and are deep-fried. Perfectly paired with tea or even soft drinks for a quick and tasty snack.
10. Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is South Africa’s beloved street food. It consists of a hollowed-out portion of a loaf that is filled with a spicy curry sauce. The curry may contain vegetable or meat pieces for additional flavors.
The Future is African
Currently, Africa represents a region that is developing at an exponential rate. With an increasing population and economic growth to boot, Africa is set to become a powerhouse on the world stage. Becoming a major player on the global front means African culture is garnering increased interest. Getting a taste of African cuisine is no longer a matter of visiting an African country. African food is becoming more and more accessible around the world and this trend is only expected to increase.
Actor Kevin Spacey says he won’t ‘sit back and be attacked’ by Channel 4 documentary set to explore new sex allegation claims against him
Hollywood actor, Kevin Spacey has said he will ‘not sit back and be attacked’ by a Channel 4 documentary exploring accusations of sexual assault against him.
It comes a year after the House Of Cards star, 64, was acquitted of a number of sexual offences alleged by four men between 2001 and 2013, following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.
In a trailer for the two-part docuseries, Spacey Unmasked, premiering this month, a narrator says that men ‘go on the record about their experiences with the acclaimed actor’.
On Thursday, the American star claimed he had ‘repeatedly requested’ that Channel 4 give him more than seven days to respond to the allegations made about him in their documentary and said the broadcaster refused.
On X, he wrote: ‘Over the last week, I have repeatedly requested that @Channel4 afford me more than seven days to respond to allegations made against me dating back 48 years and provide me with sufficient details to investigate these matters.
‘Channel 4 has refused on the basis that they feel that asking for a response in seven days to new, anonymised and non-specific allegations is a ‘fair opportunity’ for me to refute any allegations made against me.
‘I will not sit back and be attacked by a dying network’s one-sided ‘documentary’ about me in their desperate attempt for ratings.
There’s a proper channel to handle allegations against me and it’s not Channel 4.
‘Each time I have been given the time and a proper forum to defend myself, the allegations have failed under scrutiny and I have been exonerated.’
The American actor then revealed he will be issuing a response this weekend and added that Channel 4 and Roast Beef Productions, which helped produce the show, may find themselves ‘speechless’.
Immunisation key to preventing childhood killer diseases: WHO
WHO says vaccination is imperative in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases in children.
Musa Mahdi, the Plateau coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO), says vaccination is imperative in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases in children.
Mr Mahdi said this on Tuesday in Jos during the commencement of the African Vaccination Week.
The coordinator said that diseases such as smallpox were eradicated globally through vaccination.
He further noted that vaccination reduced the burden of many vaccine-preventable diseases.
He urged parents and guardians to ensure that their infants and toddlers were fully immunised to help build herd immunity and prevent diseases in children.
Raymond Juylit, the executive secretary of Plateau State Primary Health Care Board, encouraged parents and caregivers to always provide their infants and toddlers with immunisation.
Mr Juylit said, “Vaccination gives immunity against diseases and deaths that occur from such diseases.”
The health talks were given to mothers, and a sensitisation walk was held to commemorate the week.
TETFund installs transplant, urology equipment in seven teaching hospitals
TETFund has completed the installation of N250 million worth of transplant and urology equipment for prostate and kidney stone treatment in seven hospitals.
TETFUND COMPLETED FACILITY
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has completed the installation of transplant and urology equipment for prostate and kidney stone treatment in seven hospitals, worth N250 million.
Umar Ali, the contractor handling the supply, who also represented Tetfund, told journalists shortly after installing the equipment at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano (AKTH).
He described the gesture as the first in seven government hospitals at a time to benefit those seeking health assistance.
Other benefitting health institutions are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, University of Abuja, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, University of Jos Teaching Hospital and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri.
He said those seeking treatment for kidney stones and kidney failure are on the increase on a daily basis, hence intervention by Tetfund to find a lasting solution to their health challenges.
According to him, the fund has installed the equipment, tested and discovered to be in good working condition.
He added, “Doctors have started using the equipment for research and practicals in the university, but all credits go to TETFund because, without their intervention, it may not have been possible.”
Sani Aji from Bayero University, Kano, said that with modern technology, there may not be a need to cut open patients.
He said, “Before now, after patients have been operated on, they will stay in the hospital for between 10 and 12 days before discharge, but now, they can go the same day of the operation if there are no complications. Very few centres have the facilities, and they are all private, but with Tetfund intervention, this laser surgery will help a lot.”
Przemyslaw Zugaj, one of the medical personnel invited from Poland to train doctors on how to handle the laser equipment on patients when conducting surgeries.
Mr Zugaj explained that the surgery would destroy kidney stones, that patients are checked properly, and it may not be necessary to repeat the surgery, which is cheaper.
He said that with proper handling of the laser machine, there would not be a need to open up patients, and the operation would be carried out successfully without bleeding.
2024 religious freedom report recommends U.S. designate Nigeria, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, India as ‘Countries of Particular Concern’
SCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy
Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released its 2024 Annual Report, which documents developments during 2023. USCIRF’s 2024 Annual Report provides recommendations to enhance the U.S. government’s promotion of freedom of religion or belief abroad. This year’s report commemorates the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). This landmark law made promoting the guaranteed right to freedom of religion or belief a priority in U.S. foreign policy.
Sultan of Sokoto and PM Narendra Modi
“Twenty-five years after IRFA’s passage, many individuals and communities around the world still cannot freely practice their religion or belief. USCIRF is disheartened by the deteriorating conditions in many countries as highlighted in the Annual Report. It is vital that the President, Secretary of State, and Congress implement the recommendations in this year’s report,” USCIRF Chair Abraham Cooper said. “While 25 years has passed since USCIRF was created, it is more important now than ever to ensure that promoting freedom of religion or belief remains a key tenet of U.S. foreign policy. USCIRF’s independence and bipartisanship enables it to unflinchingly identify threats to religious freedom abroad, and despite there being dissent on certain issues included in the Annual Report, Commissioners remain committed to advancing religious freedom for all.”
In its 2024 Annual Report, USCIRF recommends 17 countries to the U.S. Department of State for designation as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs) based on their governments engaging in or tolerating particularly severe violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief. These include 12 that the State Department designated as CPCs in December 2023: Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—as well as five additional recommendations: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam.
The 2024 Annual Report also recommends 11 countries for placement on the State Department’s Special Watch List (SWL) based on their governments’ perpetration or toleration of severe violations of religious freedom. These include one that the State Department placed on that list in December 2023: Algeria—as well as 10 additional recommendations: Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. While the State Department included Vietnam on its SWL in December 2023, USCIRF believes the government of Vietnam’s violations rise to the level of CPC status. Additionally, USCIRF recommends the State Department add Kyrgyzstan to the SWL for the first time due to the Kyrgyz government’s heightened religious repression in 2023.
USCIRF further recommends to the State Department seven non-state actors for redesignation as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs) for particularly severe religious freedom violations. The State Department designated all seven of these groups as EPCs in December 2023: al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Houthis, Islamic State Sahel Province (IS Sahel), Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) (also referred to as ISIS-West Africa), and Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM).
“Throughout 2023, the U.S. government regularly condemned abuses of religious freedom, imposed targeted sanctions on perpetrators, and advocated for the release of those imprisoned for the peaceful exercise of their religion or belief.” USCIRF Vice Chair Frederick A. Davie said. “We are encouraged by the Biden administration’s and Congress’ support for many initiatives related to international religious freedom. However, the U.S. government can further enhance efforts regarding religious freedom by implementing all of the recommendations in our 2024 Annual Report, and raising the names of victims persecuted for their faith each time the U.S. government engages with foreign governments.”
In addition to country chapters with key findings and U.S. policy recommendations, the 2024 Annual Report describes and assesses U.S. international religious freedom policy overall. The report also highlights important global developments and trends related to religious freedom during 2023, including in countries that do not meet the criteria for CPC or SWL. These include transnational repression by religious freedom violators, laws restricting religious freedom, attacks against religious sites in armed conflict, risks to religious minorities during elections, rising of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, religious freedom concerns in Europe, and religious freedom issues for refugees.
The report also highlights key USCIRF recommendations that the U.S. government implemented from USCIRF’s 2023 Annual Report—including adding Azerbaijan to the State Department’s SWL, imposing targeted sanctions on religious freedom violators, and advocating for religious prisoners of conscience, such as those included in USCIRF’s Frank R. Wolf Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List.
Ofe Nsala or White Soup is a traditional Nigerian delicacy originating from the Igbo ethnic group. This aromatic and flavorful soup is typically prepared with a combination of assorted meats, fish, and traditional spices, creating a rich and satisfying dish that is enjoyed across Nigeria and beyond.
Nutritional Benefits of Ofe Nsala Soup
Protein
Ofe Nsala soup contains a variety of protein sources, including assorted meats such as goat meat, chicken, beef, and fish.
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall body function.
Consuming adequate protein helps support satiety, which may aid in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness.
Healthy Fats
Palm nut extract or palm oil, commonly used in Ofe Nsala soup, provides healthy fats that are important for brain health, hormone production, and nutrient absorption.
These fats also contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Vitamins and Minerals
Assorted meats and fish in Ofe Nsala soup are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Iron is important for the formation of red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body, while zinc supports immune function and wound healing.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and DNA synthesis, and omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and promote heart health.
Fibre
Some variations of Ofe Nsala soup may include vegetables such as utazi leaves, which provide dietary fibre.
Fiber is important for digestive health, as it helps promote regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Additionally, fibre can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Antioxidants
Certain spices and herbs used in Ofe Nsala soup, such as uziza seeds and utazi leaves, contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Antioxidants have been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Hydration
Ofe Nsala soup is typically prepared with water as the base, providing hydration to the body.
Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining proper bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste elimination.
Ingredients
White soup
Assorted Meats: Common choices include goat meat, chicken, beef, or assorted offals such as tripe or cow feet.
Fish: Fresh fish such as catfish or tilapia are often used in Ofe Nsala soup, adding depth of flavour and texture.
Spices: Traditional spices such as uziza seeds, utazi leaves, and ehuru (African nutmeg) are essential for flavouring the soup.
Stockfish: Dried stockfish adds a unique flavour and richness to the soup.
Seasonings: Onions, garlic, ginger, and crayfish are commonly used to enhance the flavour of Ofensala soup.
Palm Nut Extract: Palm nut extract or palm oil is used to give the soup its characteristic creamy texture and colour.
Pepper: Fresh or dried peppers such as habanero or scotch bonnet peppers are added for heat and spiciness.
Preparation
Prepare the Meats and Fish: Clean and cut the assorted meats and fish into bite-sized pieces. If using dried stockfish, soak it in water overnight to soften.
Prepare the Spices: Grind the uziza seeds, utazi leaves, and ehuru (African nutmeg) into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
Cooking the Soup: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the assorted meats and fish. Simmer until the meats are tender and cooked through.
Add the Spices: Stir in the ground spices (uziza, utazi, and ehuru), chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and crayfish. Allow the flavours to meld together.
Add Palm Nut Extract: Pour in the palm nut extract or palm oil, stirring well to incorporate. Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more water if needed.
Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Simmer and Serve: Allow the soup to simmer over low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavours to develop. Serve hot with fufu, pounded yam, or rice.
Cultural Significance
Ofe Nsala soup holds cultural significance in Nigerian cuisine, particularly among the Igbo ethnic group. It is often served during special occasions and festive celebrations, such as weddings, festivals, and cultural ceremonies.
The rich and aromatic flavours of Ofe Nsala soup symbolize hospitality, togetherness, and community, making it a beloved dish that brings people together to share in the joys of food and fellowship.
Conclusion
Ofe Nsala soup, with its tantalizing blend of meats, fish, spices, and traditional flavours, is a cherished delicacy in Nigerian cuisine. Its preparation requires time, skill, and attention to detail, resulting in a dish that is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Whether enjoyed during special occasions or as a comforting meal at home, Ofe Nsala soup represents the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Nigeria, captivating the senses and bringing people together through the shared experience of food and culture.
Experts want you to stop sleeping in this position — it’s the worst
Sleep is an integral part of our lives, and its quality has a direct impact on our well-being and ability to function.
This sleeping position has a disastrous effect on almost all sections of the spine
It is comfortable, but it does not have a good effect on our body. And although many people instinctively go to sleep this way, experts warn that this is the worst position.
It puts a lot of strain on the spine, practically at every section, has a negative impact on the respiratory system and digestion, and even accelerates aging.
Sleep is an integral part of our lives, and its quality has a direct impact on our well-being and ability to function. Not only the time of night’s rest is important, but also the position of our body.
We change positions on average 20 times during sleep, but everyone has their favourite position, which they adopt most often. It is not always conducive to maintaining health and beauty.
Is there an optimal sleeping position? The answer to these questions is not clear and depends on many factors, such as age, weight, environment, physical activity, pregnancy, and health condition.
For example, sleeping on the right side can be unhealthy for people with stomach problems because it can lead to acid reflux. On the other hand, sleeping on your left side can make breathing difficult, especially for people suffering from sleep apnea. Likewise on the back it can lead to breathing difficulties, snoring and sleep apnea.
Don’t sleep on your stomach
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Sleeping on your stomach burdens the respiratory system and presses internal organs
In addition, it burdens the respiratory system and presses internal organs, including the stomach, which may lead to heartburn. In addition, pressure on the face accelerates the skin aging process, causing wrinkles to appear more quickly.
The so-called fetal position, when we lie on our side with our legs curled up, can lead to tension and pain in the spine because both the neck and back are under a lot of tension.
Moreover, sleeping on your right side in this position may cause problems with the functioning of various organs, such as the heart, stomach and pancreas.
Our bodies speak volumes, even when our lips are sealed.
Body language includes different types of nonverbal indicators
We all speak two languages: one with words, and another with our bodies.
This second language, the language of body language, can reveal a lot about our emotions, thoughts, and intentions we might not say out loud.
Understanding these body signals can help you decipher what people are really thinking and feeling, even before they say a word.
1. Hand rubbing: When someone rubs their hands together, it signals nervousness, anxiety, or anticipation.
2. Rapid blinking: Blinking more than usual might indicate discomfort or stress.
3. Dilated pupils: Linked to interest, excitement, or attraction.
4. Sustained eye contact: Can show engagement, confidence, or even a challenge, depending on the context.
5. Avoiding eye contact: This signals shyness, discomfort, or even guilt. It can also be a sign of submission or a lack of confidence in that situation.
6. Nodding: Slow, steady nodding shows agreement and understanding. Rapid, jerky nods might indicate anxiety or excitement.
7. Crossed arms: This can be a defensive posture, indicating disagreement, disapproval, or even a closed-off attitude.
8. Open palms facing up: This is seen as a gesture of trust, honesty, and openness.
9. Mirroring movements: Mirroring, where someone mimics your movements, is a strong signal of rapport and connection. It indicates that the person is comfortable and aligned with your energy.
10. Fidgeting or playing with hair: This signals nervousness, boredom, or even excitement.
11. Steepling fingers: Can indicate confidence, authority, or even critical thinking.
12. Ankle crossing: Sometimes a sign of relaxation, but it can also indicate nervousness or boredom.
13. Pointing the foot towards someone: This could signify interest, attraction, or even possessiveness. If their feet point away from you, it may suggest a desire to leave or disengage from the conversation.
14. Spreading legs while sitting: This is interpreted as confidence or dominance, but can also be simply comfortable.
15. Shifting weight from foot to foot: This indicates restlessness, impatience, or even uncertainty.
The direction of lines on your palms can determine when you’ll find success
What do the shape of the lines on your palms say about your future?
For palmistry experts, the fish symbol on a person’s hand indicates his spirituality and inner peace
The fish symbol on the hand may be formed by two curved lines that intersect at one end to form a tail
This sign may also be formed by two overlapping triangles. You may see one or more of these symbols on your hand.
Palmistry – the ancient art of palm reading
The fish is one of the symbols of palmistry (especially Indian and Chinese), the ancient art of reading human palms. Its experts interpret the shape of hands and fingers, skin color, as well as patterns, lines and shapes on the skin of the hands.
These can be, for example, squares, triangles, circles and a shape that closely resembles a fish. Based on the collected information, they are able not only to determine a person’s personality and character, but also to outline the scenario of his or her life, including: love life, career, health.
According to palmistry, the dominant hand is the one we use most often. For right-handed people it will be the right hand, for left-handed people it will be the left hand. It is believed that the more active hand represents our consciousness and current life (including our actions, habits, worldview), while the less used one is responsible for what is hidden and what we have no influence on – in other words, for the future.
Fish symbol on the hand – what does it mean?
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What do the shape of the lines on your palms say about your future?
The fish symbol can be seen in various places on the inside of the hand. Depending on its location, different meanings are assigned to it. However, one thing remains constant – it is a sign of blessing and prosperity.
Unfortunately, this symbol rarely appears on hands. Are you one of the lucky ones? Be sure to check what this means for you.
A person whose fish symbol is clear and the lines have no obvious “breaks” has reasons to be satisfied. According to palmistry, people with this sign are usually well-educated, wise and gentle. They often achieve a high position in society, sometimes even fame. This symbol also provides wealth and financial independence.
If the fish’s head is pointing upwards, towards the fingers, it may suggest that the person will achieve success in life already in his youth.
If the head is directed downwards, towards the wrist, you can expect success in middle age, around 40-50 years.
If the fish’s head is directed sideways, prosperity and fortune will favour us throughout our lives.
If a woman has the Pisces sign on her dominant hand, there are good chances that she will find a good husband and be happy in marriage . What’s more, it can help your spouse achieve financial success.
Fish is also a sign of generosity and kindness. People with visible signs of fish on their hands are always ready to help others.
For Chinese palmistry experts, the fish symbol on a person’s hand indicates his spirituality and inner peace, which is felt by those around him.
Cooking With Game Changers: Kitchen Mama? Omotayo vs Obe in pasta battle
Cooking With Game Changers: Kitchen Mama, Omotayo vs Obe in pasta battle
It’s a battle for the best on the new episode of Cooking With Game Changers!
On this episode, Bolanle Omotayo, Marketing & Communications Manager at Schneider Electric, Anglophone West Africa, and Yemisi Obe, Founder of Grandios Pap, slug it out for the Ultimate GameChanger title by preparing their unique versions of pasta.
A day in the life of these GameChangers is explored after which they battle in the kitchen for the title of “Ultimate GameChanger” even as our Judges M.I Abaga, Kaffy and Captain Toba determine who wears the crown. Daniel Etim-Effiong, the show host, makes their time on Cooking with GameChangers extremely delightful.
Cooking with GameChangers follows a-day–in-the-life of a top corporate executive and entrepreneur who ends up in the Cooking with GameChangers kitchen for a cook-off supervised/judged by celebrity host, Daniel Etim-Effiong and judges M.I Abaga, Kaffy, and Captain Toba.
Cooking with GameChangers is a spinoff of Nigeria’s most syndicated talk show, “Binging With GameChangers” which garners over 60 million monthly viewers and airs on TV stations nationwide.
SATURDAYS:
NTA Network: Saturdays at 10.30 AM
Silverbird: Saturdays at 1.30 PM
Views Channel: Saturday 6:30 PM; Repeat: Mondays at 9:30 PM; Wednesdays at 9 PM
SUNDAYS:
Africa Magic Family: Sundays at 3.30 PM: Repeat: Wednesdays at 1.30 PM
TVC: Sundays at 5.30 PM
NTA2: Sundays at 5.30 PM
Wazobia Max: Sundays at 5.30 PM; Repeat Mondays at 7 PM
Wazobia TV: Sundays at 5.30 PM; Repeat: Mondays at 7 PM
Education means studying in order to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of a variety of subjects to be applied to daily life. Education is not limited to just knowledge from books, but can also be obtained through practical experiences outside of the classroom.
Top 10 Reasons: Why Education is Important?
There are many different understandings and definitions of what education is, but one thing can be universally agreed upon, which is the importance of education – and here’s why.
1. Provides Stability
Education provides stability in life, and it’s something that no one can ever take away from you. By being well-educated and holding a college degree, you increase your chances for better career opportunities and open up new doors for yourself.
2. Provides Financial Security
On top of stability, education also provides financial security, especially in today’s society. A good education tends to lead to a higher paying job, as well as provide you with the skills needed to get there.
3. Needed For Equality
In order for the entire world to really become equal, it needs to start with education. If everyone was provided with the same opportunities to education, then there would be less gaps between social classes. Everyone would be able to have an equal chance at higher paying jobs — not just those that are already well-off.
4. Allows For Self-Dependency
The importance of education is evident when it comes to being self-dependent. If we are we educated, then it’s something that belongs to us, and only us, allowing us to rely on no one else other than ourselves. It can allow you to not only be financially independent, but also to make your own choices.
5. Make Your Dreams Come True
If you can dream it, you can achieve it. An education is the most powerful weapon you can possibly have, and with it, you can make all of your dreams come true. There are of course certain exceptions, depending on what you’re aiming for, but generally an education will take you as far as you’re willing to go.
6. A Safer World
Education is something that’s not only needed on a personal level, but also on a global level, as it’s something that keeps our world safe and makes it a more peaceful place. Education tends to teach people the difference between right and wrong, and can help people stay out of risky situations.
7. Confidence
Being self-confident is a major part of being successful in life. And what better way to gain that confidence than with an education? Your level of education is often considered a way to prove your knowledge, and it can give you the confidence to express your opinions and speak your mind.
8. A Part Of Society
In today’s society, having an education is considered a vital part of being accepted by those around you. Having an education is believed to make you a useful part of society, and can make you feel like a contributing member as well.
9. Economic Growth On A National Level
An educated society is crucial for economic growth. We need people to continue to learn and research in order to constantly stay innovative. Countries with higher literacy rates also tend to be in better economic situations. With a more educated population, more employment opportunities are opened.
10. Can Protect You
Education can protect you more than you know, not only on a financial level, but it can help prevent you from being taken advantage of by knowing how to read and write, such as knowing not to sign any bogus documents.
Education In The Modern World
Education today is more important than ever before, and has reached new heights with new understandings of what it truly entails. Ask yourself “Why is education important?” and it will surely not be the same as anyone else’s answer.
While in modern society, holding a college degree is considered to be highly beneficial for a successful career and to be socially accepted, it is not the only means of education. Education is all around us in everything that we do, so use it wisely!
Since the discovery of large offshore reserves in the late 1960s, Norway’s economic engine has been fueled by oil. As Western Europe’s top petroleum producer, the country has benefited for decades from rising prices.
Until it didn’t: prices crashed at the beginning of 2020, then the global pandemic ensued—and the krone was sent into freefall. In the second quarter of that year, Norwegian GDP fell by 6.3 %, the biggest decline in half a century and possibly since World War Two.
Does that mean Norwegians became significantly less wealthy than they were before the pandemic? Certainly not. After the initial shock, the economy gradually pared the losses and rebounded.
Further, when it comes to any unforeseen economic problem, Norwegians can always count on their $1.4 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest. Not only that, unlike many other rich nations, Norway’s high per capita GDP figures are a reasonably accurate reflection of the average person’s economic well-being. The country boasts one of the smallest income inequality gaps in the world.
Did we say that the wealthiest countries are also the smallest? That is certainly not the case with the United States, which first entered the top 10 list in 2020 after hovering just beyond tenth place for the better part of the past two decades.
Its surge, at least initially, was largely due to pandemic-related socioeconomic measures, which boosted income and spending, and to falling energy prices, which pushed petroleum-based economies like Qatar, Norway and the United Arab Emirates down several rankings, while Brunei fell out of the top 10 entirely.
Still, the country has since managed to build on the momentum and maintain its presence in the highest tier of the list. Not only did the US have its shortest recession on record in early 2020, lasting only two months, but its economy is now booming. In April, the IMF upgraded its 2024 projections for US economic growth to 2.7% (+0.6% higher than it forecasted just a few months earlier), but the performance of the United States—according to the Fund—will be this year “a major driver of global growth.”
8. San Marino🇸🇲
Current International Dollars: 86,989
Tiny San Marino is the oldest republic in Europe and the fifth smallest country on the map. It may have only 34,000 citizens, but it is among the wealthiest citizenry in the world. It helps that income tax rates are very low, at about one-third of the EU average. Nonetheless, San Marino is working towards harmonizing its fiscal laws and regulations with those of the European Union (EU) and international standards.
The tiny nation showed remarkable resilience during the pandemic and after amid tight monetary conditions and the energy crisis, with its tourism industry and manufacturing sector turning especially strong performances.
White chocolate, the bobsleigh, the Swiss Army knife, the computer mouse, the immersion blender, velcro, and LSD are just some of the noteworthy inventions brought to the world by Switzerland. This country of about 8.8 million people owes much of its wealth to banking and insurance services, to tourism, and to the export of pharmaceutical products, gems, precious metals, precision instruments (think watches) and machinery (medical apparatuses and computers).
According to the 2023 Global Wealth Report by Credit Suisse, Switzerland once again came out on top when it comes to the mean average wealth per adult at a whopping $685,230. Furthermore, roughly one adult in six owns assets worth more than one million U.S. dollars. Is it really a surprise that Switzerland has the highest density of millionaires in the world?
But does that mean the Swiss is immune from economic woes? Not only the pandemic had a significant impact on the economy, but—due to the country’s heavy reliance on imports of oil and gas from Russia—the war in Ukraine led to a surge in energy prices and triggered supply chain disruptions. Further, in 2022 Credit Suisse nearly imploded before a government-engineered rescue by its long-time rival, UBS Group, pulled it back from the edge. The demise of Credit Suisse has shaken the country, damaging Switzerland’s reputation as a secure and reliable global banking center.
And that’s not all: last year, in a bid to curb inflation, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) raised its interest rate from -0.75% to 1.75%. Such a move had its consequences, including a surge in investment costs and a slowdown in economic growth—this, while the country was already experiencing a slump in exports, particularly to Germany, Switzerland’s second trading partner after the US, currently facing its own set of economic challenges.
Agriculture, fishing and trading pearls: these used to be the economic mainstays of this Persian Gulf nation. Then oil was discovered in the 1950s and everything changed. Today, the United Arab Emirates’ highly cosmopolitan populationenjoys considerable wealth. Traditional Islamic architecture mixes with glitzy shopping centers and workers come from all over the world lured by tax-free salaries and year-round sunshine; only about 20% of the people living in the country are actually locally-born.
The UAE’s economy is also becoming increasingly diversified. Outside of the traditionally dominant hydrocarbon sector, tourism, construction, trade and finance are major industries. This is not to say that the UAE was not impacted by the pandemic and the concomitant fall of oil prices: quite the contrary. Incredible as it may seem, the UAE briefly slipped out of the IMF’s ranking of the richest countries globally for the first time in decades. Yet fossil fuels have not gone out of fashion: as soon as energy prices recovered, the UAE quickly regained its historic position among the top 10 richest countries in the world.
Despite the recent recovery, oil prices have on average declined since the mid-2010s. In 2014, the per-capita GDP of a Qatari citizen was over $143,222; one year later, it plunged significantly and remained below the $100,000 mark for the next five years. However, that figure has gradually grown, increasing by about $10,000 each year.
Still, Qatar’s oil, gas and petrochemical reserves are so large and its population so small—just 3 million—that this marvel of ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping malls and fine cuisine has managed to stay atop the list of the world’s richest nations for 20 years.
No rich country, however, is without its problems. With only about 12% of the country’s residents being Qatari nationals, the initial months of the pandemic saw Covid-19 spreading rapidly among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters, triggering one of the highest rates of positive cases in the region. Then, falling energy prices meant falling government and private sector revenues. An export-oriented economy, Qatar also suffered from the disruption in global trade caused by the war in Ukraine. Later on, the conflict in Gaza sparked renewed fears and uncertainty across the Middle East. Still, until now, the economy has proven to be sufficiently resilient. It is projected to grow by around 2% in 2024 and 2025.
With assets of about $16 billion, the richest person living in Singapore is an American: Eduardo Saverin, the co-founder of Facebook, who in 2011 left the U.S. with 53 million shares of the company and became a permanent resident of the island nation. Like many other fellow millionaires and billionaires, Saverin did not choose it just for its urban attractions or natural gateways: Singapore is an affluent fiscal haven where capital gains and dividends are tax-free.
But how did Singapore manage to attract so many high-net-worth individuals? When the city-state became independent in 1965, one-half of its population was illiterate. With virtually no natural resources, Singapore pulled itself up by its bootstraps through hard work and smart policy, becoming one of the most business-friendly places in the world. Today, Singapore is a thriving trade, manufacturing and financial hub and 98% of the adult population is now literate.
Unfortunately, that did not make it immune from the pandemic-driven global economic downturn: in 2020, the economy shrank by 3.9%, knocking the nation into recession for the first time in more than a decade. In 2021, Singapore’s economy bounced back with an 8.8% growth, but then the slowdown in China, a top trading partner, derailed the recovery. China’s economic problems hit Singapore’s manufacturing sector—which makes up roughly 20% of Singapore’s total GDP—particularly hard. The economy expanded by just 1% in 2023, and is not projected to grow much further than 2% in 2024 and 2025.
A nation of about 5.3 million inhabitants, the Republic of Ireland was one of the hardest hit by the 2008-9 financial crisis. Following politically difficult reform measures like deep cuts to public-sector wages and restructuring its banking industry, the island nation regained its fiscal health, boosted its employment rates and saw its per capita GDP grow exponentially.
However, context is important. Ireland is one of the world’s largest corporate tax havens, which benefits multinationals far more than it benefits the average Irish person. Halfway through the 2010s, many large US firms—Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta and Pfizer to name a few—moved their fiscal residence to Ireland to benefit from its low corporate tax rate of 12.5%, one of the most attractive in the developed world. In 2023, these multinationals accounted for close over 50% of the total value added to the Irish economy. If Ireland were to adopt the minimum corporate tax rate of 15% proposed by the OECD and already implemented by many countries, it would lose its competitive advantage.
Further, while Irish families are undoubtedly better off than they used to be, the national household per-capita disposable income remains slightly lower than the overall EU average according to data from the OECD. With a considerable gap between the richest and poorest (the top 20% of the population earns almost five times as much as the bottom 20%), most Irish citizens would likely balk at the idea that they are among the richest in the world.
Just a few years ago, many were betting that the Las Vegas of Asia was on its way to becoming the richest nation in the world—it encountered a few bumps along the road. Formerly a colony of the Portuguese Empire, the gaming industry was liberalized in 2001 this special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China has seen its wealth growing at an astounding pace. With a population of about 700,000, and more than 40 casinos spread over a territory of about 30 square kilometers, this narrow peninsula just south of Hong Kong became a money-making machine.
That, at least, was until the machine started losing money rather than making it. When Covid struck, global traveling came to a halt, and for a while Macao even slipped out of the 10 richest nations ranking. Since then, Macao has returned to business as —and then some. Its per-capita purchasing power was about $125,000 in 2019—it is even higher today.
You can visit Luxembourg for its castles and beautiful countryside, its cultural festivals or gastronomic specialties. Or you could just set up an offshore account through one of its banks and never set foot in the country again. Doing so would be a pity: situated at the very heart of Europe, this nation of close to 670,000 has plenty to offer, both to tourists and citizens. Luxembourg uses a large share of its wealth to deliver better housing, healthcare and education to its people, who by far enjoy the highest standard of living in the Eurozone.
While the global financial crisis and pressure from the EU and OECD to reduce banking secrecy may have had little impact on Luxembourg’s economy, the coronavirus outbreak forced many businesses to close and cost workers their jobs. Yet, the country has weathered the pandemic better than most of its European neighbors: its economy rebounded from -0.9% growth in 2020 to over 7% growth in 2021. Unfortunately, due to high interest rates, the war in Ukraine, and a broader deterioration of the economic conditions in the Eurozone, that rebound did not last long: the economy grew by just 1.3% in 2022 and even contracted by 1% in 2023 (although it is projected to grow by 1.2% this year.)
Still, weak economic growth may not be worth complaining when your living standards are this high: Luxembourg topped the $100,000 mark in per capita GDP in 2014 and has never looked back ever since.
Empawa releases oShamo’s viral TikTok song ‘Life of the Party’
#FeatureByEmpawa
Empawa releases oShamo’s viral TikTok song ‘Life of the Party’
Nigerian-born, UK-based rising star oShamo presents his first official single of 2024, setting the stage for what promises to be a standout year.
Aptly titled Life of the Party, the song was produced by SkeellzGotbeat and showcases oShamo’s distinct bass voice and charismatic personality.
Empawa releases oShamo’s viral TikTok song ‘Life of the Party’
Throughout the track, listeners get a glimpse of oShamo’s charismatic personality, which shines through every lyric and note.
Life of the Party has rapidly gained popularity and is currently trending on TikTok. The song has inspired over 7,000 organic videos, accumulating more than four million views. Its popularity continues to increase day by day.
Signed to Mr Eazi‘s emPawa Africa, oShamo steps into the spotlight with this vibrant, energetic track, destined to become a staple in every party playlist, just as its name suggests.
Adventure Mindset: The New Power Skill for Employees?
There is no question, we are living through the greatest realignment the world-of-work has ever witnessed. In 2020, the world was thrown into COVID turmoil and forced to adapt at pace, and with conviction. Kitchens were transformed into offices, microphones perpetually on mute and the dreaded commute was simply forgotten.
Since then, businesses and the people within them have been trying to stick the pieces of the puzzle back together, creating a new image altogether.
Now in 2023, the wave of AI has sent tremors across industries, posing questions which haven’t been asked since the industrial revolution: “Will this role exist in 5 years?”
During these monumental shifts, one thing that remains a vital constant is the training and development of employees. But is skill development keeping up with the pace?
Over the past decade, I have been fortunate enough to have trained, coached and collaborated with leaders from Silicon Valley stalwarts to the most conventional of corporations. The best leaders within them are putting time, resource, and considerable effort into preparing their people for this new world of work. They are building companies that have an ‘adventure mindset’, a collection of soft skills that are required to thrive in modern work.
Every year, we have a new buzzword that becomes the focus of HR & People teams. Creativity had its moment, then resilience came in hot, followed by storytelling and empathy. Each of these are of course, important, but to truly make change within an organisation, a way of thinking needs to be adopted, a mindset that becomes part of the culture.
SO, WHAT IS THE ADVENTURE MINDSET, AND WHAT EFFECT DOES IT HAVE?
Let’s break down the four traits and dive into each:
Mental resilience: Resilience has many forms, so let’s define it properly in this context. Being mentally resilient in the workplace, is to have the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities, to react to change in a positive manner, and to thrive in unstable situations.
Training this is hard. A single workshop once a quarter does not develop resilience. To see results, you need to create an environment in which employees are pushed to work outside of their comfort zone and fail. Many companies jump on the ‘failure is good’ bandwagon, few actually mean it.
Bold decision making: The pace and conviction of decision making within a company can literally mean life or death. If employees lack the confidence or autonomy to make decisions without sending it up the bureaucratic ladder, innovation is impossible. Meetings upon meetings, outdated sign-off processes and micromanaging are symptoms of an underperforming team.
Big vision thinking: Vision differs from goal-setting or OKRs. It focuses on having an understanding of where you want to be in the future. what type of person will you be? What impact will you have on the business? What will the business look like? Jeff Bezos recently said he works three years in the future, this is a leader with vision.
Collaboration: This trait combines a number of well-known soft skills. Communication, storytelling, empathy. A true collaborator has the ability to bring people together, united on a common path, and motivate them to work as a cohesive unit.
Writing and defining an adventure mindset is the easy bit, making it a reality is the challenge. At The Tempest Two, we have seen clients who have achieved great success and those who have missed the mark. The common thread across those who perform well is strong buy-in from the top. Senior leaders make it a priority to focus on these skills and give departments the autonomy to make it happen through training programmes, and more importantly to put those learnings into practice within their work.
The next few years are full of excitement and change, so maybe it’s time to put some adventure into your teams and enjoy the ride.
Having different generations who don’t gel as a team is often blamed for driving poor performance. However, instead of looking at ways to overcome this and create connections that go beyond the age box, we’re seeing more and more of a culture of conformity that doesn’t value the differences and experiences of each individual. Gen Z are told to be more realistic about their workplace expectations, whilst Boomers are penalised if they can’t keep up with the social and structural change.
If we are serious about creating connected, collaborative and empathy-led workplaces that drive both performance and morale upwards, it’s up to managers to ensure that we’re helping our people to succeed at every age.
Here are my five learnings for effectively managing multi-generational workplaces…
CHECK YOUR ASSUMPTIONS
Persistent, stereotypical narratives that create caricatures of the generations are affecting how we relate to one another. These biases can be, at best, disheartening and, at worst, discriminatory. We need to ensure that we are avoiding acting in a way that perpetuates or reaffirms stereotypes and instead, challenge those that do.
Foster a culture of transparency, psychological safety, and openness to enable employees to share their insights and raise questions without fear of judgment. Furthermore, conduct regular and routine conversation and training sessions to ensure everyone is able to continually understand the perspectives of those around them.
DEMOCRATISE YOUR GENERATIONAL JARGON
From ‘hard launching’ to ‘lazy girl jobs’, Gen Z has introduced a wave of new terms into the workplace. A constantly changing linguistic phenomenon isn’t a new reality but it is one we need to constantly engage in understanding. For young people entering the workplace for the first time, understanding business proverbs and acronyms like EBITDA and ROI can be just as confusing so a constant meeting in the middle for the whole team is critical.
To create engaged and connected teams, you need to all be speaking – or at least understanding – the same language. Not understanding what someone means can lead people to switch off and disengage with what’s being said. Approach generational jargon at the root by asking teams to explain what they mean when they use buzzwords and phrases and then setting expectations as needed for inclusive spoken and written communications.
PRIORITISE LISTENING
Being a good listener is the key to building trust, creating transparency, and fostering loyalty in your organisation. But it’s vital to ensure you don’t mistake hearing for listening – which is a widely misunderstood reality. To truly listen is to gather insight whilst also seeking to understand the perspective attached to what the speaker is sharing. It ensures that leaders maintain real-time insight into the needs, opinions and realities of their teams across all levels and experiences.
FOCUS ON YOUR SIMILARITIES
When so much commentary focuses on our differences, it can be easy to miss what connects us all. Prioritise activities that enable employees to develop human connections and find common ground within their teams. Remember that as humans we are all more alike than we are different.
Whether it’s films, music, sports or fashion, shared interests can help team members bond and get to know each other beyond just the job title. Schedule conversational and informal catchups and open meetings to encourage sharing and cohesion.
EMPATHISE
Empathetic leadership is the key to understanding the reality behind how employees are feeling and behaving. Work with individuals to identify the best ways to support their growth and address their opinions and explore the opportunity of peer-to-peer mentoring to encourage your staff to listen and learn from each other. In the end, it will be the teams that communicate cohesively and understand each other’s realities that will be able to work together to reach the goals of the entire organisation. To win together we first need to understand each other.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, businesses have undergone unprecedented change. According to Gartner, the average business planned ten enterprise changes in 2022, compared with two in 2016.
Change is necessary in all aspects of life. If you’re standing still, you’re ultimately going backwards. But when business changes become overwhelming, staff can struggle to cope. 71% of staff say they’re overwhelmed by the amount of change at work. More than half of those employees are considering looking for a new job.
This reaction is known as change fatigue, and it can pose a problem for forward-thinking businesses. While change is necessary to keep moving forward, it can take its toll on your team. Our recent research shows that just 18% of UK business owners consider changes within an organisation to be the main cause of stress.
As business leaders, we must be able to recognise and tackle change fatigue so we can keep staff happy and thrive as businesses.
THE POST-PANDEMIC BOOM OF CORPORATE CHANGE CULTURE
Over the last few years, we’ve had to deal with a lot of significant changes in a compressed amount of time: Covid, Brexit, the cost-of-living crisis, and the war in Ukraine. In light of this, many businesses are having to redefine and rebuild themselves.
The pandemic changed everything for Speakers Corner. With the live events industry obliterated by lockdowns, we were forced to find a new niche in virtual events. When we realised we had done perhaps more online events than anyone else, we were able to shift our focus and guide our team, clients, speakers, and the whole industry through these turbulent times.
The scale of change demanded from businesses over the last three years is incomparable to previous times. And it often feels like there won’t be a time when things are less hectic than they are right now.
But everything comes in cycles. Understanding that transformation feels all-consuming right now, but we will have time to breathe. In fact, you have time to breathe right now if you manage change in a way that’s practical and sustainable.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF CHANGE ON EMPLOYEES
While change can feel overwhelming for business leaders, this can be magnified for employees, who often have less of a say in the changes required of the organisation.
This is where communication comes in. People want to know your vision at a high level. Communicating this to everyone is essential. From there, your management team can take over. They can have further conversations at a team and individual level to ensure everyone knows how these changes will impact them. Processes, timescales, workloads: all of these must be concrete and manageable for each team and staff member.
It’s also important to help staff understand that though your business transformation may take months or even years to complete, they won’t be in a constant state of upheaval. Knowing when changes are likely to affect them can help staff focus their energy and attention in the right place at the right time rather than fielding a constant stream of worry.
This comes down to good leadership and change management. And times of change are an excellent opportunity to showcase your leadership skills. While the transformation may be true to your vision, you don’t have to be the flagbearer of change. You can support other managers to help teams navigate turbulence and ensure staff feel safe and supported.
RECOGNISING CHANGE FATIGUE
The signs of change fatigue are different in everyone. So, you must treat your staff as individuals and understand they may have other problems at different times. They’ll also need additional skills to cope with these changes, so you must be willing to invest in these.
As a leader, avoid projecting your own opinions onto your staff. Don’t assume that because you’re coping or not coping, the same is true of others.
Instead, ask people how they’re dealing with the changes. If they tell you they’re struggling, have a plan for how you’ll deal with this. It could involve taking time away or adjusting the way they do their job.
Either way, ensure your change plan protocol will make a difference and give staff the support they really need to adjust to your new vision.
NAVIGATING SUCCESSFUL, SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
There are three key ways to ensure successful, sustainable change in your organisation:
Treat people as individuals. This helps you understand the unique challenges each team member is facing, so you can create an individual support plan for them.
Be brave. Try new things without succumbing to crisis mode. Don’t be afraid to get things wrong. Your staff and your customers want you to succeed, so be bolstered by this support.
Communicate with your team. Let them know that you’re all in this together and you want to embrace new ideas from people at all levels.
These three practices allow you to embed a culture of change in your organisation rather than seeing your current project as a one-and-done affair. Instead of creating an overwhelming, all-encompassing Big Change Plan, view each act of progress as a small wave of change. This will significantly redefine how you and your staff view business transformation for the better.
Ultimately, making change part of the ongoing conversation can help staff feel more settled and adaptable. So, they can achieve your vision with focus and positivity, ensuring they thrive alongside your business.
