Dealing with your Colleague

Psychologists say that there is no better place to meet the most diversified set of individuals than in the workplace. Your boss is not the only one you have to deal with in the office. You cannot stand alone when you are working in a company with different departments and you are in one of them except if you are the department. 

Axis Capital Group, a human resource company which provides ground training to employers, employees and entrepreneurs in Africa has listed the most common colleagues that you will encounter in the workplace. 

1. The Gossip

- Every office has at least one of this. In some cases, he (mostly she) is called the “Mother Hen” as he know almost everything there is to know about lives of the other employees, the nature of the job and sometimes, even the background of the boss. He is usually the one to spend the most fun coffee time with the most. 

- How to Deal with Him: remember, gossip does not always mean that it is pure truth, even from someone who has been in the company most of his life. It may have an ounce of lies and exaggerations in them so do not get sucked into stories that the Gossip people say. Learn how to politely refuse or if the topic is interesting, learn to weigh which one is true within it. Know the warning signs of exaggerated stories and limit your opinions as well. It can be taken against you. Remember, people who talk easily about other people behind their back are likely to do the same with you.

2. The Comedian

- All work and no play is no fun at all. It is good to have these kinds of people around especially if your job is too serious. Humor can help ease the atmosphere in the workplace and can make it more comfortable to work with. Remember that too much seriousness can also cause death.

- How to deal With Him: Enjoy his jokes but gently remind him that you also have work to do. Sometimes, the funniest people are the ones who have the most burdensome stories. Have lunch with him every now and then to lift your spirit and also to get to know him more.

3. The Chatterbox

- These kinds of people are the ones who keep on talking and talking in the office and treat the workplace as a social gathering event. For those who are task-oriented, these people are mostly annoying as they all cannot concentrate on their work. 

- How to Deal with Him: Have patience and be polite with them. Ask them if instead of chatting during office hours, you can have your chat during lunch time instead. 

4. The Multi-Tasker

- This kind of colleague has more than one plate spinning. He can chat while keeping track of data, answering emails and balancing his sheet. A research in Jakarta, Indonesia shows that this skill is mostly possessed by female employees. Psychologists have reviewed that girls have the higher tendency to work on multiple tasks at once as their neurons tend to transfer faster from one part of the brain to the other than guys. 

- How to Deal With Him: Learn his way and it can positively help you in doing your job. 

Managing Your Boss

Axis Capital Group, a human resource company based in Ghana knows that many of the employees’ issue and/or happiness depend on the boss. It really matters what and how the boss behave.

Looking at the term itself, “Boss” is someone who is higher than you in rank in the office. How can you, a mere employee, be able to manage your boss and start a relationship with him? Well, there are different types of bosses that you might encounter in our lifetime.

Managing your boss does not instantly mean that you have to undermine him; that you literally have to manage him although you have to do a lot of adjustments to please him. Sometimes, admit it or not, we may bend some of our own principles just to get along with the boss.

1. The Martyr

• This kind of boss will do anything for the company even to the extent of coming to work in the midst of a super typhoon while he has pneumonia or walking 30 minutes to the office every day after his car had an accident and he has to amputate both of his legs (well, he is somehow like that).
• How to Deal with him: Listen to him and you may get some advice from him. You can’t keep him from the things that he wants to do with the company. The loyalty of this kind of his boss is obviously to the company so make sure not to talk anything against or you have complaints about the company to him. If you want to point out something negative, try the art of proper timing.

2. The Screamer

• This type of boss usually has issues:                                                                                         

1. either he just wants to be heard enough to get his way;

2. He gets more pressure and stress by pleasing the higher authority and managing the subordinates or;

3. He is deaf.

• How to Deal with Him: Whatever his issues may be, you just have to avoid being shouted at and make sure to get your job done. If you finally get the chance to earn his respect, maybe you should try asking him to lower down his voice. He may not know that he is already raising it.

3. The Manipulator

• He takes great pride in waving his power and authority around, not just in office but sometimes also at home. A power-brandishing boss loves wearing the mask of a boss, and believes that bosses are the highest-regarded professionals in the world. He is overtly possessive of his post and always wants to give an impression that he is completely in control of the situation, even when in reality he is not.
• How to Deal with Him: This type of boss gives significance to discipline, rather than performance, and is of the opinion that employees should be self-disciplined. His motto is that with discipline, employees will eventually perform. Even if you find such bosses to be lenient, you should not break the rules too often; and even if you do so, make sure that you don’t bring it to his notice. Show him respect him, and make him feel that he is the big boss and you will be able to go about your duties undisturbed.

4. The Clueless

• A friend of mine from Jakarta, Indonesia experienced this kind of boss on his first job. Being clueless himself, they had somehow clicked.
• This type of boss is not dumb, he is just uneducated. Perhaps he just started with the company or is unfamiliar with the technology or has been put in that position because the administration has no choice. It doesn’t mean that he is fraud. He just needs more time to adjust and learn
• How to Deal with Him: suggestions are often appreciated by this kind of bosses and if you can help him, you can easily befriend him

5. The Perfect

• This kind of boss are mostly motivators; the ones who can juggle the pressures of the company, administrative tasks and managing employees. You wouldn’t have any problems in dealing with him in the workplace.

Peer Pressure in the Workplace

Every individual has experienced peer pressure. It is but normal to undergo this stage as one of the factors that we need to survive and to get along with the society. From early childhood until we come into the school, there is a big deal of pressure for all of us to belong.

However, while we think that we have outgrown peer pressure when we have already graduated from college; adults usually succumb to peer pressure in a more complicated manner, especially those who are younger and have weaker personality than others. It is the responsibility of strong leaders to ensure that the peer pressure within their organization is carefully managed to maintain a positive and productive work environment.

Peer pressure plays a very important role in how we work and do things. Typically, one could only get influenced by others positively or negatively by factors like growth (promotion of peers), compensation (salary differentiation with peers), opportunities (challenging assignment/type of work/on site opportunity), capability, insecurities at the workplace, etc.

While peer pressure may have carried a negative connotation in high school, it can actually motivate people to perform in the workplace. When colleagues know their performance and contributions affect someone else in the company, they're more likely to feel a need to step up efforts so they don't let co-workers down. Peer pressure that arises out of a sense of self worth and need to improve, can create a fruitful impact. A healthy competitive work environment can help build aspirations. In fact, if taken in the right spirit, peer pressure can help individuals strive towards excellence at work.

Axis Capital Group, a recruitment agency capitalizing in human resource appreciates and encourages healthy peer pressure in the workplace. We know one company in Jakarta, Indonesia who even held monthly peer-pressure reviews and assessment to serve as motivation to create and enhance work culture. For example, if colleagues have the opportunity to rate one another on teamwork, collaboration and group efforts, employees know their evaluation is tied to the perception of their co-workers. Workers who were evaluated as irresponsible may be aware of his actions and through peer pressure, be able to overcome the attitude while those who are dedicated on the job are respected and looked up to to lead the team.

However, though, there are some complaints in peer pressure as well. Giving in to peer-pressure at work is the same as allowing others to do the thinking for you. The moment you step back to think about the actions that you’re going to make because of peer influences, is the moment that you will have the courage to stand up to them. Using your own thinking ability and knowledge and not relying on your co-workers foolish reasoning’s is the best way to overcome what it is you are feeling pressured to do.

Doing Business in Ghana: Curves and Edges

Ghana is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional economic organization comprising a thriving market of 250 million people in West Africa. As part of the thriving countries in Africa, Ghana has been open to trade and investments to other nation. It is even considered the gateway to the growing West African Region. However, foreign investors have been cautious in investing in the country despite the increasing foreign owners around the nation.

Curves and Edges

One of the challenges in starting a business in the country is the high interest rates. Borrowing money from the banks in Ghana is considered expensive. It is therefore necessary for owners to bring ample amount of money to keep and maintain their business in the early stages.

One should also have to understand the local market in Ghana. With an estimated GDP growth of 12% in 2014, Ghana is one of the fastest growing economies in the world alongside Jakarta, Indonesia and Beijing, China. However, it does not mean that every business is successful in the country. It is important to choose the right local market to deal business with and choose the most trusted and knowledgeable local partner well to avoid scams and frauds in the area.

In terms of Ghana’s infrastructure, there are still reviews and reports about the business environment. Water and energy supply, for instance, are still lacking in some parts. These two factors have not managed to keep pace with the country’s fast growth.

For business owners who would want to invest in mining and oil, there are a lot of opportunities for you. The latter has been responsible in Ghana’s economic growth. There has also been a lot of shipping in automotive and machinery parts which can be linked in oil production and mining as well. Banking is also growing across the nation. The businesses and banks in Ghana is already moving to credit card businesses.

English language, on the other hand, is shown to not be an issue as English is the official language of the place.

Businesses continue to grow and unemployment rate decreases every quarter. Human resource agencies such as Axis Capital Group has proved that there are a lot of opportunities in the country but along with it are also challenges that are almost usual to all countries in the world.

The Art of Dealing with Your Colleagues

A lot of our time in a week is spent in the workplace. We cannot avoid the stress and pressure that are natural in any workplace: deadlines to meet, irate bosses and piles of things to review. One thing that affects how we deal with these pressures is the usual banter and chatter with our co-workers. Our working environment may become more fulfilling and more rewarding with improved relationship with our colleagues.

It is important that there is a healthy and comfortable atmosphere in a workplace. Everyone should be comfortable in voicing out there thoughts and feel safe in doing so. The dynamics of communication should be smooth flowing in the workplace.

Share More of Yourself

One most important foundation in building a relationship is to let others know who you are. Other people would want to get to know you through the way you speak your mind. It will be easier for them to open up to you when you open up to them, thus building a relationship.

Get Involved

Don’t just get to talk when you are asked. Learn to voice your own opinion as well. It is a good way of showing that you do care about the company, the issue or the person/s involved. Bonding with them even outside of the workplace can also help strengthen the relationship. However, you want to be careful in setting clear boundaries for the situation.

Respect Others

Respect is one of the most important fundamental in every relationship. In dealing with other people and getting involved, you should learn when to butt-in in a conversation or when to voice your mind, especially in the presence of your boss.

Instead of bursting out complaints, consider that each and every individual has different values and cultures. You may be facing people with a very different belief than yours. It does good to accept that you don’t have the same mind and the same line of thoughts.

Resolve Conflicts Fast

Issues and misunderstanding will always be present in every relationship because of different beliefs and opinions especially in a workplace. Both parties should learn to compromise to resolve an issue.

About Axis Human Capital Group

Axis Human Capital Group is a team with an aim to develop talents through various organizational trainings. We are located in Ghana, Africa but our specialized blogs and articles reach to employees, employers and entrepreneurs to as far as Jakarta, Indonesia, Maldives, Singapore and the US. You may visit our website to learn more.

Building Confidence 101

Each one of us has their own out-of-body experience when faced with an interview, a presentation or talking to the boss. Thoughts are slowly drifting away to some uncertain and foggy place where you can’t think straight no matter how many times you review what you are to say prior to the situation. It’s not only you who experience these kinds of things. It does not matter if you are from Guam, the mountains of Sierra Madre, Tokyo, Japan, Jakarta Indonesia, and Hawaii or even if you are from South Pole. Even people from different cultures know the feeling.

Some people have ways to ignore these nervous symptoms all of us may have experienced from time to time. In order to cope, we put ourselves inside a transparent shelter of confidence.

But how do we build this shelter? The strength of your confidence may also determine the level of competency you are to exude in the nerve-racking situation.

Positive Self Talk

We should admit it to ourselves. We talk to ourselves sometimes. Some of us talk to themselves more frequently than others: May it is aloud or only in their heads. According to several studies, talking to oneself is not a sign of madness or delusion but can in fact help some people get done with their work, be motivated or think things through. Researchers even found out that it can turn negative feelings into optimism with positive reminders. It may be a little weird to stand in front of the mirror and say, “I can do it” but your heavy feeling can be lifted once you do it.

Make this a habit as well. It doesn’t mean that you have to talk to yourself every now and then. That may seem too weird to other people. You can just cheer yourself in your mind.

Carry Yourself Well

A little acting won’t do any harm as long as every part of your body gets incorporated with each other. It will be a little awkward if you have indeed straightened your back but sway your hands in the same motion of your step. You have to feel confident to own confidence. Be conscious of your actions but don’t let go of comfort. If we strike a powerful pose, we feel powerful.

Change your Perspective towards Other People

Inferiority may kick in if you think too much that you are talking to your boss. People have the tendency to back out from a situation if they think that they are to face someone more superior than they are. Think about them as equal human being but always remain respectful. Rather than thinking that your boss is a terrifying lion ready to pounce, think of him as a gentle cub that needs to be informed about the important information you have.

Turn your Frown Upside Down

Many people say smiling is the most powerful weapon. It blocks complaints and bad vibes. Not only does it exude a nice impression from you but it can also lift your own feeling. Be genuine as much as you can. Many people say that smiling is contagious. Who knows, you might get a smile in return from your boss.

Attend Self-Improvement Trainings

Attending self-improvement training is an option but it can do well to make you feel better especially for those who claim to be introverts. You can also read reviews or blogs online on how to improve and motivate yourself. Many self improvements companies such as Axis Human Capital group have an advocacy to help everyone build their own shelter of confidence around them.

Team Building Activities in the Workplace

All work, no play. Some of you individuals out there are too workaholic to take a break from all the stressful events, deadlines and scary bosses. Recreational activities are essential for our continued growth and to free ourselves from concentrating too much on our work. Thankfully, almost all companies nowadays take a day or week off from their hectic schedule to bond and make memories outside of the workplace. These workaholics no longer got any excuse.

When someone says team building activities, the first thing that comes to mind nowadays is the rigorous activities such as rappelling, bungee jumping or mountain trekking. If that is your style, you can go ahead and do so. There are so many available activities available nowadays. You can try mountain trekking in Mount Khuiten in Mongolia, rappelling in Bryce and Zion Canyon, bungee jumping in Queenstown in New Zealand or if you have a different trip, you can try drum dancing in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Team building is very important if you wish to extract the best out of your workforce. Employees are urged to work smarter and not just harder, in an effort to deliver the desired results. There are also available team building activities that can be done inside the office which you can do before meetings to loosen up a bit. Here are some of them:

Game Name: This is my Life

Participants: Everyone

Materials: cards (all images)

Instruction: Cards represent different stages of life. 

Queen= teenage years. 

King = Young Adult. 

Jack = Childhood years. 

Ace = now. 

Each participant must pick a card and tell something about themselves based on the image on the card picked.

Game Name: Whaddya Know

Participants: anyone

Materials: List of questions

Instructions: Bring a list of ten questions to a meeting. They can be questions about your business, the people you serve, your products — things your team should know but nothing too easy. Without warning, pop a question to the group or direct it to one individual. Every correct answer gets a candy bar or some other small reward.

Game Name: Wear your Attitude

Participants: Everyone

Materials: Attitude buttons

Instructions: Have buttons or laminated cards with a variety of attitudes on them; such as happy, angry, friendly, generous, sad, worried, excellent, etc. As each person enters work, allow them to pick the attitude they would like to display. People who pick unattractive ones can be avoided and the pleasant ones will get all the smiles, encouragement, and positive attention. Anyone can change their ‘button attitude’ at any time.

Human Resource agencies such as Axis Human Capital is a group of companies that organize team building activities, talents and development trainings and organizational seminars which help bring out the positivity and strengthen the working relationship within a company. Our priority is to enhance the capacity of an employee, employer or entrepreneur in dealing other people and their business.