I truly always look forward to Tuesdays. Welcome to this week’s edition of ICS Connect. As usual, the curious world of workplace dynamics is what we discuss. This time, we’re talking about a character we all know too well – “The Narcissist” Yes o, the one who makes every meeting feel like their personal TED Talk and can turn your lunch break into a saga of self-praise. Thinking…….. “Let us name our Narcissist for this edition, hmmm what name can we give them? I think it should be a Unisex name so that it covers both genders“ Let’s call him/her Bolu Disclaimer: This name has been picked randomly and without prejudice and has nothing to do with the Bolu you know. Bolu is that colleague who somehow always finds a way to steer any conversation back to his/her latest achievement. Got a new project? Bolu’s already done it better. Had a minor success? Bolu’s got a grander story. If you’ve ever complimented someone else, Bolu might have magically appeared to one-up them. Bolu is the office superstar… in his mind. Spotting Bolu Bolu thrives on admiration. His/her desk is a shrine to himself/herself, with awards (both real and self-created), and photos from his most glamorous moments. He’s always ready to tell you how he single-handedly saved the last big project, or how his idea, yet again, revolutionized the way things are done around here. I think we should just assume that Bolu is male. (him/her is tiring) Dealing with Bolu So, how do you cope with Bolu without losing your sanity or your sense of humour? Here are a few tips: Finding the Humor Remember, humour can be a powerful tool in navigating office dynamics. Laughing at the absurdity of Bolu’s antics can help you stay sane. Think of Bolu as the office’s sitcom character. Every workplace has one, and they make for great stories over lunch with friends. A Word of Caution While it’s easy to joke about Bolu, it’s important to approach this with empathy. Sometimes, narcissistic behaviour can stem from deeper insecurities or a need for validation. If Bolu’s behaviour crosses the line into harassment or creates a toxic work environment, it’s crucial to involve HR and address the issue professionally. The Uniqueness In the end, workplaces are a mix of personalities, and each one brings something unique to the table. Even Bolu, with his larger-than-life persona, is part of the mosaic that makes office life interesting. Embracing these quirks with humour and grace can make for a more harmonious workplace. So, next time Bolu starts recounting his latest “legendary” achievement, remember to smile, nod, and maybe even chuckle to yourself. After all, it’s these characters that add colour to our daily grind. It’s been a pleasure sharing with you this week on ICS Connect. Until next week, keep smiling and keep connecting! Cheers.

You must not forget this first sentence. Never! Ever! Ready? “90% of employers want to pay you less than the average base pay for the role you are applying for, and 50% of the 90 will adjust the pay if you are a good negotiator the other 40% will stick to the initial amount they offered you. But you can price yourself out of the role” You must be sharp! Do not lose your steeze! 7 Nuggets to remember: Answering salary questions during interviews can be tricky, as you want to demonstrate your value without pricing yourself out of the role. Here are seven diplomatic ways to handle the question: These responses help to keep the conversation open and show that you’re flexible and focused on finding a mutually beneficial agreement. And now to the 10 Diplomatic Answers Let me know (in the comments) what other responses you think is best to the salary questions at interviews. Thank you very much for your time, I will see you next week. Cheers

If you were to interview again for your current role and the interviewer asked you your salary expectation, what would be your response? Could be a TRAP: You may also phrase the question as, “What salary are you worth?”…or, “How much are you making now?” This is your most important negotiation. Handle it wrong and you can blow the job offer or go to work at far less than you might have gotten. Before you go into any negotiation, make sure you have no issues with calling “big money”. This does not mean that your salary expectation should be in the same range as the Founder/CEO of a company. Many people make the mistake of researching the organisation but not on the range of salary that is competitive in the market and for the experience they have. I have devised a simple formula to help you calculate your salary expectations. To calculate an expected salary based on a person’s experience and level within an organisation, you can use the following formula: You can call this Formula ISPF (Tell me what you think it means in the comments) Expected Salary Formula: Expected Salary= Base Salary + (Experience Multiplier × Years of Experience) +(Level Multiplier × Organizational Level) Explanation of Terms: Example Calculation: Assume the following values: Using the formula: Expected Salary=N70,000+(N50,000×5)+(N70,000×3) Expected Salary=N70,000+N250,000+N210,000 Expected Salary=N530,000 In this example, the expected salary for a person with 5 years of experience at a senior level (level 3) in the organisation would be N530,000. Customising the Formula: Adjust the Base Salary, Experience Multiplier, and Level Multiplier according to your preferred organisation’s specific salary structure and industry standards. Next week we will address some of the most diplomatic ways to answer the salary questions at interviews. Until next week cheers.

Beware! This is a true-life story. Speaking with Crystal Checks International, they gave insight into the risk of not conducting verification and checks on employees. We shall use a fictional character, Alex, for non-disclosure and professionalism. Once upon a time, there was a shadowy figure in a prestigious organization, in a prestigious organization, there was a shadowy figure—a man of charm and charisma, whose presence commanded respect and admiration. Little did his colleagues know that behind the facade of professionalism and expertise, lay a web of deceit woven by an imposter. Meet Alex, the imposter employee who infiltrated the Organization with a series of grandiose tales of past accomplishments and stellar credentials. Alex was a smooth talker and a gifted orator; his confident demeanour won him favors with the Senior Management, quickly propelling him into a position of authority. As Alex’s influence within the Organization grew, so did the whispers of suspicion among his co-workers. Despite his polished facade, there were subtle inconsistencies in his stories and qualifications that raised red flags. Realizing the need for clarity and assurance, the Organization conducted research on a competent background checks company to undertake the task of unravelling the mysteries surrounding Alex. The Organization reviewed several proposals from various background checks companies, but finally turned to Crystal Checks International (CCI) for help, as CCI’s goals as well as competency resonated and aligned perfectly with that of the Organization CCI, the trusted identity verification company renowned for its meticulous background checks and due diligence, immediately swung into action with actionable plans and timelines for delivery. Armed with a wealth of investigative expertise, CCI embarked on a mission to unravel the truth behind Alex’s enigmatic, yet mysterious persona. Through rigorous scrutiny of Alex’s purported credentials, employment history, and professional affiliations, CCI uncovered a startling revelation—Alex’s illustrious resume was riddled with fabrications and embellishments. His claimed degrees were non-existent, his employment history embellished, and his professional certifications forged. The organization was stunned by the extent of Alex’s deception, realizing the grave risks they had unknowingly exposed themselves to by failing to conduct thorough background checks. Had it not been for CCI’s diligent investigation, they could have fallen victim to fraud, reputational damage, and financial loss. The saga of Alex serves as a cautionary tale—a stark reminder of the importance of background checks in safeguarding organizations against imposters and fraudsters. In today’s competitive business landscape, the allure of talent and expertise must be cushioned with due diligence and vigilance. Crystal Checks International stands as a beacon of integrity and transparency, offering comprehensive identity verification services that empower organizations to make informed hiring decisions. By partnering with CCI, organizations can mitigate risks, protect their reputation, and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the workplace. As the sun sets on Alex’s charade, the organization emerges stronger and wiser, equipped with the knowledge and insight to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce. Through the lens of this cautionary tale, they vowed to prioritize due diligence, ensuring that imposters like Alex never again infiltrate their ranks, undetected. In the end, truth prevails, and justice triumphs—a testament to the unwavering commitment of organizations like Crystal Checks International International to uphold integrity and transparency in the pursuit of excellence. Send an email today to info@crystalchecks.com to request our service brochure or visit our website at www.crystalchecks.com or visit our physical office at 6, Olusoji Idowu Street, Off Association Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos.

Speaking with a skincare enthusiast Deborah Umoh who has a very stressful 9-5. She said: Skincare may seem like a lot of work especially with a busy 9-5. And let’s not even mention how social media has portrayed it, I mean which one is a 5 step routine? Abi SPF? And men need skincare now? I know, I know! It seems like a lot. Imagine waking up by 5am to prep for work, so you can get in before 8 or 8am sharp, and then leaving work by 5pm, depending on the distance from your work to the house and rush hour traffic you get home, latest 8pm and sometimes later. Who has time for skincare? Let me rephrase; who has time for a 10-step skincare routine!! Definitely not me. If you’re like me, you’d probably be tired and the only thing on your mind would be washing up and even that, would seem like a lot of work. But let me quickly paint a picture of why you need to have a skincare routine that consist of more than just cleansing; on your way to work, if you commute by public transportation you come in contact with people and things and your hands come in contact with your face; germs being transferred to your skin surface, no wonder you’re breaking out. If you’re up and about you’re making use of your elasticity no wonder your skin seemed stressed, darker dry and saggy, if you’re dealing with people you’re making a lot of facial expressions and stressing your face, are you noticing more facial lines? if you’re working outdoor you’re getting exposed to UVA rays and UVB rays, it’s probably why that pigmentation has refused to go and when you decide to slay on the weekend your skin just won’t compliment the outfit. You may be thinking -but my skin is doing just fine, I’m not breaking out and it looks alright to me. But the truth is skincare routines are put in place to “maintain”. The only permanent thing in life is change and our skin is constantly changing with age, time, stress, environment and diet, the skin elasticity reduces, it’s natural exfoliating ability reduces, its ability to handle oxidative stress also reduces, and so much more but let’s not get into that. Another thing we won’t get into is the fact that good skincare products can be a little bit pricey. In this article I’m going to be sharing with you simple ways to help maintain your skin, and build a skincare routine that you can keep up with amidst a busy schedule! 1. Start simple and keep it simple: People often think skincare is one overly serious practice and you need to do it how everyone else is. But that’s a lie… your skin is unique and different from the next person’s, not everything that works for someone else would work for you. Find what works for you but your schedule should consist of a day & night time routine. The difference between the two is an SPF! A simple facial routine consist of a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and SPF (for day time) and guess what! your spf can serve as a moisturizer during the day. 2. Use a good skincare brand: A good skincare product saves you a lot of work. The product is doing 90% of the work all you have to do is actually show up and use it. 3. Eating healthy: People underestimate the power of eating healthy in relation to our skin. Imagine breaking out and eating a lot of oily stuff and peanuts? Apart from the fact that our skin is the largest organ in the body, the skin is the mirror of how our insides look! A clean gut? Equates to a glowing skin. So eat lots of fruits and food incorporated with veggies. This also helps with oxidative stress, improves skin elasticity and so much more. 3. Stay hydrated!!: We hear this one all the time, but I guess what we don’t hear often is our body is made up of about 60% water. And this water is constantly working; cleansing, transporting, keeping our body running and we in turn are constantly using our body. So imagine being dehydrated…at first it may seem like nothing but with time it would tell on your skin. Same way, when you start hydrating it may not seem like a lot at first but it would definitely reveal a more glowing skin. 5. Exfoliate: Exfoliating is a game changer, it helps improve the skin texture a lot. It is the removal of dead skin from the surface of the skin. But it is also considered a tedious work by some. The trick to this is to play some music while you exfoliate….allow your skin enjoy 2-3 songs of scrubbing and trust me it would thank you later. You can make this your weekend routine as you’re required to do it at least once or twice a week. It would help you maintain a simple body care routine, e.g a good cleanser, good moisturizer and a good body scrub. 6. Clean beddings: Like I’ve pointed out, people underestimate how the simple things can affect their skin. How often do you change your beddings? Your pillow cover! This simple act can help improve your skin appearance in little ways, which when compiled becomes a big deal. Well guys, I hope you find these tips helpful and start putting them to practice…let’s age like fine wine amidst a busy schedule, not only that a good skin would help you spend less time on makeup, or dressing up because even in the simplest outfit you would glow! Until next time, Cheers.

Hello Friend, you know how we do it right? We only discuss sensitive matters at night 😉. It is not gossip 😒. The Users They are only interested in you to the extent that they can use you, they come around only when they need help, they are not there to help you in your own time of need or they help you for a price. They exploit you for selfish gain in the workplace, undermine the principles of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect essential for a healthy work environment. They take credit for your work, manipulate your for personal advancement. Some of their traits include, overly competitive, lack of genuine connection, manipulative behaviour, lack of empathy and unwillingness to collaborate. 2. The Complainers The steal your peace and joy by criticizing and complaining about everything you do, they are usually never satisfied with the effort you put into work, your results are just never appreciated and your acts of kindness and effort are overlooked. You should try as much as possible to stay away from such people because most of the time, you are not the reason for their constant complaints, they just transfer aggression to you. They are characterized by frequent negativity, constant criticism, repetitive complaints, etc. 3. The blamers These ones are the masters of everything and never do anything wrong in their own eyes. They are too perfect for you and you need to avoid them. They never take responsibility for anything even when it is glaring that they are at fault. They are usually fuelled by a very large ego and a desire to be right all the time. They are characterized by a finger-pointing mentality, lack of accountability, they use negative languages and more. 4. The Competitors These ones would never let you do better then them. To them it is always a game and when push comes to shove, they will leave you for dead because they want to win. The sad part about this is that they will intentionally try to pull you down when they see that you are starting to do a little better than they are. They would rather not support you even in their best moods. These 4 categories of people are everywhere around our lives, you need to notice them and detach yourself, healthy competition is good but these people are not supposed to be friends. Friends don’t compete so be wise and draw the line against competitors. This is all I have got for you today, until next time. Cheers

Pick the one that sounds better to you, I choose Niche Strategy. I know you have heard niche all your life it is almost a cliché but here is something for you – niche is not just a strategy—it’s a pathway to sustainable growth and differentiation. This 5-letter word can propel your organization/business to new heights. Here is what we will talk about briefly in this edition Whether you’re a start-up looking to carve out your place in the market or an established business seeking to reignite growth I had you in mind while crafting this. Here is something that might shock you – Tesla was not the first to try to build a successful EV vehicle. In the mid-late 1990s, General Motors built a car called EV1. First, as a start-up, your competitor is not the one of the big boys hence you should not focus on the larger market just yet. When launching new products, an incumbent like General Motors tries to go after large market segments right on (targeting the late majority). A startup with constrained resources must do the opposite. To Tesla in the early days, it didn’t matter how small it was the niche it was going to tackle. What mattered was the ability to showcase the technology at first. This is a core difference, as whereas new entrants develop markets by starting from tiny niches, incumbents try to launch markets by starting from the masses! The former approach creates options to scale, where failure is cheap and bearable. The latter creates a scenario where failure gets so expensive that if the product doesn’t reach the masses, it will be withdrawn, and progress will be stopped for years! Understanding Niche Strategy At its core, niche strategy involves focusing on a specific segment or subset of a broader market and catering to its unique needs, preferences, and demands. Rather than trying to appeal to the mass market, companies employing niche strategy hone in on a smaller, more specialized audience—a niche—where they can deliver exceptional value and build a loyal customer base. One of the key benefits of niche strategy lies in its ability to foster differentiation and competitive advantage. By serving a niche market, companies can position themselves as experts or specialists in their field, establishing a reputation for excellence and domain expertise. This focused approach allows organizations and SMEs, to tailor their products, services, and messaging to meet the specific requirements of their target audience, creating a more personalized and compelling customer experience. Alright enough of the big grammar, let us have a little heart-to-heart. To identify your niche, you must note underserved or overlooked segments within your industry and assess the viability and attractiveness of these niches, finding your niche does not mean you need to be weird, niche is not the same thing as weirdness. Lol. I don’t have anything against weird people or entities though. The principles of business are universal, if you stray from these principles in the name of niche, you will need to have many loan apps installed on your phone. ICS Outsourcing is The Business Support Solutions Company in Nigeria and we have been here for 3 decades but our niche is still the most lucrative aspect of our business. I am not authorized to tell you this so try not to spill the beans. “We manage over 13,000 members of staff in Nigeria and Ghana” Once your niche has been identified, you must tailor your products, services, and marketing efforts to resonate with the specific preferences and pain points of their target audience “short out the noise and don’t be in a hurry to start doing other things” FOCUS. One notable example is Dollar Shave Club, a subscription-based razor company that disrupted the shaving industry by offering high-quality razors at affordable prices directly to consumers. By targeting men who were frustrated with overpriced razor blades, the company tapped into a lucrative niche market and quickly gained a loyal following, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Unilever for $1 billion. It has been a pleasure sharing with you today, Until next time Cheers

Stella from LifeWORTH Medicare Limited explains that stress does not only come from heavy workloads, tight deadlines and difficult colleagues but can also come from lack of support from management (your boss and his/her boss). She went on to say that it is not uncommon that unchecked stress levels can lead to physical health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease. LifeWORTH Medicare Limited AKA LifeWORTH HMO Nigeria’s foremost, proactive and trustworthy HMO since 2014, have determined that the impact on job performance, leading to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and poor decision-making can be linked to a stressed employee, “so sometimes what you need is not to extend your working hours, you just need to breathe“ Have you ever had a boss who expects you to read his/her mind and know what they want you to do and how they want you to do it? that is a very toxic work environment, you need extra stress management routines to survive with such a boss. I worked with a boss sometime ago in a remote setting who constantly accused me of not doing anything and on several occasions I requested to schedule a meeting so that we can have proper conversation and I know what he expects, sometimes he would not show up for the meeting because he is busy and then other times he will say I should not schedule a meeting because he did not want to be micromanaging me (he said I was like a ghost worker) even though I know I wasn’t because I had a pile of deliverables that I was working on. Dear Bosses, please note that much more than running the business you would need to get some people skills. Dear employee, if you choose to continue working there because really, there are not a lot of jobs out there, you might just need to learn to manage your manager (please note that you cannot sack your boss but you can learn to work with him/her). Here are some common management flaws that can stress employees: ICS Outsourcing have shared some insights on how employees react to stress at work. ⦁ Fight or Flight Response: When faced with high levels of stress, the brain releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can trigger the body’s fight or flight response. This can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened levels of anxiety, preparing the body to confront or escape the perceived threat. ⦁ Cognitive Symptoms: Stress in the workplace can negatively affect cognitive function. It can impair memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities, making it difficult to focus on tasks and perform at an optimal level. This can result in decreased productivity and overall job satisfaction. ⦁ Impact on Performance: Stress can impact job performance by reducing productivity, likelihood of errors, diminishing creativity and problem-solving abilities. It could also lead to disengagement, lack of interest, and decreased motivation. ⦁ Emotional Responses: Stress can lead to a range of emotional responses including irritability, anger, sadness, and feeling overwhelmed. Some may experience mood swings, prone to conflicts and less able to communicate effectively. These emotions can also affect interpersonal relationships with colleagues and clients. ⦁ Mental Health Concerns: And when stress is prolonged, it can also have long-term consequences on mental health. It can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout. It can also contribute to physical health issues such as heart disease, obesity, and weakened immune system. “We do not hire professionals so we can tell them what to do, we hire them so they can tell us to do” – Steve Jobs

Dear Friend, what do you think HUMANOVATION means? Take a minute to think about it before you dig in, your time starts now. 10secs, 30secs, 60secs…. TIME up! The subject combines two words; HUMAN (in HR) and INNOVATION. Hmm, now that I think about it, I think HUMANOVATION should have double Ns, anyways I have put my hand on the plough and I am not looking back. Innovative HR solutions and strategies that drive organizational success and foster a culture of continuous improvement. THIS IS WHAT ICS OUTSOURCING STANDS FOR. I THINK YOU CAN CALL US HUMANOVERS. Lol… hold on please, let me ask my boss to approve this first. At ICS Outsourcing, we recognize that the heart of any organization lies in its people. That’s why we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional HR practices and embracing innovative approaches that prioritize the well-being and growth of our employees both internal and seconded staff. “HUMANOVATION” embodies our dedication to harnessing the power of human potential and creativity to drive positive change within the workplace. It’s about reimagining HR processes, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and cultivating a culture of innovation that empowers team members to thrive and excel. In this edition of ICS Connect, we’ll explore a range of innovative HR initiatives and strategies that set us apart as leaders in the industry: We would like you and your business to embark on this journey of “HUMANONATION,” as we invite you to join us in exploring new possibilities, challenging the status quo, and driving meaningful change within our organization and yours. Together, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible and shape the future of work. Feel free to leave some more HUMANOVATION initiatives in the comments. Stay tuned for exciting updates, insights, and success stories in the coming editions of ICS Connect! www.icsoutsourcing.com Till next time Cheers.

In today’s ever-evolving landscape, the concept of remote work has transcended from a mere trend to a fundamental aspect of modern-day work culture. While remote work offers flexibility and freedom, it also presents unique challenges for employers in terms of monitoring productivity and ensuring that employees are delivering optimal results. In this article, we explore the concept of Earned Value Management (EVM) and how employers can leverage it to effectively measure and manage remote workforce performance. Click here to get help? Understanding Earned Value Management (EVM): Earned Value Management (EVM) is a project management technique that enables organizations to measure project performance by integrating scope, schedule, and cost data. It provides a comprehensive view of project progress, allowing stakeholders to assess performance against the planned objectives. Key Components of EVM: Planned Value (PV): Planned Value represents the authorized budget assigned to scheduled work. It reflects the estimated value of the work planned to be accomplished by a specific point in time. Earned Value (EV): Earned Value represents the value of the work actually performed or completed to date. It quantifies the progress made on the project based on the completion of scheduled tasks. Actual Cost (AC): Actual Cost represents the total costs incurred in completing the work performed to date. It includes all costs associated with project execution, such as labor, materials, and overhead expenses. Applying EVM to Remote Work: In the context of remote work, EVM can be adapted to measure and manage employee performance effectively. Need help setting up your EVM system? click here. Here’s how employers can leverage EVM principles: Define Clear Objectives and Milestones: Establish clear objectives, deliverables, and milestones for remote employees. Define measurable criteria for success to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Set Baselines for Performance: Develop performance baselines that outline the planned value (PV) and expected outcomes for remote work tasks and projects. This serves as a benchmark for measuring progress and performance. Monitor Progress and Earned Value: Implement tools and systems for tracking employee activities and progress in real-time. Utilize project management software, time tracking tools, and collaboration platforms to monitor task completion and earned value (EV). Evaluate Performance Against Planned Value: Regularly assess employee performance against planned value (PV) to identify variances and deviations from the original schedule and objectives. Analyze earned value (EV) to determine the actual progress made compared to the planned targets. Course Correct and Optimize Resources: Use insights from EVM analysis to course correct and optimize resource allocation as needed. Address performance gaps proactively, provide support and guidance to remote employees, and reallocate resources to ensure project success. Benefits of EVM for Remote Work: Objective Performance Measurement: EVM provides an objective and quantifiable method for measuring remote employee performance, reducing subjectivity and bias in performance evaluations. Real-Time Visibility: EVM offers real-time visibility into remote work progress, allowing employers to identify issues promptly, make informed decisions, and take corrective actions as necessary. Resource Optimization: By leveraging EVM insights, employers can optimize resource allocation, streamline workflows, and maximize productivity in remote work environments. In Conclusion: Earned Value Management (EVM) offers a powerful framework for employers to effectively measure and manage remote workforce performance. By applying EVM principles, your organization can ensure that remote employees are delivering value, meeting objectives, and driving project success in today’s dynamic work environment. Need help setting up Earned Value Management system for your remote work force? Request here: Click me!