Nigeria’s professional landscape, much like the global arena, stands amidst a transformative shift in work dynamics. As hybrid work models gain popularity, achieving equilibrium between productivity and personal well-being becomes increasingly challenging. Beneath the surface of this evolving professional landscape lies a persistent toxicity. Employers and employees, locked in a dysfunctional partnership, engage in a blame game that exacerbates workplace issues.
As the issue of workplace toxicity persists, PATIENCE ASORE, a workplace success advocate and chief executive officer, Poheav Scents, a beauty business brand, shares her expertise with Business a.m.’s ONOME AMUGE on fostering productive and collaborative workplaces to fuel business expansion and bolster customer satisfaction. Drawing from her nine years of extensive experience in the beauty industry, as well as her leadership at IPAT, a brand devoted to empowering employees and entrepreneurs alike, through strategic guidance and robust business acumen, the entrepreneur and business development manager, offers a roadmap for employers and employees to build a thriving and collaborative work environment. EXCERPTS follow.
Can you elaborate on your role as an advocate for workplace success and how you support employees and entrepreneurs?
As an entrepreneur and employer, my primary responsibility is to drive productivity by implementing exceptional leadership techniques and tools. I firmly believe in leading by example, actively participating in daily tasks to foster a collaborative and dedicated work environment. By consistently modelling desired behaviours, I aim to motivate and inspire team members to achieve their full potential.
I place a strong emphasis on continuous learning, ensuring that clear communication remains at the forefront of my approach. Ethical decision-making and fostering trust are integral to my leadership style, and I prioritise these values in every aspect of my work.
Can you share some specific strategies for Nigerian businesses to build a healthy work culture that fosters growth and productivity?
Achieving growth in business can be straightforward if the proper measures are implemented with dedication and determination. A successful organisation depends on two key elements – the right systems and, more importantly, the right people. When employees are motivated and supported, productivity flourishes, and the business thrives. Business leaders play a pivotal role in cultivating a positive work culture. They must understand the impact of their authority on employees and use it to make informed, holistic decisions. By prioritising a healthy work-life balance, actively listening to employees’ concerns, and encouraging open communication, leaders can build an environment that nurtures employee well-being and satisfaction. To further enhance the work culture, businesses should invest in training sessions that benefit employees, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to their professional development.
In what ways do you inspire and uplift others through your work in the beauty and personal development fields, and how do you stay current with industry trends and ensure your strategies remain relevant and impactful?
I believe that consistent dedication to personal and professional growth inspires others to strive for excellence. My passion for both inner and outer beauty is reflected in my work, motivating me to seek continuous improvement in all aspects of life. My strategies are rooted in integrity, fairness, and adherence to a strong moral code. I prioritise these values to ensure my approach remains timeless and resilient, understanding that personal integrity and image significantly impact long-term success.
More so, staying current with social media trends and mastering technology-driven business tools allow me to maintain a competitive edge in the digital age. Above all, my commitment to providing exceptional customer service ensures that I remain relevant and impactful in my industry.
What strategies do you use to stay up-to-date with industry trends and deliver value to clients and colleagues?
To optimise business performance, I rely on sales and CRM tools to efficiently manage client relationships and streamline operations. These tools enable me to maintain organised records, track progress, and make data-driven decisions.
I am deliberate in selecting brands to associate with, adhering to the philosophy of “luxury or nothing.” This commitment to excellence ensures that my work aligns with high standards of quality and authenticity.
Is there a specific instance where your strategic planning led to significant success in the workplace?
Yes. I have been able to identify opportunities for business expansion by conducting thorough surveys and providing strategic advice based on the results. My proactive approach and attention to detail have led to successful outcomes. In response to instances of workplace toxicity, I have proposed and implemented job rotations and internal transfers as corrective measures. By addressing the root causes of poor performance and fostering a healthier work environment, these changes have resulted in significant improvements to my organisation.
How do you handle resistance to change when implementing new strategies or processes in the workplace?
People are naturally inclined to resist a change when you don’t involve them in making that change. I have never experienced resistance from my staff when implementing a change because we discuss issues like this, explore all possible options and make the change decisions together. To avoid resistance when implementing changes within an organisation, it is crucial to involve team members in the decision-making process. As a business leader, it is vital to maintain accountability throughout the change process. If leaders fail to do so, assumptions can accumulate and potentially lead to irreversible problems. By demonstrating accountability, leaders ensure that changes are implemented smoothly and that the team remains unified and committed to achieving shared goals. Feedback serves as an invaluable tool for improvement, offering fresh perspectives and highlighting areas that may have been overlooked. Embracing feedback can lead to better decision-making and enhanced performance, both at a personal and organisational level.
To ensure employees provide honest and constructive feedback, it is essential to establish a sense of trust and discretion in the process. When team members feel confident that their input will be handled sensitively and appropriately, they are more likely to share their thoughts and contribute to the organisation’s growth. In addition to fostering an open feedback culture, businesses can benefit from implementing suggestion boxes and leveraging business analysis tools. These methods help collect and analyse valuable insights from employees, leading to data-driven improvements and better decision-making across the organisation. As an employer and business leader, feedback should be considered a gift. The aim is not to destroy you. It is to give you an opportunity to fix something or open your eyes to what you are not paying attention to. Feedback will help you make better choices and see things from another perspective.
How do you think Nigerian businesses can address potential skill gaps within their workforce and create opportunities for career progression?
To address skill gaps within an organisation, it is essential for business owners to invest in employee training and development. Providing opportunities for growth not only enhances employees’ abilities to deliver exceptional work but also fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment to the organisation.
Furthermore, by creating a balanced schedule that incorporates both work responsibilities and dedicated time for training, businesses can ensure their employees have the opportunity to expand their skill sets.
Enrolling employees in mentorship programmes or training courses is also an effective way to support their development and equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their roles.
What challenges do you think Nigerian businesses face when implementing creative strategies to boost productivity, and how can these be overcome?
The Nigerian business landscape faces real-life challenges such as inadequate electricity supply, hike in inflation, unfavourable business environment and policies that hinder growth. To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to advocate for improved policies and actively participate in the electoral process.
By making your voice heard through voting and engaging in political discussions, you can influence the policies that shape the business environment. Also, community-based initiatives and collaborations with like-minded individuals can drive collective action towards promoting a more favourable business climate.
As an advocate for workplace success, what advice do you have for employees, employers and entrepreneurs looking to thrive in their careers?
For employees, embracing wholehearted commitment to their work and viewing their roles as opportunities for growth can lead to significant personal and professional development. By fully engaging in their tasks and honing their skills, employees can transform their careers and prepare themselves for future endeavours. “DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO.. TILL YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO”. There is nothing wrong in being a 9-5er. From experience, I consider it as a blessing in disguise and it has blessed me immensely into the position I am today.
Employers, as leaders, have the responsibility to invest in their employees’ growth and development. By doing so, they create a nurturing environment where employees feel valued and motivated to excel. Although there may be concerns about employees leaving, the positive impact of investing in their growth will leave a lasting impression and contribute to the organisation’s overall success.
Entrepreneurs must prioritise creating seamless systems and processes that enhance the customer experience. Ensuring that both online and offline interactions are smooth and enjoyable will lead to satisfied customers, which in turn drives business success. Investing in leadership courses, personal effectiveness, time management, and emotional intelligence training can significantly benefit entrepreneurs, their staff, and their customers. Discipline, integrity, continuous learning, open-mindedness, and happily accepting feedback are crucial attributes for individuals in any role. Cultivating these qualities contributes to personal and professional growth, fostering a work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
