Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Retaining Key Employees


Under the guidance of Harvard Business School graduate Akanimo Udofia, DESICON Engineering Limited has completed more than $10 billion worth of projects in the last decade. Serving as the company’s CEO, Akanimo Udofia has overseen its growth from 100 employees to more than 4,000. Considering the time and effort that goes into hiring the best people, it’s critical for employers to retain their best employees.

The reasons a person accepts a new job, which include salary, health benefits, and retirement plans, are not usually enough in themselves to keep a worker from leaving a company. Listed below are tips for improving an employee’s overall job satisfaction, thus increasing the company’s retention rate.

1. Maintain an “open door” policy. Communicate often and openly with employees. Encourage new ideas and accept employee input regarding problem-solving. 

2. Clearly express expectations. Communicate directly with employees about what their jobs entail and what they are required and expected to do.

3. Treat employees like an asset. Express your appreciation for a job well done and reinforce employees' value to the company.

4. Reward good work. Go beyond bonus money with sincere, in-person recognition.

5. Provide advancement opportunities. Beyond the opportunity for a higher-ranking position, advancement opportunities also include intellectual and educational advancement and training.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Nigerian Musician Wizkid Wins Three MTV Awards




Akanimo Udofia serves as the managing director and CEO of Desicon Engineering in Lagos, Nigeria. Outside of his professional life, Akanimo Udofia considers himself a fan of all music, though he especially enjoys Nigerian music.

Entering the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) in October with nominations in six categories, Nigerian-born artist Wizkid ended the night with three awards, more than any other artist.

Now 26 years old, Wizkid began his music career when he was just 11. His first recording was a collaboration with Nigerian music legend OJB Jezreel. The young artist started gaining fame in 2010 with the release of his debut album, which included the hit song “Holla at Your Boy.”

Wizkid’s first award of the 2016 ceremony was for his contribution to the song “Soweto Baby.” The track, produced by DJ Maphorisa and also featuring DJ Bucks, won Best Collaboration. Wizkid also won the awards for Best Male and Artist of the Year. 

Other Nigerians honored at the ceremony were Tekno, who won Best Breakthrough, and Yemi Alade, who took home the Best Female award.