Some of these tips might be familiar, hope it helps...

1. Actions win, not arguments.

The saying actions speaks volumes has been time tested for a reason. The sure boat never sails far ashore and the man who says it all never goes in for the jugular. So rather than be perceived as an Oga Titus a.k.a all thoughts no action, prove them wrong with the stealth of execution other than the sensation of your speech.


2. Clean Hands, good deeds.

All deeds both good and bad have a way of catching up, that latter the more destructive. We have prominent players in society who are constrained to the background not because of incapacity, but for deeds ill performed in the past. Always be aware, someone somewhere is watching and taking notes--waiting to play you pick seven when you say last card!!!

3. Never get lost in the crowd; be counted.

if you don’t blow your trumpet, who will? If you don’t buy a ticket you cannot win the lottery. When you do nothing the result is definitely nothing. Where appropriate, strike a conversation, ask intelligent questions and never forget to make moves as these matter.

4. Showcase less of your talent, never go too far.

Modesty is key here; never go 100pc to impress because as humans we are designed to ask for more. The human mind extrapolates capacity exponentially. So, when you have too much to show, much more is expected. Always smile to fill the gaps and allow others a chance to share, never be a know it all nor seem a have it all. No be only you sabi pass...

5. With words, less is always more!!!

Choose your words carefully and ensure your views are put across in a lucid and concise manner. Yes, you should say what you want to say but that’s it and never more. No need for epistle, remember everyone has his or her own story to tell, don’t be a radio with out a phone-in line.

6. Be friendly yet cautious and clandestine

Be prepared to use the spy in you to dig for information while positing a friendly mien. Not in a negative manner, but in a strategic one. Information is there for your use--immediate of in the future. Absorb, filter and apply as appropriate whilst maintaining whatever facial expression and body language might be required in the situation.

7. Preserve your shine by rationing your presence

Never have one spot and never be around always. We value money cause its scarce--remember that.

8. Present people options which work for you, never against.

Where you have to give options, present those, which work in your favor and have them pick from it. Its a win-win since you make the other person feel in charge with the power to choose. Other people love to feel powerful too.

9. Always convert Weaknesses to strengths

We all have our flaws, yes! But continuous, consistent and persistent personal improvements are what life is all about. Take time to understand self and take inventory of your individual capabilities and areas of improvements. By making you work better, your bounds are limitless.

10. As you sell yourself, is the price you are bought. Always act Regal.

Here is not to be proud, boastful, and arrogant or condescending, however, a healthy dose of self-esteem and awareness does you more well than harm. The Yoruba would advice you not to drag your self through the ground. Seek reasons to be confident in your capacity and capability and have no other define your product, only you knows how much its cost you to be you--Chin up, Chest out, straighten out and walk smart!!!

11. Project boldness always

Never come across as timid. Take chances where they present to do what the ordinary fear. Here I remember the story of Barack Obama’s father as a student in the States. At an event he decided to sing in his traditional language to a predominantly white audience. Initially every one laughed, eventually his boldness shone through and he got a thunderous applause for he stood up for what he believed in--his roots. So don’t be dismayed, even a pro was once a beginner.

12. Timing is key!!! You need to master the art

Ask any comedian, the difference between good jokes and bad ones is timing. Perfect your timing in whatever situation you may find your self. Be it at a networking event where the guest speaker is having a chat with others after the programme, you apply the stealth of a Nile crocodile who waits patiently and calmly beneath the shallow waters only to strike with the most lethal force and GBAM>>>the kill...

13. Be cautious whom you offend

Here I can only say don’t be foolish and naive to believe you are invincible. Some people wield more power that you know exist, be it financial, political or even spiritual. Never underestimate and where you think or are told you might have erred, it takes nothing to apologies immediately. I’d borrow a saying from the Ibo this time, which posits--to prostrate for a dwarf doesn’t impair ones height.

14. Maintain neutrality, never commit to a single side of the coin

Never lean to one side of the divide, as what is today isn’t what presents tomorrow. Neutrality is key in all dealings. Its summarily seen as a subset of fairness which is an admired quality in powerful people. Remember the pictures of an African billionaire when presidential results were released? Now that’s the genius in this point.


15. Avoid the depressed and downtrodden

Be friends with four people with problems and you will surely be the fifth. Beware of these ones. The world is always falling on them. Avoid them like a plague else it rubs off on you before you know it. It’s a creeping scope and you will not realise it until it might be too late. If eventually you are lucky to, getting yourself out of such mess will surely take some time and resources better deployed elsewhere.


16. Be sensitive to emotions of others, that’s where to target action.

Here makes a point for a study in psychology known as emotional intelligence. When you pay attention to others’ feelings, you are perceived as having empathy, a currency so scarce its envied in powerful people. Not only do your “interactees” feel better about themselves, but also, you know when to strike whether to give or be given.

17. Be a light tower always. Where appropriate, incentivise.

You should strive to attract the type of talent you seek around you, be it by your dress sense; knowledge or humor amongst others, which earlier mentioned can be developed. As humans, we all have a unique gift. Find yours and use it whilst remembering; being a giver is also a source of power. Give and get is the underlying equation of life.

18. Be the captain of your own path, not a follower of others.

Strive to be the leader of the pack rather than a follower. Design and develop your own vision about life and follow it through. As you go along, review your experiences and amend as appropriate. No body likes a yes man, even politicians whom are known for their rare strain of sycophancy respect those who stand and follow through on their beliefs.

19. Be prepared!

Brings to mind the motto of the Boys Scout. When you are prepared you are ready. Never wait for an event to occur before you have a plan. Always strategise and think through possible events and resultant outcomes, then you can fill the void with your actions to create a line of best fit most suited to your objective.

20. Avoid the picturesque position, be approachable

Whilst we all seek perfection as individuals, be mindful it’s a journey and not a destination. Also, seeming perfect can intimidate others, something truly powerful people are too aware of, drop your guard and be approachable.

21. Don’t be cheap, follow the course through

Don’t cut corners trying to fake it to make it because it will surely catch up at a time least expected and most detrimental to your personal brand. Follow through, and don’t be silly, you can lie to the world but not yourself. If its not panadol, it cannot be panadol!

22. Never cry when it hurts, never be overtly joyful when you win!

Success attracts shame whilst failure attracts humility; my take here is to remain humble in whatever circumstance. It’s the best recipe to maintain a healthy balance of self-esteem. When you loose you are calm and same for the opposite. Remember the first day in school? No body likes the crybaby or the one who shows off an extra lunch pack.

23. Keep them guessing your next moves

Never let them see you coming. Stay underground till things have been well planned, resourced, executed and yes results attained. The powerful know this. They manage their projects like a savvy Chief financial officer of a listed company informs his shareholders; who are not excited about the potential returns but instead surprised by it. That’s the way to go. Shock them with success. Never be the sure boater unless you have already achieved your objective, and then believe me, that success is sweeter due to the element of surprise. Even our Women love this—Abi Na lie? LOL

24. Be the life of it when you can, larger than life perceptions do have an advantage!

Never pass on an opportunity to be the life of the party—with modesty of course. Be it an event or business gathering, showcase you talent where you can…Let then know there is something there.


Article by Niyi Balogun. @ng_niyi

I beg bring the pictures here for us to see or forget it.

hurry up with the copy and paste o

defemidefemi:
I beg bring the pictures here for us to see or forget it.

the picture didn’t come clear enough so here is my

Abajosax007:
hurry up with the copy and paste o

Abajosax007:
hurry up with the copy and paste o

own write up on it. sorry for the wait

This was insightful..... God bless the Poster !

Simply brillant.