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Career

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Surviving the End-of-Year function season graciously

End-of Year function season is upon us! A season almost as popular as the “Wambo wedding season” where you constantly find yourself as someone’s plus one every Friday. The only difference is that you may get to see a concentration of corporate executives you read about in the press showcase some moves on the dance floor. Let’s admit it, Office parties can be a potential minefield. You don’t know whether you can be your usual “Monaco slay queen” or you have to continue being the “Miss Professional” you portray Monday to Friday. Even worse, the company specifically states on the invitation that it’s time to “let your hair down”. You get there and all the signs of a lit party are present; everyone dressed up, open bar, hired DJ playing all the hit songs of the season, catered food with waiters and all. How can one not take up the offer by the company to “let lose”? It’s potentially insubordination if you don’t, right?

WRONG!

Dressing for Success: How your appearance can increase your chances of closing the deal or getting that job

Ever wondered whether the way you dress holds you back from success? Whether it’s a job interview or a business meeting, first impressions are very important. It takes about 3 – 30 seconds to form an impression of another person (psychologists and sociologist can’t seem to agree on the exact time, with some even extending it to 90 seconds). Everything we do after those 30 seconds either confirms the impression or changes it; but naturally, as human beings, we hate to be wrong so we tend to look out for clues that confirm our first impression. As the saying goes, “you don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression” so it’s very important that we create the right first impression.

Career Advice Ilke Platt-Akwenye lives by

Don’t expect others to make things happen for you. You have to dream, wake up and make it a reality, and then you have to empower and inspire the next to do the same. Relevance and determination will always be key in any entrepreneurial journey. You have to allow yourself to fail and most importantly learn from those failures. Don’t ever allow anyone to bust your bubble, even when times may get tough, which they will. You have to allow yourself to grow and time and again sit back and appreciate your blessings. Faith should always center your journey in life and always be thankful for every single blessing no matter how small they may be. Lastly, know your worth, the way you were brought up and always remain humble.”

Career advice Lazarus Jacobs lives by

 

To be the best, you have to learn from the best. You have to join a flock, and then you have to flap your wings and head in the same direction as the flock you have joined. You have to keep pace. You have to allow yourself to be mentored. You have to allow yourself to be coached. You have to allow yourself to be challenged. Then once you get your wings, help others get their wings. You have to allow yourself to mentor others. You have to allow yourself to relearn things from a new perspective that comes from coaching and mentoring. You have to understand it is a two-way street.”
Successful business man and father of Namibian comedy, Lazarus Jacobs, has done just that. Not only has he found his wings and contributed to the growth of business in the country he also makes time to pass on the knowledge and tools he has to his fellow countrymen through his mentorship programme. Find out what career advice he lives by. It may work for you too.
Happy Read!