Knowledgebase & Articles

How can one cope with emotional well-being challenges in a world of animosity, cutthroat competition, and being surrounded by people with self-centric attitudes? With the experience of attending training and practice, the author attempted to share her musings in this article. Practicing core life values and skills such as empathy, mindfulness, and compassion equip people to cope with their challenges with emotional well-being. It also provides them with skills that will help and contribute to developing peaceful minds and sustainable societies. It will start with our introspection on our (humans) core values and how they form. Questions like this help build healthy relationships with self and others and help to perform better in workplaces more compassionately by reducing animosity and toxic relationships in personal and professional spaces. These skills also helped many leaders in the corporate world in their professional arenas to deliver effective leadership. Compassionate integrity refers to the ability to live one’s life in collaboration with one’s values with a recognition of common humanity and a basic orientation to kindness and reciprocity. One can thrive as an individual and in society by cultivating human values as skills. The first step toward improving relationships with others and positively impacting communities is developing increased personal well-being. This approach has been referring as the process of self-consciously working to increase these types of personal skills and well-being, i.e., “Self-Cultivation.” Skills required under this process are Calming Body and Mind, Ethical Mindfulness, Emotional Awareness, and Self-Compassion. Calming Body and Mind by doing activities such as breathing exercises, listening to music, taking a walk barefoot in the beach sand, yoga, and meditation helps to understand how our body and mind respond to various situations inside and outside one’s control and guides people to choose righteous responses sensibly during stressful situations. This practice helps people to return to their resilient zone when they go out of it due to internal or external disturbances and puts them into the high or low autonomic nervous system (CIT Many leaders confirmed in various sources that the training and deployment of this skill involve paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally. As said by Karen May, vice president at Google, she has developed the ability to mentally recharge by taking one “mindful breath” before walking into every meeting. It takes her roughly six seconds, and in that time, she brings her full attention to one breath, resetting her body and mind. Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic opined that the mental technique has game-changing consequences and helped him to sustain high performance for extended periods. (Chade-Meng Tan, 2015). Another skill that helps people is Emotional Awareness. What is emotional awareness? It is an awareness of one’s emotional state. Working on this skill will help people how one can be less reactive and respond to triggers (trauma, sadness, fear, stress, unhappy news, crying spells, anger, etc.) consciously with greater wisdom. As per some institutions such as CIT-Life University, USA, and UNMGEIP training workshops (the author attended), this skill can be learned through emotional intelligence techniques. Goleman (1995) recognized five distinct categories of skills that form the key characteristics of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation and motivating others, empathy, and social skills (Landry, 2015). Emotional intelligence includes self-awareness, impulse control, persistence, zeal and self-motivation, empathy, and social deftness. A lack of emotional intelligence can destroy the intellect and ruin careers. Perhaps the highest impact is on children and youth, for whom risks include depression, eating disorders, unwanted pregnancy, aggressiveness, and violent crime. Ethical mindfulness builds awareness about thoughts and how they affect actions, develop attentiveness and clarity in thinking, and purposefully pay attention to the present moment with an attitude of interest or curiosity rather than judgment. It is a state of being that acknowledges every day ethics and ethically important moments as significant in clinical care to enable ethical clinical practice. (Guillemin, & Gillam 2015). Some trainers assume that training the mind is like training a puppy. As per some of the trainers of this skill, three techniques will help people to learn this skill are heedfulness (being vigilant to protect self and others from harm through words and actions), mindfulness (being aware of and remembering core values), and awareness (present moment consciousness of speech and actions). Self-compassion is learning to set realistic expectations and aspire to excel on personal or professional fronts without getting demotivated. Self-compassion involves being kind and understanding toward own self, even during moments of suffering or failure. Practicing this skill will help people explore the underlying motivation behind our thoughts and actions and how suffering and happiness do not depend solely on external situations. This will help to learn how expecting happiness from external sources, rather than internal ones, often fails to bring lasting satisfaction and finally helps to explore how unrealistic expectations can lead to suffering and excessive self-criticism.  Engaging in skill training in compassion is not enough for ethical and effective decision-making; it must combine with critical thinking and an understanding of reality. Practicing critical thinking guided by our values’ context will help us achieve a happy life for others and ourselves. References Freeman L (2009). Relaxation therapy. In Mosby’s Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Research-Based Approach, 3rd ed., pp. 129–157. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books, Inc. Guillemin, M., & Gillam, L. (2015). Emotions, narratives, and ethical mindfulness. Academic medicine: journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 90(6), 726–731. Dr. Sudha Mavuri is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics, and the current Dean of Arts, Management and Social Science, Skyline University, Nigeria. She has a Ph.D in Economics, M.A in Economics and BA in History, Economics and Political Science with Economics Major from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.  You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria

The modern working environment has changed dramatically over the past decade and this has major implications for global and international managers. Most firms currently operate in an exceedingly volatile, highly competitive, complicated, and dynamic environment. The need for new markets, cost constraints, increasing competition, and a number of governmental measures made possible by modern information and communication technology have all contributed to the globalization of business (Sealy, Wehrmeyer, France, & Leach, 2010). Such opportunities and pressures have created a serious challenge for multinational corporations. In addition to these external conditions, most organizations are also dealing with a number of global difficulties, such as those relating to talent flow, managing a diverse workforce, and a lack of specific competencies (Bucker & Poustma, 2010). Multinational corporations have become one of the most important drivers of continuous globalization and constant developments in the global economy. Doing business globally, across borders in diversified environments they have given rise to and put an emphasis on such concepts as “global managers” and cross-cultural management. Nowadays, international business managers have to deal with the difficulty of operating in a multicultural environment as a result of globalization, mergers, and acquisitions. Any function or role in international business entails collaboration with individuals from various nationalities and backgrounds. Understanding how to communicate across cultures is an absolutely essential ability, whether the person is a coworker, client, or consumer. It necessitates a significant level of diplomacy, respect, and sensitivity. It also requires making an effort to understand learn and appreciate cultural differences when it comes to communication. It can be easier to avoid misconceptions and promote better workplace communication if you are aware of, for example, how individuals from different cultures interpret workplace conflict or something as straightforward as maintaining eye contact. And effective communication helps businesses. (In fact, studies contend that one of the main causes of project failure is a breakdown in communication.) Building a strong network of connections outside of your native country is crucial if you want to engage in international business. Successful networking can lead to unexpected commercial opportunities abroad, and according to some reports, networking is now responsible for up to 80% of job placements. While online platforms like LinkedIn make it simpler to establish and maintain professional contacts abroad, excellent in-person networking abilities remain one of the most important traits for success in international business. One practical strategy to meet like-minded individuals and expand your relationships is becoming an expert at “elevator pitching” and attending industry networking events. Naturally, networking skills take tact, diplomacy, and a listening ear, just like cross-cultural communication; keep in mind that you’re creating a relationship rather than just selling your services. Building a network alone won’t be enough for success in international business; you also need to be able to get along with others. In the business world, it is essential to be able to cooperate and work together for the same goal. It necessitates modesty, allowing others to lead and share the spotlight when things go well. Collaborating with team members from different cultures is extremely advantageous in an international business environment. First, it’s a chance for you to practice and improve your cross-cultural communication abilities. Secondly, it will introduce you to new perspectives and approaches to addressing challenging business issues. The most motivating and effective corporate leaders are frequently the best collaborators because they are aware of how communal intelligence may hasten company achievement. Strong emotional intelligence is regarded as a crucial competency when it comes to conducting business internationally. This is so because it affects almost every facet of corporate communication. Emotionally intelligent people are in control and in control of their emotions, meaning they are able to adapt flexibly to change and react calmly in critical or stressful business situations. To succeed in international business unequivocally demands resilience and mental toughness. Ever-changing business demands, especially in International Business careers, throw a unique challenge to the manager at an individual level. Work timings, mental health, working environments, personal goals, physical health, social expectations, and work timings across different time zones, all take a toll on the person manning the station. Be resilient to such things that come your way. Setbacks and failures are also a fact in the business world, but defeat isn’t. This is where resilience comes into play. Resilience, which goes hand in hand with emotional intelligence, is a crucial quality for success because it enables you to rise to the unavoidable challenges of doing business globally, keep your motivation high, manage risks, and bounce back swiftly from hardship. Reference Sealy, I., Wehrmeyer, W., France, C., & Leach, M. (2016). Sustainable Development Management Systems in Global Business Organizations. Bucker, J. & Poustma, E. (2010). How to Assess Global Management Competencies: An Investigation of Existing Instruments Ms. Aisha Turaki Ibrahim is an Assistant Lecturer of the Department of Management, School of Arts, Management and Social Science, Skyline University Nigeria. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Business Management from Sheffield Hallam University (U.K) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the American University of Nigeria (AUN). You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria   

Introduction Whether in the workplace or organizations, teamwork and unity are essential components of any successful institution. Organizations that cultivate a strong sense of teamwork have the potential to boost productivity, encourage creativity, and cultivate a productive and supportive work environment. In this article, we will investigate the significance of team spirit and unity in an establishment, including the benefits and hindrances of this methodology, and the key to building major areas of strength for a durable group. We will likewise look at how cooperation can be utilized to further develop efficiency and achievement and give reasonable tips to making major areas of strength for collaboration in any foundation. Importance of Team Spirit in an Institution Teamwork is essential to any institution’s success. It fosters collaboration and communication, fosters a positive and supportive work environment, and aids in the development of a sense of identity and belonging. Employees are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work when there is strong team spirit, which can result in higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction. Moreover, team spirit assists with building trust and common regard among colleagues. When employees feel upheld and esteemed by their associates, they are bound to cooperate successfully and share their insights and skill. Better decision-making, increased innovation, and more effective problem-solving are all possible outcomes of this. Advantages of Fostering Team Spirit Increased productivity: Employees are more likely to collaborate effectively when there is a strong sense of team spirit, which can result in improved output and productivity. Improved communication: Team Spirit encourages honest and open communication, which can assist in enhancing collaboration and avoiding misunderstandings. Enhanced creativity and innovation: At the point when employees feel upheld and esteemed, they are bound to contribute their thoughts and mastery, which can prompt new and inventive arrangements. Positive work environment: A solid feeling of cooperation can establish a good and strong workplace, which can assist with diminishing pressure and further develop work fulfilment. Nonetheless, there are likewise expected weaknesses in cultivating team spirit and unity. For instance, serious areas of strength for gathering personality can prompt oblivious compliance, where people focus on bunch agreement over free reasoning and navigation. Furthermore, an over-dependence in the group can restrict people’s capacity to work freely, which can be tricky in specific circumstances. Despite these likely dangers, the upsides of cultivating teamwork and unity by and large offset the detriments. Foundations that establish a positive and steady workplace can profit from expanded cooperation, correspondence, and development, prompting further developed efficiency and achievement. The key to building areas of strength for a firm group incorporates characterizing clear objectives and assumptions, advancing open correspondence, empowering joint effort, praising triumphs, and tending to clashes and difficulties in a useful way. By following these standards, institutions can make major areas of strength for team spirit and unity, prompting further developed efficiency and achievement. How Unity Can Improve Productivity and Success in an Institution Team spirit can be a useful asset for further developing efficiency and progress in an organization. The following are a couple of instances of how team spirit can be utilized to accomplish these objectives: Team spirit can be a powerful tool for improving productivity and success in an institution. Here are a few examples of how team spirit can be used to achieve these goals: Encouraging open communication: Team spirit advances transparent correspondence, which can assist with further developing coordinated effort and forestalling errors. Fostering a sense of belonging: At the point when team spirit is solid, people feel like they are important for an option that could be bigger than themselves, which can advance a feeling of having a place and personality. Promoting innovation: A solid feeling of team spirit can urge people to share their thoughts and mastery, which can prompt new and imaginative arrangements. Improving decision-making: At the point when colleagues trust and regard one another, they are bound to cooperate successfully and pursue better choices.  Conclusion Regardless of whether a business, non-profit, or government agency is successful, teamwork and unity are essential components. Individuals experience a sense of belonging and identification with the institution’s goals and objectives when team spirit and unity are strong. In turn, this may improve productivity, communication, and collaboration. There are numerous advantages to institutions that foster a strong sense of teamwork and unity. For instance, a positive and steady workplace can assist with diminishing pressure and further develop work fulfilment, prompting more significant levels of representative commitment and maintenance. Furthermore, a firm group can be more inventive, as people are bound to share their thoughts and skill, prompting new and clever fixes. Trimisiyu Omotayo Lawal is working in Skyline University Nigeria as a Lecturer II in the Department of Economics. He has obtained his MHE Degree from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria in 2019 and a BSc in Economics from Bayero University Kano in 2017. 

Several university courses require students to give presentations or speeches as part of the curriculum, making public speaking anxiety a prevalent problem among undergraduates. These projects can be especially difficult for students who battle with public speaking anxiety, which can present as bodily symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and nausea, as well as mental symptoms such as racing thoughts and a sense of panic (Pierini, 2020). University lecturers must realize the potential impact of public speaking anxiety on their students and give support and resources to help students manage their fear and thrive academically. This may involve providing opportunities for practice and feedback, offering workshops or courses on public speaking, and being empathetic and accommodating to students who struggle with public speaking fear (Greeve, et al., 2021). Undergraduate students in higher education may face anxiety when it comes to public speaking for a variety of reasons. A lack of experience or self-assurance in public speaking may be the cause for some people. Others can be concerned about being evaluated or judged by their classmates or teachers. In addition, the worry that one will humiliate themselves, forget their content, or make a mistake while speaking in public can also be a contributor to the condition known as public speaking anxiety (Venkatesh, 2020). Undergraduate students in universities today are fortunate to have access to a variety of services that might assist them in overcoming their fear of public speaking. Students can gain the knowledge, experience, and self-assurance they need to excel in public speaking by taking part in one of the many colleges that provide workshops or classes on the subject of public speaking. In addition, higher education institutions have student support services, such as counselling or peer mentorship Programmes, which can assist students in learning how to manage their anxiety and create measures for coping with it. The practice of relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation, can also be beneficial to individuals who feel anxiety related to public speaking. Also, preparing and practising presentations or speeches ahead of time can assist in increasing confidence and minimizing anxiety. This can benefit both the presenter and the audience. It is crucial to keep in mind that worry about public speaking is a typical sensation, and that many outstanding public speakers had to work hard to overcome their nervousness before they could achieve success. Undergraduate students in higher education can learn to control their nervousness, become excellent public presenters, and grow more confident in their abilities with time, consistent practice, and assistance. References Grieve, R., Woodley, J., Hunt, S. E., & McKay, A. (2021). Student fears of oral presentations and public speaking in higher education: a qualitative survey. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 45(9), 1281-1293. Pierini, F. (2020). Public Speaking in EFL Postgraduate Courses in Italy: A Case Study with Students of Political Science, University of Genoa. English Language Teaching, 13(8), 127-134. Venkatesh, A. (2020). Public Speaking Anxiety in College Students: Developing A Treatment Protocol Through Correlation Of Socio-Environmental Causes To Non-Traditional Treatment Methods. Mr. Adelokun Adetunji Oluwapelumi is a Lecturer II at the School of Art, Management and Social Science, Skyline University Nigeria. He has a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature from the University of Ibadan and a graduate degree in English from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo Nigeria. You can join the conversation on facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on twitter @SkylineUNigeria

Introduction Nickel is a shiny, silvery metal that can take a high polish and is malleable, hard and ductile. It is magnetically magnetic and has a low thermal and electrical conductivities. Its important characteristics for industrial use include; resistance to oxidation and alkali corrosion, strength at high temperatures, and the capacity to alloy with many other metals. Nickel has an average abundance of 80 parts per million (ppm) in the earth’s crust, however, it is highly concentrated in the core. The transition group metal nickel, which has 14 known isotopes, including five stable ones, is the fifth most prevalent element on earth. It can replace iron in many minerals because it has the same oxidation state (+2) and comparable ionic size to iron and other similar transition group metals. Nickel-bearing minerals can be found in laterites and as sulphides in significant proportions. Garnierite and nickeliferous limonite are the two principal nickel-bearing minerals found in laterites.The most significant nickel sulphide mineral is pentlandite, which is found in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks along with pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite in economic deposits. Occurrence of Nickel in Nigeria Nickel, an important industrial metal used in several applications including the fabrication of stainless steel, batteries, and electronics, is reportedly present in substantial amounts in Nigeria. The northern states of Kaduna, Kebbi, Nasarawa, and Taraba, according to the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), are where the majority of Nigeria’s nickel reserves may be located. (Obaje 2009). About 5 million metric tonnes of nickel deposits, with an average nickel concentration of 1-3%, have been identified in Nigeria (Obaje 2009). According to these projections, Nigeria has a lot of potential for creating a nickel industry that can supply both domestic and international markets. Due to a lack of infrastructure and investment in the sector, Nigeria still imports nickel for use in industry. The Nigerian government and private companies have made several attempts to grow the nickel sector. To add value to the raw nickel ore, the Nigerian government announced plans to build a $5 billion nickel processing factory in Kaduna State (Reuters, 2016). The proposed factory would be capable of producing 600,000 tonnes of pure nickel annually, and it is anticipated to increase employment and regional economic growth. Additionally, there are proposals to build smaller nickel processing facilities in other regions of Nigeria to boost domestic output and lessen reliance on nickel imports. The Nigerian government is attempting to diversify the economy and lessen its reliance on oil exports through these Programmemes. To sum up, Nigeria has large nickel reserves that could spur the country’s economic expansion and development. To utilise the potential of the nickel deposits, greater investment and infrastructure development are required in the nation’s nickel industry, which is still relatively underdeveloped. References Obaje N. (2009). Geology and mineral resources of Nigeria. Springer. Reuters. (2016). Nigeria to tap mineral wealth for economic development. Mr. Aliyu Mohammed Lawan holds a Master’s degree in Applied Geophysics from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Maiduguri. He has also obtained a National Certificate of Education from FCE (T) Potiskum. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria