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EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS ACROSS BORDERS AND COLOURS

 
I believe that once in a while, it is good to forget about the day's job and take time out, to think about the way forward. Someone said that one minute spent in thinking is worth two in execution. As I lay on my couch, I am thinking about the reality of a new and better Nigeria, which I can call the Nigerian dream.
 
 I envisage a new Nigeria full of possibilities, where poverty, corruption, and dishonesty, among others are absent. I imagine a new Nigeria, where we have the basic human needs-food, clothing, shelter,and education, plus energy, and good infrastructure.
 
 I see a new Nigeria where we see ourselves as brothers and sisters, and live in peaceful coexistence without any internal war or conflict. A new Nigeria where there is transparency at the political level, where leaders take the lead and make sacrifices for others. I, though I am not a prophet, for see a Nigeria which a center of attraction to other countries and continents of the world.
 
 This is a dream, and like every other day I dream, I wake up to face reality. Our solution may not be in the hands of Barack Obama, given that the U.S.A also have their unique challenges. Our solution may not be in the hands of G-20, which a group of the rich countries of the world. Though, their efforts includes a stimulus package albeit, to be given out in form of a loan,to help the underprivileged African countries, in which Nigeria is one.
 
 Communication is the backbone of every relationship. Communication alone, may determine what we can achieve individually, or as a nation. In Neuro Linguistic Programming for instance, communication is determined by the outcome you get. Communication is only complete only if you get the desired result.
 
 Sometimes, the message you pass across may be misinterpreted. This situation when it exists, is called 'by-passing.'
 
 As a nation, what messages are we passing across to other nations of the world? It is a fact that Nigeria is the giant of Africa and the most populous African country. Out of every African you see in Europe, one is a Nigerian. But why is South Africa invited to the G-20 summit, when Nigeria is not? Why do we still have a lot of Nigerians living below one dollar a day? Why is Nigeria among the ten most countries of the world? This calls for re-branding the brand-Nigeria.
 
 Professor Dora Akunyili, our minister of information has been on the back burner, urging Nigerians to think and talk positively about Nigeria, to believe in the Nigerian dream, and to be proudly Nigerian.
 
 She has been passionate about the re-branding exercise. Some critics have said that her approach is a good on but lack the vital fundamentals.
 
 That said, I believe in re-branding Nigerians. Every Nigerian is a brand on its own. The young man who goes to the cyber cafe, and defraud white-men of their dollars is also a brand (a negative brand). A brand is a symbol of definition that makes a product unique. It is driven by a brand promise.
 
 Furthermore, all brand are tested at the point of contact. You and I are ambassadors of Nigeria, and represent Nigerians to others.
 
 Ofra Saham, is the business trainer of the Success University. She was born in Israel, but grew up in the U.S.A. For their 'lounge in Nigeria' project, after they got my phone number on the Internet,contacted me for partnership.
 
 Eventually, Ofra Saham came with Atvia Fenta to Nigeria, for a tour that lasted for a week. In a series of communication through the e-mail and phone, I told her a lot of things about Nigeria. She told me her perception about Nigeria was wrong. She noticed that Nigerians are hospitable and friendly. She and her team will be coming again soon.
 
 To re-brand Nigeria, we need to communicate positively and honestly across cultures and continents. That is the first stage.
 

Listen to others. You can learn from anybody. From some, you will learn what to do. From others, you will learn what you should not do. Do not ignore the security officer. They may have vital information for you.

Listening shows that you care. It endears you to people. It makes others comfortable, while ta interrupt while others are talking. Instead, listen actively.

Agbolade Omwole runs interpersonal skills training for corporate organizations.
Contact:
nigeriaslifecoach@gmail.com
101youngentrepreneurs.blogspot.com

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