5 "Good Reasons" for which you will not be hired.

I have been wanting to put these thoughts down since end of 2011. Quick story, I am running a training for West Africa and also doing some recruitments. For the one post, I was interviewing candidates in the morning, and for the other position, interviews were in the afternoon.  So I had a full day of  people trying to convince me and the panel I was heading that they were the right persons for the right tasks!!  Then 7 PM rolls round and I am back in my hotel room, trying to ease off.  And someone knocks.

"Madam, I see you have been interviewing people, please can you also interview me"? First I am shocked, then insulted, and really offended.  But my "other brain" says.. "Cool down and get to the bottom of this".

So I feign interest and I ask: "Please what is your name, what is your academic qualification, what are your skills, and what  kind of job are you looking for?"

That was the beginning of a long story.  Let's cut it short and make it simple.  ALL the reasons the gentleman gave me for which he should have  been considered are "good reasons" for which nobody ever gets hired.

Most common reason: I need a job.

Okay, so YOU need a job. The NEED is yours.  Here is the summary.  Your problem is not my problem.  That you need a job is your issue not mine. There are millions of people saying the same.  I get such lines at least 5 times a week.  It may seem a bit callous, but your need is yours, not mine.  That you need a job is no reason to hire you.

Reason 2: I need more money.

Quick answer.  "Same here".  I need more money.  In fact, as an employer, I most probably need more money than you do.  My social, economic, fiscal, and life responsibilities certainly outweigh yours. So in terms of cash needs, mine is greater than yours.  Give me a break.

Reason 3: I am not enjoying my job, I need excitement, enjoyment, adventure.

Seriously?  Go start your own stuff then! Do what you like.  Choose when to wake up, only do stuff that are exciting.  Never accept an assignment unless there is adventure attached to it!  Nobody will hire you to make you happy.  They will hire you to work.  Sorry, but your employer's interest comes first.

Reason 4: There is no future in this country.  I need an escape.

And you think I am stupid? If I started off like you, do you think you will be here asking for me to hire you?  It was because I believed in a future, and I committed to making the then-present better, that you are  coming up to me and thinking I will be the one to offer you a better future. You are not looking for work, you are looking for escape. Odds are, when I invest in you, you will either jump ship at the first sign of difficulty or disappear once you find another escape. I am looking for someone to solve problems with, build,  construct and ensure a better present and promising future. I do not provide platforms for escapists.

Reason 5: I like you.  You are such a wonderful person. I want you to be my boss.

Over the bar!! Because I change planes, gave  a tip, I speak with respect and I keep to time.. Or maybe because of the dressing or the "fashionable" things you see around me.  You most probably saw me after or off work. It is a mirage.  You need to work by me to see the "entrepreneur" me. I work long hours, do reports that run into 100s of pages. I lose sleep.. I stretch myself!!  You better wake up!!

== == ==

So you are asking, "what are the good reasons" for which I can be hired.  I will be brief.

1. Every employer is looking to solve a problem.   I will hire you if you can provide a solution or can work towards providing the solution
2. If you, by your own skills, will bring me more benefits than I am currently getting. If you can make me richer.. you are welcome
3. If you are resourceful person.  Someone who is willing to research into solutions, make trials, accept failures and  help colleagues do better
4. If you have a skillset or knowledge or capacity that I do not have
5. If your network is larger, more promising and more interesting than mine.

== == ==

Conclusion, nobody will hire you because of you.  I hire because of me. So next time you come knocking ...

Think of me, not you.

10 Reasons why your Facebook friend request is still queued

Okay, so you have sent me a Facebook friend request and since days, weeks or even months you have not heard anything. You might even have tried to send me a private message asking "Did you see my friend request?" And you did not get a reply.  Here are the 10 possible reasons your friend request is still in the queue.

1. You do not have a profile photo.  By principle, unless I know you, I will not accept friends who do not have a profile photo
2. The profile photo shows  off your body.  I am Christian and the God I worship does not like nudity. I think nudity belongs to your private life and should not, under any circumstances, be on Facebook, let alone as your profile photo.
3. Other nude photos of you.  I check your photos and if I see any nude one among them, the friend request is shot
4. Your friends. If I see that a lot of your friends have their profile photos on the nude end.. I will not accept your request.  Your friends tell me the kind of person you are
5. We dont have any friends in common.  Especially if I have not met you before.  I am just being prudent.
6. If you are just arriving on Facebook.  The odds are, you may not have learned  the appropriate behaviour. If I dont know you, I have never met you, and you have less than 10 friends... I will queue your request
7. You are guy and most of your friends are ladies.  Odds are, you are "collecting ladies" and most probably, you will be more of a harassment, if not an embarrassment, to me.
8. Your profile or photos have an exhibition of violence.  This includes guns, torture, dead bodies, any form of degrading pictures of humanity ..
9. You are using political swags: Like a president, a political party, an opposition leader or any of these politically-motivated movements. I'd rather be friends with you and not your ideology.
10. The friends we have in common are "suspicious".  I know which domains my friends come from.  So when I see we have 5 /6 friends in common and none of them have a common ground, I will get suspicious. Odds are, you are looking for me specifically, and you have gone round trying to get my friends so you finally land me.

7 Reasons Jean Ping needs to step aside as African Union Commission's Chair

In January, the African Union Summit held in its very new headquarters.  The one donated by China. One of the items on the agenda was the election of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Since the creation of the original Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which later became AU, the election or re-election of the Commission Chair has never really been a huge issue..... because consensus has been the order of the day.  But in January, it became and issue. Jean Ping, out-going chief did not secure enough votes to ensure his re-election. And the African Union executive leadership, is facing a democracy limbo.  If you did not follow the initial story,  the Guardian has a good account here

The tussle was first between Jean Ping, incumbent AUC Chair and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zulu.  Later the tussle was between Jean Ping and nobody, and Jean ping still did not get enough votes.

This post is from an ordinary Africa who thinks it is time for Jean Ping to quit  AUC Chieftaincy.  Here are at least 7 reasons.

His role in recent conflicts: Maybe because I live in Cote d'Ivoire. But I must say that the role that the AUC played during post-election crises in the country was a sorry one. The ping-pong politics of the AU increased the loss of lives.  Were it not for ECOWAS that stood up and stood straight.. we would still be in war now. During the Libyan one, AUC slipped into the reactive mode.. accusing others who "were doing something". For Mali.. I cannot even recall what the AUC position and pro-active initiative is.. and now there is Guinea Bissau..
My gut feeling here is that African issues are moving faster than the kind of politics that Jean Ping is used to. The everyday ping-pong, stomaching nonsense, and several diplomatic meetings-type of conflict resolution.  I may be wrong, but that is my opinion.

Second reason is one that may sound "weird".  Jean Ping is Francophone.  Yes.  He is from Gabon.  He has been AUC Chair since  September 2008.  He took over from Alpha Omar Konaré of Mali, who held the position from September 2003.  Konaré took over from Amara Essy of Cote d'Ivoire who was the last OAU Commission Chief, and transitioned into the AUC.

The third reason is the democracy one. If the constituency deems that an Incumbent has done well, at least 2 out of 3 will want him back.  Incidentally, that is also the quota fixed by the AU. Even after the rival withdrew, Jean Ping still could not win the 2/3rds.  Here is my honest opinion - "Your Excellency, please walk the talk".  Take a bow, and leave. Make room, give room and let there be space for another.

Confidence is my other reason. As the days come and go, the level of confidence is dwindling.  Even some delegations that said "yes" at the beginning are now saying "no". For this kind of post, the level of trust, of confidence, of comfort from the constituency is important. I think  all of that are on the downward lane. Insisting on remaining will be  akin to telling the African people "I quit when I want, and I dont care what you think"

 

 Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is the other candidate. Apart from being qualified for the job, I personally think that for the reasons above, she will have a better start.  A fresh clean start is more preferable to a rocky continuation. If it were a tussle between Jean Ping and just another political figure, maybe I would reconsider.  But Nkosazana herself is a huge reason that Jean Ping needs to step aside. You have an able leader take over.

The one other reason, which I also deem important is that the time is right for a lady to Chair the AUC. We have had enough men in that position.  Give a lady the confidence, let her in. We have a qualified lady. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has proved it. This continent needs to have more women leaders! The AUC itself is doing a good job at female Commissioners.  The time is right for a woman to be the face of AU!!  Just by the way, the next summit will happen in Lilongwe, Malawi.  In the very country where Her Excellency Joyce Banda is President of the Republic. 

The last reason why Jean Ping should not be re-elected is Jean Ping himself. In my consultations for this blog, a reliable source told me the following story. "Jean Ping is the one who came to South Africa, and canvassed for a South African candidacy.  He informed the government of South Africa that he was retiring and it would be a great thing for him to be replaced by someone from South Africa"

Whatever happened between the Jean Ping trip to South Africa and the elections is a story that Africans have a right to hear.

Suffice it to say.. that there are at least 7 reasons that Jean Ping should step aside as AUC Chairperson in July.

L'OBV des JNTIC 2012

 Les journées internationales des technologies de l'information et de la communication battent leur plein à Abidjan. Après 3 jours, soit on y est allé, soit, on suit sur les réseaux sociaux. Un petit mot de ma part.. pour relever ce que j'appelle l'OBV de ces choses. L'Orange étant pour des signes avant-coureurs des dangers, le blanc étant pour les parties plates.. ou bien mi-figue-mi-raisin et le vert pour "Yes"!!

L'ORANGE

 Il y a au moins 3 qui n'ont pas marché. Je ne sais pas exactement ce qu'il s'est passé, mais de l'arrivée à la possession de son badge.. en tout cas ça a foiré! J'aurais voulu le dire autrement. ICS, UNETEL, Sécurité.. je sais pas, moi.. mais. Le mardi matin, à 9 heures Il y avait toutes sortes d'explication. Sauf les badges des conférenciers sont avec UNETEL. Il faut aller au stand ICS. Le système d'ICS ne marchent pas. Entre temps, on doit gagner la salle plénière .. et là, il faut avoir son badge!

La connexion Internet!! Safroulaye!! Au début il n'y avait pas des réseaux détectables.. ensuite: MTN-JNTIC, Orange Wifi, MTN wifi, VISITEURS-JNTIC, EXPOSANTS-JNTIC.. Toutes ces ethnies là..Zéro Bi pointé.Meme mon 3G sur le portable aussi avait du mal à démarrer.. Après avoir fait tout un boucan autour de JNTIC 2012.. moi, je me croyais en droit d'espérer ce qu'on appelle .. "paradis de bande passante" mais que.. NON. J'étais annoncée pour Abuja.. et pour Genève. Je me disais qu'une fois connectée.. j'allais pouvoir gérer.. J'ai joué bidé!

Je me suis laissée convaincre qu'à l'ère d'ADOSOLUTIONS, on avait pris l'habitude de respecter l'heure.  Pour dire vrai, le gouvernement respecte l'heure. Nos ministres respectent l'heure.. mais.. pour JNTIC de cette année là.. je sais pas.  La chose n'était meme pas un lundi.. au moins on aura pu dire que les gens étaient en weekend.. Mais, pour moi, vois les gars d'ALLIGATOR monter les tentes devant moi à 9:30..  et toute la journée de mardi.. bon, bref!

LE BLANC

Les filles! Les filles ooooo!! Les filles. Les filles. Les belles filles. Les filles minces. Et comme le Dr  Antoine Mian me le dit, il faut préciser que ce sont les filles "minces minces". A mon arrivé le mardi matin.. je me suis demandée.. "Dis, Nnenna, tu t'es pas trompée de lieu? Parait que c'est un casting de JCS pour Star Tonnerre". C'est moi seule qui me suis déçue.  Je me disais qu'au moins cette année.. comme c'est "Les Femmes et les Filles  dans les TIC" on  les verra autrement..que dis-je, on NOUS verra autrement.  Mais non, les filles étaient là, pour servir de props, hotesses, décoration".. comme d'habitude.

INSECDAYS aussi. On y avait placé beaucoup d'espoir.  J'ai vu que pour sa plénière, la salle Christian Lattier était archi-comble. Même les  places debouts, on en trouvait pas.  Mais bon, les autres étapes n'ont pas très bien marchées. On y arrivera.. un de ces jours.  On  va tiré la léçon et mieux faire.

La pluie du mardi!! Comment!!? Comme le disait un participant, c'est le ciel "qui a versé sur nous quoi". Vraiment il a plu. Avec mannière! Vers la fin de la journée de mardi, tout le monde mettait son problème et son manquement du jour sur le dos de la pluie.

LE VERT

Il y avait du monde.  Du beau monde, oui. La mobilisation a été bien faite. Si on se plaind, c'est parce qu'on y était. C'est bizarre mais c'est vrai.  La communauté TIC, le réseau AKANDEWA, les blogguers, tout ceux qui étaient à Google Days.. les écoles.. tout le monde y étaient.  La "communauté internationale aussi. Les participants d'un peu partout dans le monde.. Verone Mankou de VMK avec sa tablette WAY-C.. Fatou de Sénégal. En tout cas, bravo.

Les stands et les exposants.  Il y'en avait  de tous bords.  Chaque année, la partie expo s'améliore.  C'est un plus. Mais pas seulement le nombre des exposants mais aussi le niveau de la technologie.  Ce sera important de garder l'oeil sur les nouveautés de chaque année.  Les JNTIC devront nous  servir à mesurer la croissance tech du pays.

La réconciliation. Pour ceux [ou nous autres] qui ne savent  pas, il n'ya pas eu JNTIC en 2011. Les banques venaient à peine de rouvrir, on pansait les plaies, on essayait de revoir les habitations brulées.  Je me souviens que j'avais tout un tas de facture  à payer.. après  6 mois d'exile forcé. La Cote d'Ivoire est de retour. Bien que le Ministre Koné Bruno soit venu, car il était de sa responsabilité, le Minstre Hamed Bakayoko est venu.  Laurent Dona Fologo aussi.  Comme j'étais assise devant, en haut là bas.. sur la table des VIPs.. j'ai pris un moment pour regarder les visages de ceux qui sont en face de moi.

Je n'ai pas vu la peur, je n'ai pas vu la haine.  J'ai vu un peuple réuni, un peuple qui croit en lui-meme.  Une Cote d'Ivoire    qui est décidée de se reconstruire. De se tirer de la guerre.. et de batir.. une nation forte, avec les TICS.

J'ai vu les jeunes.. garçons et filles. Les ainés.. les tanties, les tontons. C'était pas une affaire des TICs seulement.  C'est une affaire d'une nation qui se lève, qui se dit..

Oui, il y a encore des failles, 


des hauts, et des bas..


 mais nous y arriverons.

C'est pour quoi demain, je vais repartir.. et si le Bon Dieu m'accorde la vie..

Je serai aux JNTIC 2013!

MAG: To be or not to be?

I am reading Ginger's "actions call" for MAG self/nominations. And it is so spirited that I have decided to write down my "thoughts" here as a blog. Will be my third blog of the day.. Looks like I'm in a bloggy mood.. if ever such a word exists.

In reading the scoring, I see that I actually have a "BIG FAT" chance. Here is the way I see it:

1. I will get a 10% for being in Côte d'Ivoire, a country that has yet to be on the MAG

2. I will get another 10% for being from a developing country

3. And another 10% for not being male.

If I add that I have been active in my national IGICI and the West Africa IGF - WAIGF and also the AfIGF that is taking shape.. I sure will get some extra points.

Then I will add a 10 year history in WSIS and its related activities, and a formal training in International relations and linguistic diversity etc

So I think I will be around something like 70 or 80%

The question, therefore, that warrants this blog is "so why are you not nominating yourself or seeking someone to do so? Even despite the fact that you have received solicitations asking you to do so?"

To be or not be.

Here is my shot: Thanks, but NO, thanks. I will pass on this one. Why? Well for at least 5 reasons:

1. I am busy. I wish I could get 30 hours a day, but no, I dont have it. I am doing this blog at about 100 minutes to midnight! I would love to spare myself the MAG work.

2. I have downgraded ALL unpaid trips to anywhere outside of Africa. I cannot spend 3 days running visa, spend at least 200$ in the case of a Schengen one, and not get paid for that. Especially now that the ECOWAS passport is 32 pages instead of 48.

3. Anybody knows where a Nigerian living in Côte d'Ivoire will get a visa for Azerbaijan? I may probably need to do a trip to one other African country first.. Okay, enough with the visa thing..You only get a visa problem when THE FUNDING problem itself has been resolved. And the song around "civil society participation", "gender balance" and "participation from developing countries" is beginning to tire my Spirit.

4. I want to invest locally and if possible invest in action. I am a development-oriented African. Though words are of the legal profession and the whole of the "activism" thing is great.. but you know what? Over the years I have grown wider but also wiser. I want action, change, things done. At this age and weight.. I have a leaning for "less talk, more action"

5. I have 512 KBPS on wifi at home here. Add to that, that little tiny thing that if groomed well will come in handy for folks like me.. Remote Participation. I'd rather be reclining on my couch in my sitting room with this netbook of mine, eating my own kitchen food, enjoying the warm and airy Abidjan weather while connected remotely than to be trudging in any Geneva cold paying 15$ for ugly sandwiches!

MAG: To be or not to be?

Aint no question for me.. I will PASS! Maybe some time later, if/when things change.