#PressForProgress: My Otakikpo Experience

International Women’s Day 2018 themed #PressForProgress evidences women’s role in the socio-economic sphere is increasing daily, and the need to inculcate in ourselves as women, golden rules needed to help us deepen our reach and impact on other women and our society in general.

I recently had the privilege of representing my HR leaders for some days on an official assignment, in one of our company’s marginal field – Otakikpo, (Ohh well! Amazing perks of working in a growing ambitious E&P firm).

Hence, I will be sharing five brief insights on that experience to Otakikpo, that can help women #PressForProgress and stay ahead in life.

1.      Have a heart willing to serve always: So my colleague in PH asked me “Ijay, how did you convince them to allow you come here?” and I laughed. I got the opportunity to make this trip by just offering to help on a task. I was simply trying to help, not knowing I was helping myself become more knowledgeable and aware on the core business. Thinking through it now, this trip has provided me a good leverage for the job I do daily (and surely for the task ahead).

2.      Be involved: If the platform you serve under define involvement or value as being seen in the ‘trenches’, sweetheart go there! Gain credibility, and help to effect the change and progress you want to see! Truthfully, you can only give your 'progressive' input when you are ‘involved’.

3.      Ask audaciously: First time I volunteered to support my leaders on the task at Otakikpo, they immediately agreed, but the time came to remind them of the likelihood of the trip, and I got fidgety to ask again. Sometimes, we miss opportunities as women, because we are afraid to just ASK. If you are going to see progress in life and in the platform you support, you are going to have to ASK FOR THEM! Speak up! However, while you are at it, remember the tone used may just be the game changer.

4.      The seemingly ‘little’ things can be valuable too, it just depends on the how (or packaging): It does not matter how ‘little’ the things you do to make for progress or change seem now, do it anyway! Remember, no-one can shave your hair without your permission, treat with utmost respect the progress or change you bring to the table.

5.      Accord respect and show sincere gratitude to people who support you: Express appreciation, by saying and sending thank you notes to people who help you achieve your goals or push you towards your vision. As much as it depends on you ensure every time someone supports you, you let them know how their effort has impacted you. Also finding ways to support them in making progress too can be a smart strategy, we are all connected and need each other to progress in life.

Hopefully my experience at Otakipko can support women #PressForProgress NOW! Chao!