DON’T GET PERSONAL

In office politics, you’ll get angry with people. It happens. There will be times when you feel the urge to give that person a piece of your mind and teach him a lesson. Don’t.

People tend to remember moments when they were humiliated or insulted. Even if you win this argument and get to feel really good about it for now, you’ll pay the price later when you need help from this person. What goes around comes around, especially at the work place.

To win in the office, you’ll want to build a network of allies which you can tap into. The last thing you want during a crisis or an opportunity is to have someone screw you up because they harbor ill-intentions towards you - all because you’d enjoyed a brief moment of emotional outburst at their expense.

Another reason to hold back your temper is your career advancement. Increasingly, organizations are using 360 degree reviews to promote someone.

Even if you are a star performer, your boss will have to fight a
political uphill battle if other managers or peers see you as someone who is difficult to work with. The last thing you’ll want is to make it difficult for your boss to champion you for a promotion.

Our Learning group

Our group consist of Nsubuga Darius (R) working in carpentry dept NPA Vocational Training Center Yei, Me as the Operations Manager NPA Mine Action, Kenyi of NPA Agriculture Yei and our only lady in the group Ms Nasra Rejoice Hillary (L) being the Exams Secretary NPA Yei Vocational Training Center.
We had fruitful discussion in our learning group dialogue and came up by knowing each other, brainstorming together on how to improve our practice, challenges we face in our field of operations, influence of environment to the learning system and individual, planning as tool for success.

Also we discussed the way forward of facilitating the learning for our New Generation issue

Lastly I would like to thank all those with whom we participated together to continue the spirit of togetherness to build our country - Sudan. Wish you all the best in your different locations

Cheers

What do I want to Improve My Practice as Mine Action Operations Manager in south Sudan

As a mine action Operations Manager I need to establish myself to be familiar with the following

• More experience in mine action clearance activities
• Experience from Mine Clearance
• experience as trainer
• Profound knowledge of international standards and regulations for Mine Action
• A realistic and objective approach to new technologies and methodologies
• Good understanding of the inter cultural challenges in an international working environment
• Excellent cooperating ability, both with national and international personnel
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to meet deadlines and work calmly under pressure
• I have to understand the day to day responsibility for implementation and priority setting of the mine action operations
• Take more responsibility for producing and updating the operational plan (survey and clearance)
• Produce Implementation Plans before operations start
• Implement the NPA Land Release and Task Impact Assessment methodologies in Sudan
• I have to make sure that the priorities set in the work plan is followed, and otherwise practice a sound evaluation of priorities on emerging tasks
• Ensure efficient coordination of work and resources internally through chairing regular operational meetings
• Contribute to, ensure and appreciate that capacity building and sharing of knowledge remains a high priority
• Aim to better target resources and work towards an enhancement of the effective planning process, so that mine- and UXO clearance is carried out as effectively and safely as possible

FOCUS ON YOUR CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE

At work, there are often issues which we have very little control over.
It’s not uncommon to find corporate policies, client demands or boss mandates which affects your personal interests. Bitching and complaining are common responses to these events that we cannot control. But think about it, other than that short term emotional outlet, what tangible results does bitching really accomplish? In most instances, none.

Instead of feeling victimized and angry about the situation, focus on the things that you can do to influence the situation - your circle of influence. This is a very empowering technique to overcome the feeling of helplessness. It removes the victimized feeling and also allows others to see you as someone who knows how to operate within given constraints. You may not be able to change or decide on the eventual outcome, but you can walk away knowing that you have done the best within the given circumstances.

Constraints are all around in the workplace; with this approach, your boss will also come to appreciate you as someone who is understanding and positive.

My Personal Information

Name: Batali Gabriel Modi
Age: 42 years
Occupation: Operations Manager
Organisation: NPA Mine Action