ESSENTIAL POWER SKILLS FOR TOP-TIER NIGERIAN PROFESSIONALS

In the whirlwind of Nigeria’s rapidly shifting professional arena — where speed, technology, and relentless performance dictate the rhythm — one truth thunders louder than ever: technical know-how is no longer the golden ticket. The new currency of relevance is power. Not just the power of intellect, but the power of influence. High-performing professionals no longer hide behind titles or credentials—they rise, stand out, and lead with a fierce arsenal of human-centred capabilities.

 These are the power skills—the invisible forces of influence, emotional intelligence, adaptability, collaboration, and visionary leadership—that separate the exceptional from the merely competent. This is the era of transformational mastery. Are you ready to step in?

These skills, sometimes dubbed "soft skills," are anything but soft. As Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, once noted, "Soft skills are the real hard skills of the 21st century." For Nigerian professionals navigating local and global complex environments, mastering these skills is critical to delivering value, inspiring others, and driving sustainable change.

1.    Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

 EQ is the foundation of strong interpersonal relationships. It means being self- aware, managing emotions effectively, and showing empathy. EQ is key in Nigerian workplaces where hierarchies are respected, and tensions may arise from generational or cultural differences.

 Take the story of Chuka, a mid-level manager in a Lagos fintech startup. Known for his intelligence, he struggled to connect with his team, resulting in high turnover. After coaching in emotional intelligence, he began to listen more, show appreciation, and manage his frustration better. The result? Improved team morale and a 40% increase in productivity. "I didn't realise I was the bottleneck," he said. "When I changed, everything changed."

2.    Effective Communication

 Being able to articulate ideas clearly and confidently is a game-changer. This includes verbal, non-verbal, and written communication. Whether you pitch to an investor in Lekki or managing a cross-functional team in Abuja, the ability to "speak so people listen and listen, so people speak" is a true differentiator.

Remember Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED Talk on "The Danger of a Single Story"? Her command of storytelling moved millions globally and shaped narratives about Africa. Nigerian professionals can learn from her ability to connect across cultures and communicate positively.

3.    Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
In our environment, where "managing uncertainty" is a daily affair—from fluctuating forex rates to shifting policies—professionals who can think analytically and respond with sound judgment are highly valued.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a procurement manager at a major Nigerian FMCG company redesigned the entire supply chain to rely more on local vendors. His ability to think critically under pressure saved the company millions in import costs and supply delays. His advice? "Always look beyond the problem—there's usually an opportunity hiding in plain sight."

4.    Collaboration and Teamwork

 Gone are the days when success was achieved in silos. In Nigeria's interconnected economy, high-impact professionals collaborate across functions, generations, and borders.

Funke, a young project manager in Port Harcourt, shared how she led a team of engineers and marketers to deliver a complex oil services contract. "I had to speak 'engineer' and 'sales' simultaneously. Learning to blend perspectives was what made the difference." Her ability to foster collaboration earned her an early promotion.

5.    Adaptability and Resilience

Nigerians are no strangers to change—be it “NEPA” blackouts, policy U-turns, or tech disruptions. But thriving professionals aren't just reactive—they're proactive. They bounce back from setbacks and embrace new opportunities.

Abdulmalik, a banker who lost his job during a merger, chose to pivot into tech. He learned data analytics online and landed a role at a tech startup.

"Losing that job was a blessing in disguise. I had to reimagine myself."

Adaptability like his is increasingly what sets enduring professionals apart.

6.    Influence and Persuasion

You may have a great idea, but can you sell it? Influence is about aligning others with your vision and moving them to act.

A senior HR executive at a Lagos-based multinational successfully influenced her board to adopt hybrid work long before it became mainstream. By blending data with empathy, she showed how flexibility boosts morale and output. "It wasn't about pushing an idea," she said. "It was about helping them see what was possible."

7.    Time and Priority Management

Most Lagos-based professionals can relate with an environment where traffic can steal two hours of your day and meetings often overrun time management is not just a skill—it's a survival tool.

High-impact professionals know how to block distractions, prioritise critical tasks, and align their time with results. A simple tip? Use the Eisenhower Matrix—urgent vs important—to filter your daily to-do list. Or as one executive quipped, "If it doesn't bring value or peace, it's off my schedule."

8.    Leadership and Vision

Leadership is not tied to a title. It's about responsibility, influence, and integrity. Whether you're leading a team, a project, or a new idea, high-impact professionals show initiative and inspire others to act.

We see this in leaders like Akinwunmi Adesina of the African Development Bank, whose Leadership is visionary and people centred. He often says, Leadership is not about you. It's about how you lift others." Nigerian professionals must adopt this mindset to make a meaningful impact.

Final Thoughts

Power skills are not "nice-to-haves" but must-haves for Nigerian professionals who want to thrive and lead in today's dynamic world. These tools build trust, solve problems, inspire others, and drive results.

So, as you sharpen your technical skills, don't forget to develop the human skills that make you truly powerful. Because in the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  

And how you make people feel is the real power.

Temitope Jegede,
May 16, 2025