Thanks to an unfairly exaggerated stereotype, the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Nigerians is the “African prince scam.” But for anyone who has worked with Nigerians or spent time with them, they quickly see the truth: Nigerians are warm, accommodating, and incredibly hardworking.
The average Nigerian works with a passion that can be described as a ‘hustler to a fault.’ Interestingly, this work ethic isn’t just about chasing money or climbing the career ladder; it’s deeply tied to cultural values of perseverance and responsibility. In Nigerian homes and communities, these values are instilled from a young age, moulding individuals into people who view hard work as both a personal and communal duty.
All of this is great, but how does it benefit an organisation?
The answer is simple.
Hiring Nigerian workers means you have people who are driven to achieve, and as an employer, these are exactly the type of people you want on your team. They take pride in their work and put in the effort to make sure things get done. When you need them to deliver, they’re ready to rise to the occasion.
Now, hiring people like this is great, but there’s more. You need to understand this cultural context and create an environment where they feel motivated to contribute. That’s why in this article, we are going to explore effective ways to manage, motivate, and engage a Nigerian offshore remote team.
Setting Clear Expectations
Setting clear expectations is fundamental when managing any remote team, and this holds especially true for Nigerian offshore employees. Despite the geographical distance, maintaining alignment on goals and tasks is non-negotiable. The last thing you want to do is unknowingly create misunderstandings.
Research by Gallup states that only about half of all professionals understand what’s expected of them at work. Only half!
This is a problem that can easily be solved from the get-go. As a manager, one of the first things you do when an employee is hired is hold a session to discuss what is expected of them when they are working on the job and explain how success will be measured. This clears up any confusion and ensures that everyone knows their role. Beyond discussing the daily tasks, it’s important to talk about the bigger goals they should work towards.
Hold Regular Check-Ins
Nigerians love talking to people. For them, it’s an in-built way of connecting with those around them, and if you’re going to manage Nigerians, you must be willing to talk with them intentionally and consistently. This cultural emphasis on communication is why having regular check-ins is so impactful, as it aligns with a natural inclination to share and connect.
By holding regular check-in meetings, managers create a space where employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns and ideas. It also creates an avenue for managers to offer guidance and support their team members. The result? Employees feel more engaged, appreciated, and valued, which strengthens trust and motivation across the team.
Communicate Clearly
Nigerians value clear communication. If an instruction isn’t well understood, they will regularly seek clarification to ensure everyone is on the same page. If you’re going to engage a Nigerian team, you must have impeccable communication skills.
In Nigeria, it’s common to see team members seeking confirmation, even for tasks that seem straightforward, to avoid disappointing the manager and to deliver the best results.
As a manager, it’s important to embrace this and be prepared to explain things thoroughly. Don’t assume that everyone understands after the first explanation. Break down tasks into clear, manageable steps and leave room for questions.
Offer Growth and Development Opportunities
Academic achievement is something that many Nigerians are passionate about. In fact, it’s the reason why in America, Nigerians immigrants or Nigerian Americans have a higher percentage of PhDs than any other racial or ethnic group. This is because Nigerians are passionate about growing and developing themselves.
Now, bringing it to the workplace, this passion for growth shows up as a strong desire to keep learning and moving forward. Nigerians aren’t just working for the paycheck, they want to grow, take on new challenges, and build their skills. So, when companies offer real chances for development, it connects directly with this drive.
When managers support the growth of their Nigerian employees, they show them that their progress matters to the company. They are made to feel that their ambitions are backed by the company, which results in an unshakeable loyalty to the company..
Acknowledge Their Efforts
This is a no-brainer.
Nigerians, like anyone else, appreciate when their hard work and effort are noticed. In Nigerian culture, recognition is highly valued. When their hard work is acknowledged, employees feel appreciated and more connected to their job. This sense of value drives them to remain committed and continue performing well.
As a manager, you need to understand the importance of appreciating your employees. Once in a while, make them blush a bit with compliments for a job well done. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—simple words of appreciation during a meeting, a personalised message, or even public recognition can go a long way in motivating your employees.
Provide Helpful Feedback
Nigerians value helpful feedback on their work performance to identify areas for improvement and growth. They see feedback as a sign that someone cares about their betterment.
This feedback isn’t just about correcting mistakes; it’s about guiding them toward their potential. It encourages them, builds confidence, and helps them see a path forward. So, when feedback is open and constructive, it not only strengthens skills but also creates a sense of belonging and even respect. It’s a way of saying, “I see your potential, and I’m here to help you reach it.
Prioritise Work-Life Balance
Given the tendency of Nigerian employees to go above and beyond to ensure the best possible delivery of work, there is a need to help them prioritise a healthy work-life balance.
Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining overall well-being, especially mental well-being. Many Nigerian employees may feel pressure to constantly perform at their best, often at the expense of their personal lives. As a manager, it’s important to support them in finding this balance and show care for their well-being.
Conclusion
Effectively managing, motivating, and engaging Nigerian offshore employees is not only about applying conventional management practices but also about understanding the unique cultural values that shape their approach to work.
A motivated and engaged team is the foundation of any successful business. With the right strategies in place, Nigerian remote employees will not only meet but exceed expectations, contributing significantly to the organisation’s goals.
For businesses ready to tap into the skills of Nigerian professionals, Arwana provides easy access to top offshore Nigerian talent who are ready to contribute to your business’s success.
Book a discovery call today!
