Experts task SMEs on people management

Business development expert, Samantha Ifezulike has urged Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to care for and pay attention to their employees, to enable them meet their personal and professional goals.

Ifezulike, who is the Head, People and Culture at Jobberman, Nigeria, gave the advice at a First Bank SMEConnect Webinar with topic: “People Management: Strategy for a Successful Business,” on Thursday in Lagos.

According to her, people management is much more beneficial than training, directing and motivating employees.

“It is about paying attention to and caring for employees; this could mean looking after their wellbeing, compassionately helping them overcome challenges, work and strive to meet their personal and professional development goals.

“Thinking of your business growth only in terms of increased sales and profitability is not sufficient,” Ifezulike said.

She urged business leaders to also look at business development from the standpoint of attracting talents and putting the right people in the right jobs to grow their company.

Ifezulike said, “once you understand how good people management can move your company forward, you can plan your employee experience and overall management to implement your growth plans and support your sales and revenue goals.”

Olumuyiwa Olulaja, Group Head, Human Capital Management and Development, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., urged SMEs, no matter how small they were, to see the importance of people management to their business.

According to him, people management is a business function, it is not an administrative function.

He urged SMEs, start-ups to have a functional Human Resource desk that would build their businesses and support their company’s goals.

He said having the right people in the right place at the right time could be a company’s greatest competitive advantage.

He added that people management was a productivity driver, change agent, people champion and a talent source.