MY N1 ON WORKFLOW PROCESS MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS USE IN TODAYS BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: A CASETUDY OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES IN NIGERIA & SUB- SAHARA WEST AFRICA

Address: Plot 272 R 42 Road F.H.A Lugbe Abuja
Website: www.rosewindowconsulting.com
Email: info@rosewindowconsulting.com, kola@rosewindowconsulting.com, kolawolekehindeng1@gmail.com
Telephone: 2348055159014, 2348125771378
KOLAWOLE KEHINDE
(ROSEWINDOW CONSULTING)
UNDER ROSEWINDOW CREATIONS SERVICES
INTRODUCES
A
BUSINESS MENTORING & LIFESTYLE
COACHING PLATFORM FOR
PROFESSIONALS, BUSINESS
EXECUTIVES AND ORGANIZATIONS
TAGGED
THE PROJECT: MY N 1

Telephone: 2348055159014, 2348125771378
CONTENTS
THE PROJECT: MY N 1.......................................................................................................................3
TOPIC 1: UNDERSTANDING WORKFLOW AND PRODUCTIVITY TOOL NEEDS OF EMPLOYEES
IN NIGERIA AND SUBSHARAN REGION ...............................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................3
OUR MAIN GOAL: ....................................................................................................................................3
OUR FINDINGS:..........................................................................................................................................4
QUESTIONS AND SAMPLE SURVEY........................................................................................................4
INTERPRETATION- My N 1:.......................................................................................................................5
[PART 1] UNDERSTANDING ATTITUDES OF THE EMPLOYEES TOWARD THEIR WORK .................5
[PART 2] UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGING PROCESSES THAT AID WORK ............9
[PART 3] ACCESSING THEIR NEEDS ON THE JOB .........................................................................10
CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................................................12
FURTHER CONSULTATION......................................................................................................................13

Telephone: 2348055159014, 2348125771378
THE PROJECT: MY N 1
y N 1 (one naira) is my own opinion and PROFESSIONAL advice on a
variety of topical issues that we deal with today in Nigeria ranging from
work, lifestyle, religion, sex, motivation, office productivity, business
strategies, organizational behavior, customer service, soft skills management ,
leadership, time management and lots more. I shall be writing based on my
research, opinion sampling and findings on these topical issues. We hope to
proffer solutions from within i.e. learning from those who actually feel the pain
i.e. individuals, parents, spouses, workers, entrepreneurs, employees and
organizations. We also will eventually create a forum and workshops where we
can all learn together to make our lives better and more fulfilling.
TOPIC 1: UNDERSTANDING WORKFLOW AND PRODUCTIVITY TOOL NEEDS OF EMPLOYEES
IN NIGERIA AND SUBSHARAN REGION
This is the maiden edition of this series and we will be dealing with the impact of
productivity tools on team and individual performance as perceived by
employees, supervisors, entrepreneurs and individuals who manage, make
decisions and share information. We will further seek to identify productivity tools
that meet today‟s business needs and how this can be harnessed by all
stakeholders for effective business operations and decision making.
INTRODUCTION
Recently we conducted a survey among busy business executives on how they view
their work, the tools they need and the competencies that they desire to improve on so
as to become more efficient at work and make decisions quickly. The survey was titled
“Workflow Process Management And Productivity Tools impact On Job Performance
Questionnaire” (which you could be completed under 10 minutes ...please find link
here https://goo.gl/forms/HqXHZzhrx3otCT9v1).
OUR MAIN GOAL:
ur main goal was to understand the most sought out productivity tools and skills
that organizations (whether sole proprietors, small businesses, public institutions
or corporations) need their employees to be proficient in.
M
O

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OUR FINDINGS:
rom our finding we discovered that the most sought out productivity tool in today‟s
business is Microsoft Excel (please note we used two major productivity tools
provider namely Microsoft and Google docs) followed by Microsoft Outlook. Before
we proceed we can imply that spreadsheet applications (not only Microsoft Excel)
have a lot of functionalities that enable the analysis and presentation of data and
information in so many ways. You can keep your books, visualize your performance and
monitor your results and so much more with good knowledge of spreadsheets. E-mails
are still effective in communication and information dissemination and what better
email system is available like Microsoft Outlook for businesses? With the professional
knowledge of spreadsheets and email communication you can create effective
workflow systems that will make decision making more accurate and quick. You will also
improve business processes which can positively impact your bottom line.
Most of the respondents of this survey though sourced from my contacts and business
acquaintances formed the bulk of our respondents. Though, a small representation of
business executives to establish a common need by business executives, this study
throws into light a hidden need by business executives‟ nonetheless. Since most of these
skills are assumed to be grasped by employees at a professional level, the reality is that
there is a wide knowledge gap and paucity of these skills among employees. This has
challenged us to conduct a much larger survey which will give a clearer understanding
of the productivity tools need of employees in Nigeria and sub Saharan region.
QUESTIONS AND SAMPLE SURVEY
total of 25 (Twenty Five) questions were asked and opinions were sought based
on responses ranging from strongly agree, agree, disagree, not sure and strongly
disagree each carrying 20% marks. We did not request for names and telephone
numbers so as to maintain confidentiality. The questionnaire was shared using this link
https://goo.gl/forms/HqXHZzhrx3otCT9v1 via my social media platforms, selected email
addresses and requests of friends to share through their social media platforms. The
questions were drawn to identify three issues namely:
 Understanding attitudes of the employees toward their work.
 Utilizing technology and managing processes that aid work
 Accessing their needs on the job
F
A

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INTERPRETATION- My N 1:
inally I carefully explained the opinions of the respondents as it affects their work,
on how they manage technologies and processes and how to access and
manage their need so as to ensure that they become more productive at work
and add value to their organizations and to themselves as individuals. Here are my
findings according to the results from the respondents of the survey.
[PART 1] UNDERSTANDING ATTITUDES OF THE EMPLOYEES TOWARD THEIR WORK
Question 1: My job and responsibilities are clearly spelt out in my contract/employment
letter?
Response: From the survey most employers document the deliverables expected from
their employees before engaging them however employers expect more from their
employees and require them to do more out of the scope of their work. 80% of the
respondents agreed to this statement while 20% strongly disagreed to this statement.
My N 1: Decide to do what you have been asked as per your contract and do more if
you can. The reason is that you will be saving yourself from journeying back into the
labor market. Nobody likes to hire a zombie these days even if your boss is a micro-
manager. A burning desire and the zeal to learn new things are important for you in
today‟s business.
Question 2: My job requires productivity tools to become better to accomplish?
Response: From the respondents 80% agreed that productivity tools improve work and
20% strongly agreed that work can be made easier and more pleasurable with the aid
of productivity tools. This clearly shows that productivity tools could positively impact on
someone‟s job hence the availability of productivity tools can likely guarantee improve
productivity.
My N 1: Productivity tools can make work easier (e.g. working with a Tablet PC,
mobile phone or laptop from a remote area) to send and receive information
which can be very effective. Individuals and organizations must identify and
understand their productivity needs.
Question 3: I work better when I know who I am reporting to?
Response: 80% of the survey recipients disagree though 20% of the respondents
believed that reporting lines must be clearly spelt out to ensure proper
monitoring and coordination.
F

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My N 1: While I believe that it is important to have a reporting line, you must also
be able to work on your own either you have a supervisor or not. Don‟t have a
special boss you can work with but have a special work ethic that will make you
work effectively with everybody.
Question 4: I prefer working without little or no supervision?
Response: From the respondents 60% strongly agreed while 40% agreed that
there must be some form of freedom and creativity while doing their jobs. Once
deliverables and expectations are set most employees prefer to work with little
or no supervision.
My N 1: People like to bring in creativity while doing their jobs, so it is important
that you give some level of freedom to your staff. If you think that is suicidal and
while be a cog in the wheel, then you need to look at the disruptive
technologies that are threatening today‟s businesses. People believe that there
will always be better ways of doing things. Let your staff be at the vanguard of
creating and innovating to meet your organization needs.
Question 5: Micro-managing helps me work better and faster?
Response: A large chunk of the respondents were not sure if they wanted to be
micro-managed (60%) ,(20%) disagreed and another (20%) strongly disagreed.
In all everyone was in total disagreement of micro-managing bosses.
My N 1: The trick…? Give some level of freedom but set boundaries for providing
guidance, seeking support and collaboration
Question 6: I do not like being micro-managed at work?
Response: From the respondents (20%) strongly agreed to this statement another
(20%) agreed while (60%) of the respondents were not sure if they would prefer
being micro managed.
My N 1: Of course just like the earlier question a large chunk of respondents
were not sure whether they wanted to be micro-managed. It appears that
being an overbearing boss will eventually become counterproductive than if
you understand how to delegate and monitor the responsibilities and duties
assigned to your staff.

Telephone: 2348055159014, 2348125771378
Question7: I work better when I do things in my own way?
Response: From the respondents (40%) and (60%) agreed and disagreed
respectively to this statement. From the respondents there was agreement that
there must be guidelines that must be adhered to and expectations must be
properly documented.
My N 1: There is nothing like doing things your own way but the right way at
work. You must set measures for yourself and your team if you really want to
succeed at anything. Individualism can pioneer actions but collaboration will
sustain them. Learn how to work with people and not your own way whih might
not necessarily be the best.
Question 8: I work better when I work in a team?
Response: From the respondents who responded to this statement (20%) strongly
agreed, (60%) agreed while just (20%) disagreed to this statement.
N 1: the reality of today‟s business executives is that they are mostly on their
own. However while organisations encourage teamwork, business executives
know that when they collaborate things cabn get better but is there the will for
collaboration today when everone is seeking to get noticed at work?
Question 9: My office needs a central information management system to
function effectively?
Response: From the respondents who responded to this statement (20%) strongly
agreed ,(60%) of the respondents agreed while (20%) disagreed to this
statement.
My N 1: No matter how small your business is you must make sure that an
effective information dissemination and management system should be
deployed to aid quick decision making whether paper based or technology
based. The most important thing is to make information available in a central
place
Question 10: Teamwork gives employees the opportunity to contribute equally to
their tasks at hand?
Response: From the respondents who responded to this statement (20%)strongly
agreed while (80%) of the respondents agreed to this statement.

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My N 1: Employees believe that for teamwork to be sustained all staff must give
their 100% commitment to the team and not their personal gains. I don‟t think it
is too much to ask, don‟t you think so too?
Question 11: Teamwork does not encourage individual contribution?
Response: From the respondents who took part in this survey (60%) disagreed to
this statement while (20%) strongly disagreed to the statement
My N 1: No way! Everyone supported that team members must contribute their
quota for the success of the team. Nobody likes a staff that does not add value
to the team. In fact staff can gang up and ensure that a slothftul and
disconnected staff be pushed out of the moving train. Who said that there
cannot be a consensus among colleagues to push a fellow colleague out of
work? It‟s all about self-preservation.
Question 12: my contribution at work is being overlooked by the team and my
boss?
Response: From the respondents who took part in this survey (80%) agreed to this
statement while (20%) disagreed to this statement.
My N 1: Interestingly everyone believes that they give more than everyone one
eslse even in relationships, marriages and these set the tone for discontent and
disenchantment. This is quite cynical though. If you think that you are a star
performer you had better start getting prepared for the next star performer. My
take...watch your back. Sometimes all you need is to just give and don‟t
mention or expect the same gesture. We all know who the star performer is and
would jointly give him/her the credit our own way.
Question 13: I work better when my work is being commended by my team and
my supervisors?
Responses: From the respondents who took part in this survey the following we're
as follows (20%) agreed while (80%) disagreed to the statement.
My N 1: Self-commendation is a touchy issue and you seriously don‟t want to be
caught in that web. Most people would ideally not want to blow their trumpets
all the time. But it is important that you always think team first. We know the
performers and we will surely reward them in our own way (and I mean the
colleagues)

Telephone: 2348055159014, 2348125771378
[PART 2] UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGING PROCESSES THAT AID WORK
Question 14: Microsoft Office tools are good for collaboration?
Responses: Just 20% of the respondents believed that Microsoft Office is a great
collaborative tool while 80% of the respondents disagreed to the statement.. What this
implies that just about 20% have professional mastery of this productivity tools. There are
other productivity tool like KingSoft Office Suite, Google Docs, SmartSheet and lots
more.
My N 1: There are many productivity tools other there in the market. Some applications
are specifically built for an organization hence it might have more robust framework
which increases its capacities. Also I believe that there is a gradual shift in the
dominance of Microsoft office productivity tools in the market. You can likewise deal
with the one that fits your pocket.
Question 15: Microsoft Office tools are good for individual job description at work?
Response: 60% of the respondents were not sure Microsoft Office directly impact on the
individual staff while 20% strongly agreed and another 20% agreed to this statement.
What impacts is the competence of the individual.
My N 1: Understand your job and learn how to get things done systematically. Your
ability to use a whole assortment of productivity tools is a huge advantage for you in
this present business climate.
Question16: Microsoft Office tools help me deliver on my responsibilities effectively?
Response: 60% of the respondents disagreed to this statement, 20% agreed and 20%
strongly disgreed to the statement. There are many productivity tools that perform the
generic functions of what Microsoft offers in some cases as well as those that are used
for advanced and highly technical business operations.
My N 1: Organizations must tools that reflect their operational and business needs. It is
the individual that determines what the output of concerted efforts expressed will yield.
Now is the time for business executives, entrepreneurs and organizations to look for
simpler ways to gather and share information seamlessly and also through effective
collaboration.
Question 17: Google Docs should be used in and outside the work environment to
support offsite job functions?

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Response: 80% of the respondents agreed while 20% of the respondents were not sure
about this statement.
My N 1: Since the heavy adoption of Gmail after the successful launch and growth of
Google (search engine), there have been great improvement of making Google a
central place to seek, refine, analysis, process, transmit and manage and review
information. The addition of office applications has further democratized ho information
is harnessed and how decisions are made. For instance the questionnaire used to
source data for this study was done using Google forms. The high degree of security
and confidentiality as promoted the use of the app to conduct and manage business
transactions.
Question 18: Skype, Microsoft Outlook and WhatsApp messenger can improve
information gathering and dissemination in and outside the office?
Response: 20% strongly agreed while 80% of the respondents agreed to the statement.
My N 1: Interestingly even C.E.Os use WhatsApp, Skype and Microsoft Outlook. A very
high number of organizations run their corporate emails on Microsoft outlook. The
platform is robust and can aid decision making quickly. Though there are many more
email service providers for corporate emails (Yahoo and Alphabet inclusive) most
corporations still prefer to scale Microsoft outlook to part of their business
communication process.
Question 19: I want to know more about Microsoft Word, excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and
Skype?
Response: 60% of the respondents believe that the knowledge f Microsoft Office tools
can make them more productive individually and as orgainiztions. 40% of the
respondents disagred that they needed extra knowledge of the basic features they
could make use of the Microsoft office tools.
My N 1: This is a red flag for me. Why? I believe that the use of roductivity tools are
mostly pronounced in middle level management and operational units and a re
seldom requirements at the most senior management level. The implicaions is that
superiors or colleagues who have deficiency in using any of these tools still determine
what processes suit them best. It is therefore important that regular update of skills and
competencies are required for carreer growth.
[PART 3] ACCESSING THEIR NEEDS ON THE JOB

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Question 20: I want to know more about workflow process management?
Response: 20% of the respondents strongly agreed to this statement, 60% of the
respondents I agreed while 20% of the respondents disagreed to this statement.
People should know more about how work is done in a harmonious situation so as to
reduce time wasted doing other peoples „work at ones precious time.
My N 1: For me, this is the way to go. It is important that supervisors and subordinates
work effectively to guarantee continuous flow of work without giving too much or
taking away authority and responsibilities.
Question 21: Google Docs are good productivity tools for collaboration at work?
Response: 80% of the respondents were not sure about this statement while 2% of the
people responding to this statement agreed.
My N 1: Due to many technicalities, internet connection, cloud computing, knowledge
gap etc. a lot of people are yet to appreciate the alternative the Google Docs
provides to Microsoft Office. However I believe proficiency in and adoption of
Microsoft office nad Google docs productivity tools will improve the at which work is
done buy would not and does not guarantee success only.other applications and
productivity tools can be explored and utilized.
Question 22: I enjoy working outside the office?
Response: While most respondents were not sure (60%) whether they enjoyed working
outside the office only 20% of the respondents ageed that they appreciate to work
from outside the office. A cumulative 80% of the respondents ( if we include the 60% of
unsure respondents and 20% that strongly disagreed working from outside the office.
20% of the respondents agreed to this statement.
My N 1: Hello, wake up and smell the coffee because the are in the age of endless
communication and connection. The proliferation of the mobile phone and tablet pc
and made must organisations and individuaals nable to resist the temptation of working
from outside the office. Decision can now be made on the go .
Question 23: I prefer that all work is completed before leaving the office?
Response: All respondents agreed i.e. 100% would always love to get through with the
work of the before calling it a day. Unfortunately this is unavoidable these days.
Nobody really likes to work all of the time.

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My N 1: Despite the nature of todays work environment working outside the office has
become a necessary evil. Information are sourced on the go and decisions are made
right from the creeks or the far ocean and effected at the ccorporate head office wirht
dispatch. The business environment is becoming virtually oriented and the reality of
today is that we can and should work from anywhere once we can get work done.
Question 24: Working outside the office has no impact on productivity?
Response: 40% of the respondents disagreed to this statement while 60% of the
respondents were not sure about the statement.
My N 1: Productivity is not a function of whether you work in or outside the office. How
you manage your time is the most important to how productive you will become. The
ability to manage your business space is crucial in getting more done in less time.
Question 25: Tick the productivity tools that you want to improve at work?
1. Microsoft excel
2. Microsoft word
3. Mcrosoft PowerPoint
4. Microsoft outlook
5. Skype
Response: 75% of the respondents chose Microsoft excel while 25% f the respondents
chose microdoft outlook as tools they would likely want to learn more and utilize better.
My N 1: information gathering, analysis, presentation,, management and transmission
tools are the mostly sought tools in todays business. The use of spreadsheets and emails
still pervade in the bsiness clime
CONCLUSION
It is important that will learn how to manage our workplace effectively. Also equally
important is to adopt a home grown workflow that will guarantee effective flow of
information, clear cut responsibilities and expectations and which will reduce
inefficiency.
I would also like to emphasize the use of productivity tools to improve business
processes. The business world is constantly being disrupted by new tools, systems,
processes and structures which were largely ignored or overlooked by businesses and
organizations. It pays to embrace rather than refrain from using productivity tools at
work or for your personal business.

Telephone: 2348055159014, 2348125771378
NOTE: This is not an exhaustive survey; however our services are available to help you
reach your audience through our unique way of eliciting the right information from your
customers, clients and the target market that means the most to your business
FURTHER CONSULTATION
For further consultation and one on one discussion please reach the details below
Kolawole Kehinde
kola@rosewindowconsulting.com
kolawolekehindeng1@gmail.com
@Rosewindow1ng- Twitter
kolawole.kehinde1- Skype
08055159014, 08125771378

MY N1 ON WORKFLOW PROCESS MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS USE IN TODAYS BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: A CASETUDY OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES IN NIGERIA & SUB- SAHARA WEST AFRICA

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