Ubong Essien’s book ‘Challenge to Perform’ launched in Lagos
…Business class, professionals describe book as excellent teaching on performance
Paul Ogbuokiri
Amidst encomiums on the author, Mr. Ubong Essien, his new book ‘Challenge to Perform’ was unveiled to the reading public Tuesday in Lagos.
The book, the second from the author, was described by industry leaders and top professionals from the broadcast sector as an excellent teaching on performance.
According to the reviewer of the book, Mr. Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of the Journal NG ‘The Challenge to Perform’ in a simple and straightforward manner, dissects the importance of performance—meeting expectations set before humanity daily, and the challenges that comes with meeting these expectations, either of the person’s or of others especially in a professional setting, no excuses. “Everyone will be judged by their level of productivity.”
He said the book is packed with practical examples and tested methods that have continued to produce outstanding results over the years, both for individuals and corporate organisations.
Ismail reiterates that life, adding that there will always be mountains to surmount at certain points, and whoever does not rise to the challenge will become a liability that can be discarded anytime. “It is either you continually ‘perform or perish’, because ‘success attained is not retained.”
He noted that The Challenge to Perform took a quick peep into how Harold S. Green as Chief Executive of ITT, a telecommunications company in the 70s transferred it into a multinational corporation in 19 years, quadrupled its size and surpassed expectations. However, those he handed over the reins failed because they could not meet up with the challenge to perform.
“The second chapter: ‘Eagles Don’t Care’ is full of pointers that will challenge anyone to always be at their very best and stand out, far away from mediocrity; to have an eagle mindset and can-do spirit that propels one to soar above competition and adversity, no matter the obstacle.
“The chapter admits that drawbacks, discouragements and failure homilies exist but these are no justification to throw in the towel or bow out of the performance lane.
“The piece of literature strengthens readers not to succumb to perceived or imaginary imitations that could reduce their productivity level and hinder them from attaining their true potentials
“It unearths inner strength and amplifies the teaching of a revered American jurist, Oliver Wendell Holmes that ‘all limitations are self imposed,” he said.
Ismail noted that the author of The Challenge to Perform posits that a self-starter who kicks-starts things waiting to be jump-started into action by someone else will go far.
He said being an initiator getting things done is the foundation for real progress, adding that anyone that wants to be counted amongst highflyers must have a sense of purpose and deliver on it. “He must be meaningfully specific, and not a wandering generality, while also having the right attitude at all times.
The 23 chapters and 289 page book is a rich offering for everyone pushing to attain the zenith of their careers or professional calling.
It is a book carefully put together to help professionals discover how to become high performers, the significance of lifelong learning, being aware of contemporary happenings and trends in order to be productively relevant in the scheme of things and adding value.
It teaches how to develop a strong personal philosophy that inspires a performance driven culture, while having a good understanding of the reality of the operating environment.
According to Ismail, it is not another motivational book to increase the numbers on the shelf. Prospective readers have got a secret performance weapon on their hands which gets an 8/10 rating.
The launching of the book which was the highpoint of the 47th birthday anniversary of Ubong Essien, West Africa’s only certified speaking professional; Nigeria’s Mister Motivator; Dean, School of Eloquence and Special Assistant to the Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); attracted some Nigeria’s foremost broadcasters like Larry Izamuje, Eugenia Abu, Comfort Okoronwko; and top industry leaders like, Professor Pat Utomi and his wife Professor Ifeoma Utomi, DG NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, former governorship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. Ade Dosumu; Barr. (Mrs.) Margaret Orakwusi, ex-president, Nigerian Trawler Operators Association (NITOA), CEO, MORBOD Fisheries Limited, a maritime consultant and public speaker; Professor Olusoji Ilori, Director of Maritime Studies University of Lagos; and many others.