Got Skills?

Focus: Career Plan, Professional Success, Career Management
Audio duration: 2 mins. 59 secs.

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GOT SKILLS?

wc:277
Transcript - print now

Do you know what a skill is ???

I've come to discover that this word is confusing! For example, you read brochure about an upcoming workshop on how to be a better communicator. In the brochure it says, “ …and you learn the following skills…”

Well is that true…well not really...because a skill can only be learned WHEN IT IS PRACTICED! Back to the brochure…what is should say is…you learn ABOUT the skill of….That’s why in the newsletter I emphasize so much…put into practice what you’ve learn….take action…

So to be clear…what is a skill? Webster’s defines the word as follows…

--the ability to use one's knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance

--dexterity or coordination especially in the execution of learned physical tasks

--learned power of doing something competently: a developed aptitude or ability

I like the last one…doing something competently…a DEVELOPED ability..

ACTION: Access your current skills…(by the way …this is a great exercise before you construct a resume.)

I recommend having 3 categories:

Skills …I’m really good at….like to improve upon and would like to develop (meaning the skill is minimal or non-existent.

Consider the following areas to get you started:

Technical - ex: I can use an excel spreadsheet

Functional - ex: I can complete sales reports (functional is usually tied more specifically to ones job description…i.e. functions of one’s job)

Behavioral - I can make effective time management decisions

Skills Identification Worksheet to help you identify the behavioral skills…this worksheet is really cool!...BY THE WAY…

BENEFITS TO MANAGERS:

1…great for helping managers interview more effectively as well

2…great tool to integrate into performance management and/or appraisals