Skills That You Need to Succeed

Recently I participated in a discussion about what are the key skills employers look for in entry-level workers. Here is a summary of points that came out. 

Entry level workers in a variety of professions were lacking in several areas, including problem solving, conflict resolution, and critical observation.

Every field would of-course requires technical skills. But apart from that you will also notice "soft skills" in job descriptions, next to demands for technical qualifications. Employment experts agree that tech skills may get you an interview, but these soft skills will get you the job--and help you keep it:

1. Communication skills

Good communication skills means your ability to express yourself well both verbally and in written communication. You need to do well in this area, whether it's writing a coherent memo, persuading others with a presentation, or just being able to calmly explain to a team member what you need.

2. Teamwork and collaboration

Most of the time working in team is a necessity. Employees are expected to work with others to ensure work is done effectively. This means one has to learn about team dynamics and how teams functions. It means able to monitor progress, meeting deadlines and working with others across teams to achieve a common set of objectives.

3. Adaptability

Changes take place all the time. One has to learn to deal with change. This involves learning new things, trying different approaches, and one has to first understand how change happens and how to cope with it.

On your resume, on your cover letter, and in your interview, explain the ways you've continued to learn and grow throughout your career.

4. Problem solving

Problem solving is very important skill. First you must be able to identify what the exact problem is. There is a very good book available on this. You will be asked 

 "How did you solve a problem?" interview question with several examples. Think of specific examples where you solved a tough business problem or participated in the solution. Be able to explain what you did, how you approached the problem, how you involved others, and what the outcome was--in real, measurable results.

5. Critical observation

It's not enough to be able to collect data and manipulate it. You must also be able to analyze and interpret it. What story does the data tell? What questions are raised? Are there different ways to interpret the data? Always provide a business summary and highlight the key areas for attention, and suggest possible next steps.

6. Conflict resolution

The ability to persuade, negotiate, and resolve conflicts is crucial if you plan to move up. You need to have the skill to develop mutually beneficial relationships in the organization so you can influence and persuade people. You need to be able to negotiate win-win solutions to serve the best interests of the company and the individuals involved.

To demonstrate communication skills, for example, start with the obvious. Make sure there are no typos in your resume or cover letter. Beyond that, enhance your communication credibility by writing an accomplishment statement on your resume or cover letter. Instead of stating, 'great oral and written communication skills,' say, 'conducted presentation for C-level executives that persuaded them to open a new line of business that became profitable within eight months.'"

The good news is that, like any skill, soft skills can be learned. 

The better news? Boosting your soft skills can not only give you a edge on a new job or a promotion--these skills have obvious applications in all areas of a person's life, both professional and personal. So make sure that you work on these skills and succeed.

Types of Bosses and How to Handle Them

Along with paychecks, deadlines, and overtime, bosses are one of the things you just can’t avoid in the workplace. But how to identify these strange characters and deal with them?

In my career of 22 years I have come across many different types of bosses. I would like to share some insight on this topic. I will cover six types here and in the next blog entry the remaining. So here it goes.

The Robot

Distinguishing characteristics: An empty desk, no family pictures.

What they do: All business, all the time: That’s The Robot. We’re not saying he/she’s not human, but we’ve definitely got our doubts on the matter sometimes. The sworn enemy of fun, levity, and emotion, The Robot would rather you just get to work. At all times. While it can be nice to have someone driving you to do your best, it would be nice to feel a little bit of emotional connection from time to time, right?

How to Handle: It may not sound like a lot of fun, but you’ll probably have to conceal your own feelings and buckle down to The Robot’s schedule. On the up side, she can teach you discipline and efficiency. Try making allies of your coworkers. They’re probably as frustrated as you are! Inside jokes and friendly chitchat can make the day seem brighter.

The Softy

Distinguishing characteristics: Second chances.

They think they’re making things easier on their employees, but in the long run The Softy’s kid-glove approach to management just makes it harder for great workers to succeed and easier for slackers to stick around. Being a boss involves making difficult decisions sometimes, especially when it comes to employees, but The Softy doesn’t seem to realize this.

What they do: They think they’re making things easier on their employees, but in the long run The Softy’s kid-glove approach to management just makes it harder for great workers to succeed and easier for slackers to stick around. Being a boss involves making difficult decisions sometimes, especially when it comes to employees, but The Softy doesn’t seem to realize this.

How to Handle: The worst thing to do is hurt The Softy’s feelings, so try changing things up by commending them on his toughest calls, however rare. A little positive reinforcement can go a long way when The Softy learns that being the bad cop doesn’t have to be the worst job in the world. 

The Weasel

Distinguishing characteristics: Empty promises

What they do: Promising one thing but delivering another, The Weasel will say anything — and we do mean anything — to get what she wants out of you. A raise? A promotion? Some time off? Sure, you’ll get what you’ve been dreaming about eventually if you take on extra work or a hellish new project. Or so she says, but we wouldn’t recommend holding your breath for The Weasel to actually deliver. Why should she? You’re already doing the extra work for free.

How to Handle: Completing all the grunt work will get you great distances with The Weasel, but just remember to trust nothing The Weasel says, ever. Or, at very least, get it in writing and double-check with whomever The Weasel answers to in upper management. 

A paper trail will be your best defense against lies and false promises. Maybe you’ll actually get that promotion!

The Mystery

Distinguishing characteristics: Closed doors, Out Of Office messages.

What they do: Who knows? The Mystery is an expert at the arts of subterfuge, denial, and … whatever it is he does. Either he’s on a business trip or in a locked-door meeting or plotting world domination all day or … something. 

Whatever it is, you’re left to your own devices to figure things out, minus any guidance at all. Too bad you’ll still be on the hook if things go wrong. The Mystery will be gone when it comes down to it.          

How to Handle: Wait it out and give him space. If you stay patient (and we mean really patient) you may be able, like a persevering biologist in the jungle observing shy animals, to learn a little bit more about The Mystery’s habits

The Viper

Distinguishing characteristics: Backhanded compliments, fake smiles.

What they do: Does The Viper wake up on the wrong side of the bed every single morning? It sure seems like it. From snippy comments about personal matters (“Are you awake? Oh, it just seemed like you were gaining weight.”) to undermining your efforts at work (“So you’re just learning Excel, right?”), The Viper has a real talent for making you feel bad about yourself. No matter how thick your skin is, it’s hard not to let her get to you.

How to Handle: We’re not actually certain that the Viper is capable of loving an employee, so it’s probably best to just stay a good distance away from her. Keep feelings to yourself, and share as little information 

In the next blog entry I will be covering more types. So stay tuned and keep visiting this blog. Until then enjoy.

Effective Listening

Since most of what you are required to learn in school is going to be communicated to by a teacher or professor it is imperative that you learn to list. And don’t make the mistake of thinking that hearing and listening are the same thing – they are very different. When you listen to what someone saying you are not only hearing what they are saying you are also processing what they are saying. Here are few things you can do to be active listener.

Give Attention to Meaning

Pay attention not only to the words being spoken by your teacher but to the thoughts and messages they convey. Identify the main idea, concept or subject being addressed and the relating issues. Listen for explanations, descriptions and clarifications. Again, don't just hear the words. Listen to the meanings being communicated.

Use effective note taking style

Poor listeners try writedown everything, believing a detailed outline and effective notes are the same thing. They get frustrated when they cannot see the meaning behind what they are writing down or they go to review their notes and don't understand the concepts that were taught in class. Effective listeners adjust their note-taking to the lecture style. They listen to whats important, they try to understand concepts and they take notes that clarify, organize and reiterated important details of the lecture.

Make sure you are concentrating 

Poor listeners frequently are poor concentrators. Effective listening requires that you concentrate and pay attention. Remove all thoughts of home, friends, fun and ancillary activities from you head while the teacher is speaking. Learning to focus and concentrate will help you become an effective listeners and much more effective student.

Be Ready for the class

It is difficult to listen and mentally process what you're hearing when you come to your class unprepared. If your teacher gives you a reading assignment or homework designed to prepare you to understand a topic its important that you are familiar with the topic before it is discussed in class. Being ready to listen means being prepared for each class ahead of time.

Focus on whats important

Poor listerners focus on fact. They may retain a few of those facts, but the information is usually garbled. Effective listerners focus on main ideas, fundamental concepts and vital issues.

Choose to be interested

One of the most tell tale signs of a poor listeners is that they just can't find what the teacher is talking about to be interesting. As a consquence they don't listen with real intent and often miss important topics and details being addressed. Good listeners are able to decide to be interested in the subject matter being addressed by the teacher. As a result they listen more intently and effectively.