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What are some key skills for working at jobs in general?

I want to learn about some useful skills that I can apply to a wide variety of jobs. I think it'll be good for me to learn about skills that can be used in many areas, and also skills that I might need to work on.

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Subject: Career question for you

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Carlos’s Answer

Be open, assume positive intent always. When people come to you asking for something/help always assume positive intent. What a person thinks then puts into their limited vocabulary and actually articulates it will always be lost in translation. Additionally reality is relative, how people interpret the world around them is subjective, always be kind.

Trust, how do you show other people they can trust you and conversely how do you trust others? There are three pillars in my sphere of reality, “Demonstrate Good Character”, Demonstrate Competence” and most importantly “self Accountability” because this is the cornerstone of ethics, what we do when no one else is watching.

This simple straightforward advice will always help you move the needle forward.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Henry
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Chirayu’s Answer

Hi Henry, here are some key skills that are valuable for many jobs- Effective communication is crucial for success in the workplace. The ability to identify and solve problems creatively and effectively. The ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and manage one's time efficiently. The ability to adapt to changing situations and work environments. The ability to analyze information, make sound decisions, and solve complex problems. The ability to motivate, influence and guide others to achieve common goals. The ability to work effectively with others to achieve shared goals. The ability to generate new ideas and find innovative solutions to problems. The ability to pay close attention to details and ensure accuracy in all work. Knowledge and proficiency in using common computer software and technology.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Henry
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Bryan P.’s Answer

I find that the following skills (often pegged as "leadership") will help you be successful not only in your career, but in life in general. I'd focus on training and experiences that build these skills:
- Communication - The power of active listening, questioning, and communication.
- Empathy - Caring for others and allowing others to care for you.
- Problem Solving - Building mental flexibility and creative thinking.
- Teamwork - Recognizing the greatest goals are achieved by teams.
- Goal-setting - Establishing a vision and plan to achieve what you put your mind to.
- Self-awareness - Respecting and acknowledging ourselves for who we are.
- Expanding horizons - Being open to and courageous to try new things
- Ethics - Encouraging upstander behavior around values.
- Service - Promoting integrity, global goodwill and peace.

Bryan P. recommends the following next steps:

Search for leadership development programs, courses, certificates, or degrees that focus on these skills and characteristics.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Bryan P.! Henry
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Colleen’s Answer

Active listening. Instead of listening to understand what the person is saying, most people listen to prepare a response.
Kindness.
Building trust and relationships will open doors that you never knew existed.
Knowledge and acceptance of different cultures.
Honesty. Once your employer or co-workers lose their trust in you, it's impossible to ever truly get it back.
Humor always helps. Who doesn't enjoy the presence of a person that makes them laugh? But NOT at the expense of others.
Be positive. No one wants to be around a chronic complainer or gossiper. It's draining and brings everyone down.
Be reliable. When you call out of work your co-workers absorb the extra work. It quickly leads to resentment and hurts relationships.
Be respectful. To everyone.
Pay attention. If you notice a co-worker struggling ask them how you can help. If you notice a problem at the workplace, such as an unsafe procedure, say something! It shows that you are aware and that you care.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Henry
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Anthony’s Answer

Be reliable and be honest, not too honest.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Henry
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a very good question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Communication - We usually work in team, therefore good communication with your teammates is essential. This is also very important on stakeholder management
2. Open Minded - We work with different people and they may have different characters and opinion.
3. Keep your knowledge up to date - The world keeps changing quickly. You need to ensure your knowledge up to date. Continuous learning is essential.
4. Time Management - Everyone have a lot of tasks and deadline to meet. It is important to prioritize your work as well as your personal life.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Henry
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Alex’s Answer

Communication Skill - For any career one aspire to be in will require good communication skills whether verbal or written. In most situations or settings, at one point you will need to communicate with peers, customer, clients or your leader. If you're in school try to participate is essay writing contests of various topics, this will give you the practice you need to put your thoughts on paper in a manner your audience will clearly understand. Make sure to always have someone with more experience proofread your work and always be open to constructive criticism.

Organization Skill - Another important skill to have is the ability to self-manage, meaning, as your workload start to grow the ability to prioritize your work will allow you to reduce stress and tackle your tasks more efficiently.

Collaboration Skill - If you are the type of person who prefer to work alone, I suggest you practice working with others. Collaboration skill and working as a team is a big one to think about. Most employers will seek people that are team players and have the ability to work well with others.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Alex Henry
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Natalie’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

Hi Henry,

This is a really great question and something that will be useful for you in whatever job you have. Here are a couple really important skills to have and work on regardless of the role you have:
- Be prompt. Showing up to work, meetings, or other commitments on time is important. So is completing assignments or deadlines on time. These things add up and will help you build trust as a reliable teammate or employee.
- Communicating well. Working to figure out how to best communicate with your boss and teammates will really help whatever work you do. Communicating things like the progress you're making on a project, and anything you don't know about or need help with is always a great thing to do.
- Being a positive teammate. It always helps someone's career when they are a positive addition to their work environment, whether you work at a bank, sandwich shop, or tech company. A big part of many jobs is working with others, so being positive and being someone who others want to work with is always a plus.

I hope this helps as you think about your future, and congratulations on reaching out for advice!
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Liana’s Answer

I would say the attitude is pretty important also alongside communication, time management and organisational skills. By attitude I mean - being helpful, driven to do well and learn on and off the job etc.
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Henry
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Priscila’s Answer

Hi Henry,
(This is a group answer) We believe that to have good communication (Both speaking and writing) also listening, collaborative skills, decision making, empathy, being able to work as part of team, ability to work in conjunction with a group whether is virtual or in person, very important skill nowadays, to be resilient whatever you do and to have adaptability. Besides that, also long-life learning and development. And not just through courses, but reading books, magazines, articles, etc.
Hope this helps. Good luck in your career!
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Henry
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Aisha’s Answer

Communication.
Teamwork.
Problem solving.
Initiative and enterprise.
Planning and organizing.
Self-management.
Learning.
Technology.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Henry
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