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What skills have you found essential to your job?
How do these skills contribute to your role?
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5 answers
Updated
Mark’s Answer
This will largely depend on the type of work you will do, so it is very subjective.
For me, I solve problems as they relate to getting language into a business contract that allows my company to invoice our products in the manner they were designed while also meeting the Customer demands for "custom billing".
This utilizes the following skills:
* Language Arts - I read all day long. Contract language isn't the same as reading Ethan Frome, though it can be just as exciting at times.
* Basic and intermediate math skills - I have to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide and I also use some Algebra I and II concepts fairly regularly since it involves looking at rates and creating formulas in Excel/Sheets.
* Science-like methods - believe it or not, I use a modified scientific method to approach an issue. This helps me work my way from "I can't do this, this or this" and end up with several "Here is what we CAN do" options.
* Debate - the higher-ups call it "achieving buy-in" and "delivering a win-win solution", but we argue quite a bit with teams that have competing objectives to get to the same overall goal; the idea is to keep it professional so feelings do not get involved - hurt feelings are extremely hard to overcome, no matter how right you may be. The legal term is "negotiating" and it is absolutely necessary to get your department needs met while moving the team as a whole to victory.
* Social Studies (sort of) - ties directly into the Debate/Negotiating skill. You have to learn to read the person with whom you are across an issue in order to approach that person in a manner which is non-threatening (remember, have to keep emotion out of it; sometimes my responses indicate they might not get paid and that is a VERY emotionally-charged topic). So knowing about people and how they respond to events, stimuli, etc, can help you shape a conversation.
* History - Not quite like "Who commanded the 186th regiment in World War II?" but I have to recall deals with similar issues and how we resolved them (and sometimes it can be years since we has similar issues). The same mental tricks you use to remember key points in History can come in very useful in remembering which of the 300 deals I've worked had the same requirement(s).
** Thinking outside of the box - this is my most important skill because it is an amalgam of all the other skills to work through a maze and come out on the other side.
For my job, I don't get to say "NO!". I have to arrive at a "No, BUT..." solution. and these are what I use daily to do so.
For me, I solve problems as they relate to getting language into a business contract that allows my company to invoice our products in the manner they were designed while also meeting the Customer demands for "custom billing".
This utilizes the following skills:
* Language Arts - I read all day long. Contract language isn't the same as reading Ethan Frome, though it can be just as exciting at times.
* Basic and intermediate math skills - I have to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide and I also use some Algebra I and II concepts fairly regularly since it involves looking at rates and creating formulas in Excel/Sheets.
* Science-like methods - believe it or not, I use a modified scientific method to approach an issue. This helps me work my way from "I can't do this, this or this" and end up with several "Here is what we CAN do" options.
* Debate - the higher-ups call it "achieving buy-in" and "delivering a win-win solution", but we argue quite a bit with teams that have competing objectives to get to the same overall goal; the idea is to keep it professional so feelings do not get involved - hurt feelings are extremely hard to overcome, no matter how right you may be. The legal term is "negotiating" and it is absolutely necessary to get your department needs met while moving the team as a whole to victory.
* Social Studies (sort of) - ties directly into the Debate/Negotiating skill. You have to learn to read the person with whom you are across an issue in order to approach that person in a manner which is non-threatening (remember, have to keep emotion out of it; sometimes my responses indicate they might not get paid and that is a VERY emotionally-charged topic). So knowing about people and how they respond to events, stimuli, etc, can help you shape a conversation.
* History - Not quite like "Who commanded the 186th regiment in World War II?" but I have to recall deals with similar issues and how we resolved them (and sometimes it can be years since we has similar issues). The same mental tricks you use to remember key points in History can come in very useful in remembering which of the 300 deals I've worked had the same requirement(s).
** Thinking outside of the box - this is my most important skill because it is an amalgam of all the other skills to work through a maze and come out on the other side.
For my job, I don't get to say "NO!". I have to arrive at a "No, BUT..." solution. and these are what I use daily to do so.
Updated
Priscila’s Answer
Hi Jun Yu,
For us (This is an group answer) We are customer facing so we believe that the skills could be adaptability, continued learning, be able to multitask, communication skills (Verbally and electronically), active listening, team player, problem solving skills, foreign languages, stress control, emotional intelligence, relationships, patience, empathy to deal with different people, time management in order to ensure you are able to get things done, organization to prioritize tasks, to be able to balance working from home and taking care of the other chores. And it is always a good practice to keep your resume updated. Best of luck in your career!
For us (This is an group answer) We are customer facing so we believe that the skills could be adaptability, continued learning, be able to multitask, communication skills (Verbally and electronically), active listening, team player, problem solving skills, foreign languages, stress control, emotional intelligence, relationships, patience, empathy to deal with different people, time management in order to ensure you are able to get things done, organization to prioritize tasks, to be able to balance working from home and taking care of the other chores. And it is always a good practice to keep your resume updated. Best of luck in your career!
Bryan P. O'Donnell
Learning Strategist - ESG, Digital Assurance & Transparency, and Emerging Growth Areas
3
Answers
Updated
Bryan P.’s Answer
I find that the following skills 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.
Search for leadership development programs, courses, certificates, or degrees that focus on these skills and characteristics.
- 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:
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Great question. I only have a few after a long career:
1. Expect change. You may have a company you like, but know that a good one has people pursuing promotions. Your ability to work through the change is critical.
2. Consistency. Have an attention to detail, but don't forget that what you do fits into a bigger puzzle.
3. Know where you fit in the company. Something may be really important to you, but you don't want them to think that what you are doing is important for you, but for the business.
4. Understand the politics. You don't want to get into gossip, but you need to know who worked for who, who did what, etc. The history of your peers is good at predicting your future interactions.
1. Expect change. You may have a company you like, but know that a good one has people pursuing promotions. Your ability to work through the change is critical.
2. Consistency. Have an attention to detail, but don't forget that what you do fits into a bigger puzzle.
3. Know where you fit in the company. Something may be really important to you, but you don't want them to think that what you are doing is important for you, but for the business.
4. Understand the politics. You don't want to get into gossip, but you need to know who worked for who, who did what, etc. The history of your peers is good at predicting your future interactions.
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
I am 65 years old and I have always been in service to others. This is the type of person that I tested as when I took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I should say that I am most happen in service to others. I have worked as a secretary to a marketing firm, and as a certified nurse assistant. Now, I am in the process of obtaining a master's in mental health counseling to become a therapist. The qualities that are most important in my proposed career are how to talk with people, not being judgmental, leaving racist remarks out of EVERY conversation, being empathic, and taking care of yourself. I have to practice this daily and it is a very rewarding career. However, this is who I am, but everyone is different and I wish you luck.