There are certain skills that each of us must have if we want to stand a chance of succeeding in the work place. Many people have been hired, fired & promoted with fewer qualifications than their colleagues but with a strong command of these skills. You can make a list of all the industries & the different departments within those industries and regardless of which profession your list includes, the skills below is A MUST have!!
Communication skills
In EVERY JOB you will be required to communicate either by writing, speaking or signaling various types of information. The clearer & convincing you are with your communication, the more success and results you will produce. Communication starts with how you present yourself even before you say anything; issues like body language, dress code among others can affect the impression you make on people even before they look at your resume.
In the workplace, great presentations, well written e-mails & mutually respectful conversations can help you connect well with team-mates as well as get you what you want from management, clients & vendors.
Problem solving skills
We all have problems to solve at every single point in our lives; especially at the workplace. It is important to show your employer that you have the right skills to resolve job specific problems, and the personal resilience to handle the challenges and pressure they may bring—just like it is with any other life problem.
Solving problems involves both analytical and creative skills. Which particular skills are needed will vary, depending on the problem and your role in the organization, but the universal key to problem-solving includes analytical ability, lateral thinking, initiative, logical reasoning & persistence.
Is there a job that doesn’t need you to apply the above?
Time management skills
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have enough time to do everything that they want to, whereas others are always rushing from task to task, and never seem to finish anything?
Do you think it is just that the former have less to do?
Time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time you spend on specific activities. The main objective is to increase effectiveness, efficiency or productivity. Every job or profession you choose will require you to use your time well to produce your best work at the highest capacity. If you continuously fail to make use of your day well, your competitors will crush you, your colleagues will out-shine you and well, your life will crumble.
Skill yourself EVERYDAY!
More than 80% of the resumes we receive from recruitment candidates in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda almost always have the above skills listed. However, experience has proven that listing a quality & actually having that quality are very different things. While you work on your degree, certificate or other qualifications, keep in mind that when he lights go on and you are at your job, you will need to communicate effectively, solve important problems & manage your time effectively—EVERYDAY!
