WORKPLACE SKILLS

Useful workplace skills.

For all looking for employment and for those already gainfully employed, here are some useful workplace skills that are not taught in school. These skills are meant to help us improve our interpersonal management skills. First, lets us take a look at what workplace skills are.

What are workplace skills?

workplace skills also known as employability skills are the basic or necessary skills a person must have to succeed or excel in any workplace (i.e. all things being equal). They are the core knowledge, skills, and attitudes that allow employers or employees to understand instructions, solve problems and get along with colleagues and customers (clients). These skills are necessary for success at all levels of an organization and are transferable from one organization to another.  Workplace skills are not to be confused to mean the same as job skills, as the latter is the knowledge and experience required to perform a specific job. Job skills differ from job to job. e.g. an HSE manager or personnel must know all the safety rules of his/her organization and must be able to identify potential hazards. He/she must also be a certified and licensed HSE officer whose authorization is needed before the commencement of any operation. 

Workplace Skills.

According to a study conducted by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), employee skills businesses need in the 21st century are grouped into 5 categories or competences with a total of 36 skills identified which include but not limited to the following:

1. basic skills: reading, writing, and arithmetic.
2. communication skills: listening and speaking.
3. adaptability skills: problem solving and creative thinking.
4. developmental skills: self-esteem, motivation, and goal setting.
5. group effectiveness skills: teamwork
6. interpersonal or influence skills: leadership and understanding group dynamics.

However, all the aforementioned skills have been consolidated into 3 broad categories which are the Fundamental, Personal Management, and Teamwork skills.

Fundamental skills are the basic academic skills; reading, writing, mathematics, sciences (yes), speaking, listening, understanding, inquiry, statistics (such as graphs, charts, and diagrams). A little knowledge about everything is important. 

Personal management skills are attitudes, behaviours, and skills that drive personal development. They help a person learn and advance in their organization. These skills also assist workers in setting goals and balancing work with personal life demands. They help in accepting responsibility by learning from mistakes, accepting feedbacks as well as being open to and respond constructively to change and critics. Good social skills and employee productivity are also in this category.

Teamwork skills: someone with strong teamwork skills is able to work effectively as part of a team or on an individual basis. Effective team members understand the dynamics of a team, they respect diversity and value different points of view and they contribute to the team in a positive manner and share information with their teammates. They are partners in projects and tasks, understanding the scope of the project, the nature of the work and the project goals. They can select and use the appropriate tools, monitor project progress and report both problems and successes and adapt to changing project requirements.

In summary, workplace skills are:

•  Analytical 
• Communication
• Creativity
• Leadership/Mentoring
• Sales drive/Negotiation
• Public speaking/Influencing
• Problem Solving/ Project Management
• Adaptability
• Teamwork.

So, brethren, before you apply for that job or take up that position, identify your workplace skills and weakness, improve on them to have a fulfilled time during the job period. 

E seun, Phatemata Cares.

Reference:

Chinn, Diane: The definition of workplace skills, Bizfluent.