The world of work is always changing, so the skills needed to do our jobs are changing too. However, there are some core skills that are vital to any line of work, and not having a strong grasp on them may make it difficult to secure and maintain satisfying long-term employment. Read on to learn more about these basic (but critical) skills, and why they are so important in the world of work.
Communication
Communication isn’t just about what you say, it’s also about how you say it. The ability to clearly and concisely articulate information not only enables positive and productive working relationships, it also helps prevent miscommunication and conflict, making this a critical skill to have in any professional environment.
Digital Etiquette
Technology has streamlined and simplified our work in so many ways, but it also presents unique challenges that workers in decades past didn’t have to consider. Digital communication, as well as maintaining an online presence, is something that should be handled with care, because any missteps may live on long after you hit ‘delete’ and potentially have a negative impact on your career.
Appropriate Behavior
Behavioral norms can look different from one workplace to the next; some are very formal, while others are more casual, so standards of appropriate conduct will vary depending on where you work. But some behaviors – such as violence, hate speech, discrimination, or dishonesty – are simply unacceptable regardless of the environment.
Cooperation
The success of any organization depends upon the ability of its workers to come together in support of common goals. No matter where you work, your ability to set aside differences and work effectively with others can make or break your career success.
Personal Accountability
Everyone makes mistakes, it’s how we handle them that sets us apart. If you have the ability to take ownership of your mistakes and commit to bettering yourself, you will not only distinguish yourself as someone that is trustworthy and reliable, you will also set yourself up for increased personal and professional growth and success.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is more than just ‘knowing who you are.’ It’s also about having a deeper understanding of your feelings and reactions, as well as how people perceive the things that you say and do, so that you are better equipped to make decisions that support your overall well-being. Lack of self-awareness can lead to a lack of job satisfaction, and may contribute to feeling misunderstood in the workplace.
Dependability
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and this is no different in the workplace. If your employer and coworkers cannot count on you to consistently be at work, on time, and ready to do the work you’ve committed to doing, then your employment relationship is not likely to fare well.
Work Ethic
Having a strong work ethic is an important part of finding and maintaining employment at any company. No matter what field you’re in or what job you have, your employer and coworkers are counting on you to not only do your job, but to do it well. There is also a sense of pride that comes along with doing your best and achieving goals as a result of that effort.
Personal Appearance
The way you present yourself can have a big impact on your career, and whether we like it or not, personal appearance sets a tone about who you are and how seriously people take you. Tending to personal hygiene and wearing clothes that fit comfortably (and comply with company dress codes) can go a long way in helping you project a professional image and enjoy greater self-confidence.
Integrity/Ethics
Would you enjoy employing or working with someone that has demonstrated they cannot be trusted? Neither would anyone else. It’s important to be honest in the workplace, to ensure that your actions are consistent with your words, and to follow company policies and guidelines.
Boundaries
Understanding and recognizing personal and professional boundaries is an important part of helping others feel comfortable, safe, and respected in the workplace. Some examples of appropriate workplace boundaries may include observing others’ needs for personal space, not discussing or inquiring about highly personal matters, and minimizing excessive noise and other distractions that may hinder someone’s ability to focus on their job.
Please join us for future articles as we explore these skills in greater depth and provide tips on improving areas that you need to work on. If you are looking for work, contact a recruiter today by clicking here.
