The Importance of Workplace Essential Skills

A few weeks ago, I wrote a short post about the 9 Workplace Essential Skills:
1. Reading
2. Document Use
3. Numeracy
4. Writing
5. Oral Communication
6. Working with Others
7. Thinking
8. Digital Technology
9. Continuous Learning

Each skill is necessary for success in today's workplace and while the various skills may be used to greater or lesser degrees depending on the job, the vast majority of jobs use each of them at some point. 

As we read through the list, we are likely aware that some of these skills come more easily or naturally to us while we may struggle with others.  For example, we may really enjoy working with others and have strong relational skills but struggle with reading and writing.  The opposite may also be true.

It is important to use our strengths - the skills we are strong in - because that is a unique contribution we bring to the workplace and it will make our work more enjoyable when we are working in the area of our strengths. 

However, this doesn't mean that we get to just ignore the skills that we are weak in and hope that someone else will pick up the slack in that area.  Identifying the skills we struggle with is very important because it gives us the opportunity to look for ways we can strengthen that skill.  Personally speaking, I am a reader and a writer - I love books and I love writing.  I also love learning in the area of my career and would be happy attending classes, workshops and seminars forever.  :-)  However, if I did only those things in a job setting and avoided the others skills such as numeracy or digital technology, I would have difficulty being an effective worker.  Basic technology such as internet research, email, social media, and networking are part of my work on a daily basis.  I need to use and strengthen those skills to be well rounded as an employee.

Which of the 9 Essential Skills skills are you strong in and enjoy using the most?  How can you use those skills to enhance your learning and your career as a plumber?  How can you use the skills you are strong in to assist others who may struggle in that area?

Which skills do you struggle with?  What can you do to strengthen those skills?  How can you practise them regularly?  Who are the people around you who can help you? (Hint:  Sometimes when we find ourselves feeling frustrated in class or in the work setting, it is a clue that perhaps we are being challenged to use a skill that doesn't come easily.  Own that feeling and use it to help you strengthen that skill, ask for assistance, practise, and keep working at it and you will begin to see results.)