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The skills you learn and enhance throughout your career can open doors to new opportunities, but what are the best ways to approach skill-building activities? How much of a role can your employer play in the process? And which skills require expertise, versus just proficiency?
Why skill-building is critical in today’s environment
Your challenge: Build the right skills
Your technical and interpersonal skills may have played a major role in landing your current job. But your interest and activity in expanding your skill set will position you well for your next achievement –– a promotion, a new position in another company or perhaps a higher salary in your current role. Despite all of the benefits that can result from growing your skill base, it’s a challenging prospect for many. Which one of the following obstacles has the most impact on you?
Why skill-building is critical in today’s environment:
Consider the reasons:
· We already know the positive impact consistent skill-building can have on your professional prospects. What’s different in today’s environment is the balance in responsibility between employer and employee. In previous years, companies set specific paths for advancement and guided staff development. Today, the responsibility rests more heavily with you. In many cases, employers will look to you to set your own path, decide which skills are most important and gain support from the company in pursuing this path.
· Jobs will change several times in the course of your professional life, sometimes unexpectedly. The same goes for careers. Your skill base sets the foundation for these changes and enables you to make smooth transitions. You may leave a company, but the skills you gained there remain with you wherever you go.
· In an uncertain market, it's especially important to demonstrate to your company that you are an invaluable resource. Upgrading your skills is one way to make yourself more marketable to your current employer. When you learn a new skill, be sure to share that news with your manager, and note how it can help the department. Companies look favorably upon employees who take proactive steps to enhance their skills and contribution to their roles.
· You are at the forefront of change. Whether it’s a new technical tool or office procedure, you are often the first to learn, help others adapt and provide feedback to key decision makers. Because of these job responsibilities, a willingness to constantly learn is essential.
· Your approach to skill-building efforts can have a direct impact on your ability to advance in the organization. What new roles do you want to take on? To make room for these, how will you delegate and train junior staff to assume some of your existing responsibilities? Having a transition plan is critical to growth.
Your challenge: Build the right skills
Here are several steps that can help you enhance your skills:
· Look closely at your current job —When was the last time you learned a new skill? When was the last time you asked for the opportunity? If you don’t have the chance to spread your wings in your current role, now may be the time to look for new responsibilities.
· Involve your manager — Before you look for opportunities outside the company, talk with your boss and make it known that you want to take on new duties – most managers appreciate initiative and willingness to learn. Skill-building efforts that directly support business needs are more likely to be considered favorably.
· Pick one opportunity outside of work — Not all of your learning should take place at the office. Think about what you do with your own time. Coaching a Little League team teaches you motivation and management (not to mention patience). Planning a charitable fundraiser builds organizational skills. You get the picture. Find one extracurricular activity and connect it with a necessary work skill.
· Enlist support from a mentor — Skills enhancement can be tough to build into a busy schedule, but it’s not impossible. Tap a mentor for help in keeping you focused on your objectives.
· Do some homework — Research articles, websites and professional associations to find out which skills are most in demand for your position and industry. Your network is also a great resource to tap for this information.
· Make the connection — Don’t stop once you’ve done your homework. How do your research findings relate to your professional situation?
o For instance, your research may reveal that administrative professionals are using desktop publishing software more frequently, and you make the connection to your current role (your company is now producing newsletters internally). After evaluating your current situation and talking with your manager, you take on the responsibility for editing these newsletters. Learning the basics of the software program will enable you to make the necessary changes.
· Decide between proficiency and expertise — Doing your homework and making the connection will help you decide which skills need basic proficiency versus expertise.
You’ll increase your success in building the right skills if you set completion dates for the steps above and list the results of your activities. And don’t forget recognition. Think carefully about how you’ll reward yourself when you complete a goal — this can help motivate you.
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