#0002 - WGU Readiness Essay
Core Skills
To succeed in the workplace, one must develop various skills. Every job will have specified skills deemed to be of utmost importance, but there are also a core set of skills that will aid in performant work for both employer and employee. Such core skills consist of establishing effective communication, ability to embrace change, being reliable and on time, while also inhabiting a keen understanding of integrity. By developing this set of core skills, productivity and innovation will have a firm foundation to thrive.
Effective communication consists of actively listening to colleagues, which also utilizes nonverbal cues. It is essential to become involved during discourse and focus on what is being said rather than formulating an immediate response. To keep oneself engaged, practice nonverbal cues such as nodding to convey understanding. It is also vital to maintain a non-threatening posture ensuring arms or in a neutral position. By establishing effective communication, the flow of the conversation will be kept from being disrupted and adds to overall efficiency. Creating a non-threatening dynamic also has the benefit of fostering innovative ideas allowing for the best possible solution to arise.
Establishing effective communication allows for the exchange of information, but it is just as imperative for recipients to accept criticism and embrace change. Being able to adapt in today's work environment is key to company growth as well as individual growth. For instance, if a colleague mentions that Monday morning meetings are a waste of time, inquire the reason and considering adapting said meetings to create a setting that allows for all members to participate. Embracing change will also promote a healthy ego and avoid a "my way or the highway" mindset, which will only stifle creativity.
For creativity to thrive, it is important to be reliable as well as punctual. If one does not show up, then it does not matter how good of an idea one has. Completing tasks on time is crucial to creating an efficient work environment. It only takes a few missteps to walk miles off course. Communication is critical and will aid in developing a reputation of being reliable, which will also lead to increased levels of responsibility. It is also important to understand that being trustworthy is not met with a 100% success rate. Being reliable also means communicating that a project's deadline will not be achieved or merely reaching out for assistance.
Life is full of variables and what ultimately matters is how one handles unforeseen events and challenging situations. Integrity is not solely about being honest nor is it inherently apart of who we are. Integrity takes diligence and immense effort to understand and put into practice. To truly master the skill of integrity one must be consistent. Reacting in a consistent manner will also further one's reputation of being a reliable member of an organization. Accuracy in one's actions takes intent and critical thinking to diffuse potential issues. At the heart of integrity is ensuring one's actions meet said criteria regardless of the situation at hand. As one can imagine, to do so 100% of the time is nearly impossible, but an essential skill to develop.
Listening with intent, adapting to stressful environments, building a reliable reputation, and striving to understand the importance of integrity are the core skills needed to foster a positive and productive workplace. Talent, as well as knowledge alone, will not be enough to survive in a fast-paced setting. Though each employer will require specific skills mastery, honing these core skills will have a ripple effect throughout the workplace ensuring each member performs to the best of their abilities.