by Omowunmi Oladokun
Skills are personal trait, habits and characters needed for effectiveness at the workplace. It shapes how you work and it births excellent spirit in you.
Whether you are trying to get a new job or you are gainfully employed, including it in your Curriculum Vitae makes you to present and sell yourself in a good way to your Employers.
There are two types of skills:
1. Soft skill: examples: Communication Skill, Problem Solving Skill, Critical Thinking, Relationship Skill e.t.c.
2. Technical skill: examples are : Project Management, Use of Microsoft Applications e.t.c.
I. Communication Skill: it is the ability to send and receive information clearly, accurately and with understanding.
Downward communication is from top to bottom while Upward Communication is from bottom to top.
Communication at the workplace may require the use of email, telephone e.t.c.
ii. Critical thinking : it is a disciplined process of analysing facts and evidence to give a desired result. It may include observation, evaluation, analysis, experimentation and results.
iii. Problem Solving Skill: it requires Critical Thinking and there can never be problem solving without critical thinking. They go hand in hand. It is the ability to bring solutions to the table in order to make progress in any organisation.
It may include: Critical Thinking, Brain storming, Team work, Analysis, Trouble–shooting and Delivery of Results.
iv. Relationship skill : it is the ability to connect with others on a mutual ground. It includes relationship with Client /Customers, Co– Workers and Employees.
There can be no good relationship without proper communication at all times.
v. The Use of Microsoft Applications: it is a hard/technical skill needed at the workplace. It is needed for communication i.e passing across information to others and getting the job done. The most common types of Microsoft Applications are :
I. Microsoft Word.
ii. Microsoft Excel.
iii. PowerPoint Presentation. (pptx). e.t.c.
In conclusion, it is very important to note that Soft and Hard skills are not majorly taught within the forewalls of a tertiary institution and there importance cannot be underestimated. Gaining personal knowledge is important in order to make progress and be desirable anywhere we find ourselves.
