2-1 Important Skills

Skills

Assertiveness

What is assertiveness? It is getting your thoughts across in a straightforward manner without harming others. Assertiveness is an essential workplace skill. There are many articles and resources that will help you become more assertive, without being aggressive.

Communication

The ability to communicate effectively is the most important skill you can have, whether you're giving speeches, pitching ideas to your boss, or simply sending off an email or leaving a voice message.

Here's an American businessperson discussing why writing is crucial for success in the workplace:

Of all the classes I took in college and graduate school, the two that have helped me most in my career have been English Composition and Business English. In these classes I learned effective writing skills, which I have used in every job I have ever had. No other job but my work on this site included writing as part of my job description. In spite of this, I was required to write in every job, and it was taken for granted that I would be able to do this. This is the case with most jobs -- whether you must write internal memos, correspond with clients, or help design sales materials. Writing beautiful prose and poetry is a talent. Writing effectively, however, is a skill that can be learned.

Get Organized

Getting organized will take you a little extra effort and time at first, but it will save you on both in the long run. Since time is money this skill is an important one for you to learn. Use the resources listed here to help you become organized.

The only thing getting in the way of you getting organized is, yourself! The good news is, there are 5 things that you can do today, to start accomplishing your organizational goals:

• Stop Making Excuses: Instead of giving into all the reasons why today isn’t a good day to get organized, start focusing on why today is a good day to get organized!
• Schedule an Appointment to Get Organized: Use your daily planner, calendar or phone, and schedule an appointment, as you would for the doctor or a business meeting, and label it 'get organized'. Treat it like any other important appointment or meeting and attend to it.
• Be Realistic about Your Expectations: Attempting to organize your entire bedroom (closet, dresser, nightstand, etc.) may be an overwhelming task. Instead, tackle one area at a time. For example, start with the closet. If you’re still motivated and have the time, follow with the dresser. Otherwise,schedule it for another day.
• Limit Your Distractions: Cell phones, television or the computer can easily distract you from the task at hand. Keep these distracting items out of reach while you are organizing.
• Reward yourself: After you accomplish your organizational task, reward yourself by participating in an activity that you enjoy doing. For example, you can spend half an hour watching your favorite television show. When we know there is a reward at stake, it can make a task easier to accomplish.

The key to getting organized is to be consistent, and set yourself an organizing goal to accomplish every week. The combination of consistency and these 5 easy tips, will have you organized in no time!

Public Speaking

Learn how to make effective presentations. Public speaking is difficult unless you know what you're doing. You'll find resources that will help you get the skills you need to make speeches, present reports, and even participate in taped interviews.

Time Management

Your efficient use of time will help you advance at work while keeping you stress free at home. These resources and tools will help you manage your time effectively. There are only 24 hours in each day. You have to make the most of those hours.