Skills - How Aware Are You of What You Can Do?

Recently while waiting in line to be served at the supermarket I overheard the checkout operator comment to a customer that she had no skills; "that's why I'm working here!" As I moved forward in the queue I observed the range of skills she was displaying; customer service, cash handling and computer operation to name a few.
Sometimes, we become so familiar with our work routines that we lose sight of the skills we have that make them happen; we take ourselves and our abilities for granted. Every day in paid and unpaid employment we use a combination of skills to carry out tasks. Recognising these skills allows us to monitor stability and progress, evaluate the direction we are moving in, review our options, make conscious decisions, and take appropriate action.
There are a number of techniques available that can help us identify our skills, some of which require the assistance of a Career Counsellor. Others we can do on our own; let's look at one of these methods.
At the end of each working day, reflect on the tasks you undertook during the day and record them in an exercise book or computer document. Include tasks that are performed occasionally throughout the year such as; stock taking, balancing your cheque book or relieving in a different position.
Once you have completed your list, consider what skills were used in performing the tasks. You will probably find that some skills are repeated regularly. Do this for 2-4 weeks (4 weeks is better).
You can take the process a step further by rating your skills. Self rating - though potentially an uncomfortable experience - is effective and very much worth your while.
First, decide on a rating scale, such as 1-9 (use odd numbers so you can't sit on the fence.)
Once you have identified and rated your skills, you are in a better position to determine whether any of them warrant further development.
Skills development can be done formally or informally. Formal strategies would require undertaking a course at vocational or university level. A more informal approach might involve exploring possible performance based strategies with your employer; a self directed programme; or volunteering with a community organisation.
(C) 2006 Craig Birrell
Posted on 26 July 2006 in - Library - Career and Calling
Craig Birrell
Back to Library
At a glance
-
Healing after Betrayal
Is it Possible? -
Modern Marriage
When to leave a relationship -
How Depressed Are You?
Information about anti-depressants and the alternatives -
Emotional Intelligence
A harmonious balance -
Food for Thought
Reconnecting with your body. -
Surviving Postnatal Depression
You are not alone -
The Future of Marriage
Shining a light on intimate relationships -
Loss involves Change
and Change involves Loss -
Intimacy in Relationships
Have you lost hope? -
Living at the seam line
My struggle against separation. -
Gambling
It's been said that Australians will bet on anything -
Is it OK to use touch in psychotherapy?
Is it OK to work with clients who know each other? -
Borderline
Making the world safe again -
When Words Are Not Enough
Somatic Psychotherapy: a therapist's perspective -
If you are having suicidal thoughts...
It is important to ask for help. -
The Within, and the Between
The Art of Relationship Counselling -
The Good Fight
How taking your own side can minimise confusion and conflict -
Celebrate Success
The art of self congratulation -
Please Understand Me
Does personal temperament impact the therapeutic relationship? -
An Authentic Christmas
Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of choice this Christmas
- Temenos Journal (26)
- Time (15)
- Friendship (4)
- Dreams (3)
- Authenticity and Play (1)
- Progress and Process (1)
- Bliss and Awareness (1)
- Poetry (3)
- Conversations (2)
- Reviews (10)
- Books (3)
- Films (8)
- Music (1)
- Library (64)
- Anxiety and Depression (5)
- Burnout and Balance (4)
- Career and Calling (2)
- Communication (1)
- Culture and Society (7)
- Education and Ethics (2)
- Emotions (5)
- Family and Parenting (15)
- Grief and Loss (3)
- Human Condition (9)
- Personality and Identity (3)
- Health and Wellbeing (1)
- Relationships (13)
- Trauma (4)
- Therapy (21)
- Professional Training (3)
- Conferences (1)
- Good Therapy News (2)
- Philosophical Enquiry (14)
- Forum Questions (174)
- November 2019 (1)
- September 2019 (1)
- June 2017 (1)
- May 2017 (2)
- September 2016 (1)
- August 2015 (1)
- July 2015 (1)
- November 2014 (1)
- October 2014 (2)
- June 2014 (2)
- May 2014 (1)
- April 2014 (2)
- January 2014 (1)
- November 2013 (3)
- October 2013 (1)
- September 2013 (2)
- August 2013 (5)
- June 2013 (17)
- April 2013 (1)
- August 2012 (1)
- June 2012 (1)
- January 2012 (2)
- November 2011 (1)
- November 2010 (1)
- June 2010 (1)
- May 2010 (1)
- February 2010 (1)
- January 2010 (1)
- February 2009 (4)
- June 2008 (1)
- May 2008 (1)
- March 2007 (1)
- December 2006 (2)
- September 2006 (1)
- July 2006 (3)
- May 2006 (1)
- March 2006 (3)
- February 2006 (1)
- November 2005 (2)
- October 2005 (2)
- September 2005 (2)
- August 2005 (10)
- July 2005 (3)
- May 2005 (3)
- April 2005 (1)
- March 2005 (4)
- February 2005 (1)
- January 2005 (3)
- December 2004 (2)
- November 2004 (6)
- September 2004 (1)
- July 2004 (2)