6 Critical Job Skills that Pay Off Forever
By Sandy Schroeder
When we settle into a job, it’s easy to become complacent, but researchers warn us in today’s world, job skills keep changing and we need to change with them.
Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-founder of TalentSmart, an agency that services 75 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, advises us to never stop learning. If we stop, we undercut all of our future potential.
In contrast, if you believe you can learn and change, your future is wide open.
Here are six crucial job skills that will pay off forever.
Develop EQ – Emotional intelligence is the ability to see and understand emotions in yourself and your fellow workers, coupled with the skill to use that awareness to successfully interact with everyone. Researchers have found 90 percent of the most successful employees have a strong emotional intelligence.
EQ delivers two big dividends – more money and a happier state of mind. According to Bradberry, people with EQ make an average of $29,000 more annually. Plus, they are happier, and more satisfied with their work.
Manage your time – If you are constantly dealing with details and putting out fires, you may not be moving the big projects forward. Take a closer look at your schedule, and start making more time for the key projects before the daily work. Then do a review once a week to see where you are.
Actually listen – We all talk a lot, and believe we listen, too, but usually we talk more and listen less. When we actually absorb what the other person is saying, we can connect with them to move ahead with the work. If we only seem to listen, progress is unlikely. When you really hear what the other person is saying, we also listen to their tone of voice and watch their facial expressions. Then it’s much easier to really read the situation.
Be able to say no – People who are afraid to say no often encounter depression, stress and burnout. Remember you already have a schedule that you are committed to. Wedging in additional work may wear you out and impact the quality of the rest of your work.
Get help – If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Most of us are reluctant to ask for help. Instead of struggling along, and possibly making new mistakes, have the courage and confidence to ask for the help you need.
Sleep well – Getting the 7-9 hours you really need can make a night and day difference in your work. Your brain processes the day’s work and then provides a fresh start for the new day.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Missouri City, Tex.