Just read this on lifehack and thought I would share.....
Lifehack has compiled a list of general skills that will help anyone get
ahead in practically any field, from running a company to running a gardening
club. As you read through this list keep in mind that anyone can develop this
set of skills, and use them to go after, and achieve, their dreams..
1. Public Speaking
The ability to speak clearly, persuasively, and forcefully in front of an
audience -- whether an audience of one or of thousands -- is one of the most
important skills anyone can develop. People who are effective speakers come
across as more comfortable with themselves and more confident.
2. Writing
Writing well offers many of the same advantages that speaking well offers: good
writers are better at selling products, ideas, and themselves than poor writers.
Learning to write well involves not just mastery of grammar, but the development
of the ability to organize your thoughts into a coherent form and target it to
an audience in the most effective way possible.
3. Self-Management
If success depends on effective action, effective action depends on the ability
to focus your attention where it is needed most, when it is needed most. Strong
organizational skills, effective productivity habits, and a strong sense of
discipline are needed to keep yourself on track.
4. Networking
Networking is not only for finding jobs or clients. In an economy dominated by
ideas and innovation, networking creates the channel through which ideas flow
and in which new ideas are created.
5. Critical Thinking
You are exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of times more information on a
daily basis than your great-grandparents were. Being able to evaluate that
information, sort the potentially valuable from the trivial, analyze its
relevance and meaning, and relate it to other information is crucial.
6. Decision-Making
The bridge that leads from analysis to action is effective decision-making --
knowing what to do based on the information available. Being able to take in the
scene and respond quickly and effectively is what separates the doers from the
wannabes.
7. Math
You don¢t have to be able to integrate polynomials to be successful. However,
the ability to quickly work with figures in your head, to make rough but fairly
accurate estimates, and to understand things like compound interest and basic
statistics gives you a big lead on most people.
8. Research
Nobody can be expected to know everything. And you don¢t have to know
everything -- but you should be able to quickly and painlessly find out what you
need to know.
9. Relaxation
Stress will not only kill you, it leads to poor decision-making, poor thinking,
and poor socialization. Being able to face even the most pressing crises with
your wits about you, in the most productive way, is possibly the most important
thing on this list.
10. Basic Accounting
It is a simple fact in our society that money is necessary. Knowing how to
track and record your expenses and income is important just to survive, let
alone to thrive. It¢s a shame that basic accounting isn¢t a required part of
the core K-12 curriculum.
Sources:
* Lifehack.org July 30, 2008
Labels: 10 Skills You Need to Succeed at Almost Anything
