EmployabilitySkills
There are sixty employability skills to better manage your career.
Attitude
1. Thankful
Being thankful is the first step to achieving anything of real value in life. Staying thankful through all of life’s difficulties is what sets the good apart from the great. Spend your time thinking about all the good things you can be thankful for.
2. Purpose
A person who does what they love, what they are good at, what they can get paid for, and what the world needs finds great joy and purpose in life.
3. Reflection
Making the time to think about your past, present or future is reflection. By reflecting, you put things in order and in perspective. Something could seem a lot worse than what is really is until you take time to reflect on it.
4. Change
As soon as you think you have figured it all out, things change. The goal should be to embrace change and live for it and with it: live to change and change to live. Embrace it, breathe it. Change is the oxygen that sustains all life.
Service
5. Service Time
By being giving of your time, you are giving of your life. It is about being there and being present. Like the hands of time, the one hand on the clock can’t live without the other. Time shares time, just as you should share your time to others.
6. Service Talent
There are things that you are good at. Some may be good at thinking of new ideas and some at working out calculations. Share of your art and share of your music. We can all aid others through their journey, as others have guided us.
7. Service Treasure
Giving of our treasure is giving of our money and all those physical things which are precious to us. Our strength is not in our riches but in our service to support people. Share to others and discover the more valuable treasure of generosity.
Creativity
8. Dreams
We all have dreams of what we want to achieve out of life and in our work. We have an idea of what we want to do and where we want to be in our careers. Our dreams should be even bigger than simply desiring money or power.
9. Curiosity
We can get so carried away being curious that we lose track of what is important. If we focus our curiosity in areas that could bring success, however, we may find it. Focus your curiosity on the things that bring success.
10. Imagination
All the biggest buildings in the world were first conceived in someone’s imagination. Architects imagined the possibility of what could be and used their skills to make their visions reality. Our imaginations contain the seeds of everything new.
11. Incubating
Have you ever had a new idea and told someone who didn’t really care about it as much as you? Getting a negative response before you’ve decided your idea is important could demotivate you to think about it further.
12. New Experiences
When we do the same things day in and day out, we stop learning. However, when we do new things, we learn a lot. New experiences can help us see the same things differently and experience life in a brand new way.
Barriers
13. Area Barriers
Where we live is likely to be a barrier in some way or other to our success. If someone wanted to be tennis player but never had a tennis court in their area, they would not be able to practice as often as needed to be their best.
14. People Barriers
Sometimes people prevent us from reaching our goals in life. We need to be sure that the people we give our time to are also supporting us in our journey. Spending time with people with the same goals as us will make it easier to achieve.
15. Money Barriers
Some people begin their career with money and others do not. Some people will make lots of money during their career while others will not. However, without money, we may find it harder to reach our goals for work and for life.
16. Physical Barriers
Even though you might have some physical limitations, you can rise above them by working on them or around them. We all have different physical abilities. Why limit yourself because of what others have. Use what you have been given.
17. Mental Barriers
If we do not believe that we will succeed at something, then there is very little chance that we will. Overcome the fear that haunts you even at the height of your powers. Accept that the person in the mirror, is actually you.
18. Info Barriers
Some people have access to more information than others. Information is the key to success. So refuse to be limited, refuse to be misdirected or misinformed. Find the right channels and people and make information work for you.
Foundation
19. Values
Your values include things like honesty and freedom. When you know what values are important to you, you can choose the work that matches those values. Doing work that is in line with your values will help you make decisions that are true to you.
20. Emotions
When your emotions go red and destructive, you need to know how to bring them back to green and productive. You choose how you are going to manage your emotions and what you will do with them. Lead your emotions to victory.
21. Decisions
By making one decision when you had two options, you are saying yes to one option and no to the other option. When making decisions, always consider your values and emotions and also who will be effected by those decisions.
22. Actions
Goals without action will remain dreams. Action is the energy that brings about a change in reality. Sometimes we think so much that we become confused. Be a can-do person and never fail to take action.
Core
23. Core Flexibility
The demand for your general skills goes up and goes down in your community. You need to know when to skill, upskill and reskill yourself when it comes to your general skills in order to stay adaptable and agile.
24. Skill Records
By keeping a current record of your skills, you have evidence to support your applications and proposals. Having a reliable way to keep track your skills will allow you to position yourself as a brand in an honest and credible way.
25. Balance
You need to look after yourself: take care of your health and lifestyle. First impressions last and people can see if things are not in balance. Take pride in the being that is you.
26. Basic
There are some basic skills that you need to work hard to master. These are skills like reading, writing and calculating. Learn to derive, define and master the unknown, whether it be an unknown word, equation or number.
27. Technology
If you want to be a good accountant, you need to work well with a calculator. Manage the tools that are at your disposal for the work you want to do. Stay on the cutting edge of what is available in technology, especially for the work you want.
28. People
People skills include showing understanding, friendliness and respect for the feelings of others. They also include asserting yourself when it is appropriate and taking an interest in what people say and why they think and act as they do.
29. Time
It is not just about how you use time, but how you save time. There are many things you can do to manage time better. Practising good time management will help you to be punctual and not miss deadlines. In this way, you build credibility.
30. Money
Make sure that you save, even if it is a little. Do your best to save 10% of your money each time you earn, no matter how small or how big the amount. If you can get into this habit, you will see your money begin to grow.
31. Communication
Communication is more than just speaking and listening, it is also being able to communicate in such a way that people can understand what you are saying and support your views. Master the ways in which you listen and express yourself.
32. Mental Toughness
Be tough, strong and mentally flexible. When things are at their worst, know that they will change. Before the brightest sunrise is the darkest hour. Your mind is your greatest asset, a legion of brain cells at your disposal.
33. Learning
From a young age we have the passion to learn new skills, new tricks, new words, new ways to do old things. Our minds are networks of learning systems, categorising, prioritising, storing, forming and re-structuring information as we go.
34. Physical Toughness
A person who is flexible can become a gymnast; a person with strength can become a body builder; a person with stamina can become a runner. Get to know your body and how it can help you in your work.
Sectors
35. Sector Orientation
There are different sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and mining. Each sector provides different opportunities that are unique. Orientate yourself to all the sectors before you branch yourself in a particular direction.
36. Sector Specialisation
The ability to focus on a specific sector sets allows for your skills to grow deeper. Like the stages of building a house, the house must go up one stage, one brick, one door and one window at a time. Master a sector to grasp its every element.
37. Sector Diversification
Once you have taken the time to specialise in one sector, you can take those skills to another sector. Be careful not to keep doing the same things, in the same way, in the same sector, with the same people for your life.
38. Sector Flexibility
There are times when the skill you are required to have in your sector begin to change. This is when you will need to skill, upskill or reskill yourself in line with the needs of your sector in order to stay adaptable and agile.
Branding
39. Self Research
By knowing the skills, you will know your current career capital, meaning what your skills are worth. Consistent assessment of your skills is important to growing and re-positioning yourself in your career.
40. Work Research
Think about the skills required for the work you want to do. Consider not only the general but also the specific skills that are required. Be sure to get a full understanding of the required skills, so that you can truly understand your position.
41. Personal branding
Consider the skills you have and the skills you need. Be open and honest, when you communicate the skills you have and the skills you are working on. Position yourself in a manner that has value and is true to your current position.
42. Brand Flexibility
Despite your research and branding activities, it’s not always easy to find and keep work or start and run a business. You may not be successful in your first, second or tenth interview or proposal. Keep your gaze on the horizon and stand firm, to you.
Work
43. Batho Pele
Batho Pele is the Sotho phrase for ‘People First’. At work, it is service orientation, striving for excellence when delivering service and committing to continuous service delivery improvement. First come the people, the people come first.
44. Business Acumen
There are three main principles in work called the triple bottom line. The first principle is profit, looking after the money. The second principle is people, looking after the people and the third principle is the planet, looking after the planet.
45. Work Plan
You should have a work plan to guide you and keep you on track. While it is important to be structured, it is also important to remain flexible with unexpected changes. A stiff tree may snap in the wind but a flexible will not.
46. Projects
Projects have a few basic stages, including initiation, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and concluding. Each stage consists of tasks that contribute to the overall success of a project. Every task itself is a project.
Goals
47. Needs Analysis
We don’t have to look far to see the need all around us. Look at the needs of your community, then look at the needs of your country, the continent and the world. Ask yourself what is needed around you today, set goals and act.
48. SMART Goals
A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART). Your goals need to be specific about the actions, measurable to see if you are succeeding, achievable in that they are possible, relevant to the bigger goals with clear timeframes.
49. Long-Term Goals
Your long-term goals are the biggest, most ambitious goals you have for your career. These goals usually take a long time to complete. Patience provides the nutrients that sustain our goals, and success is the harvest we reap.
50. Medium-Term Goals
Your medium-term goals are the deliverables that need to be completed to achieve your long-term goals. You need to think about the main things that need to be done so that you can achieve your long-term goals. Nurture your potential in the medium-term and the years will honour you.
51. Short-Term Goals
Your short-term goals are the tasks that need to be completed to achieve your medium-term goals. Using the example of a medium-term goal to pass a plumbing qualification. The short-term goals would be to identify a suitable TVET college, register at the college and write exams.
52. Goal Flexibility
It is said that life happens while you are busy making plans. Things can happen that are beyond your control, causing changes to your goals. Do your best to do right by each of your goals, even when changes are needed.
Networking
53. Involvement
There are people and organisations who have the same interests as you. By linking with these people and organisations, you will be able to share your experiences and grow from each other. Big things happen when people come together who share a goal.
54. Network Circles
There are people involved in your life who have a positive impact on it. In essence, life is work and work is life. Network far into the world and also within the confines of your community. Strengthen your relationships both close and far away.
55. Credibility
Credibility is not only formalised through education alone. It is also stamped by wisdom. Credibility is an art form, the legitimate way to show your strengths and authenticity. So rep your cred, rep the hood that is in your heart.
56. Visibility
Being visible means a whole lot more than having an internet profile or being the loudest person in the room. It is about being the best brand for your beliefs. Fashion yourself in a way that allows you to set trends. Strut your stuff.
Transitions
57. Growth
When you begin something new, you are learning and doing new things. You are growing and beginning to see new results. Suddenly the tree that seemed barren grows new sprays of blossom. Put a spring in your step.
58. Peaks
This is the time when you experience the fruits of your hard-earned labour, whatever they may be. You are in the best place to make clear decisions as you are not experiencing the other stresses that come with growth or decline.
59. Plateaus
This is the time when the last big achievement you made is becoming a memory. Things are not up and things are not down. It is the time to reinforce your current work, to make sure that you are preparing and storing for winter.
60. Declines
There comes a time when everything you’ve been doing seems to be failing. This is a stressful time during which you might question your former decisions. Winter appears with a grey cloak and long beard. He tests our minds and spirits.