13 Life Skills

Do you have what it takes to contribute when you land your dream job? These 13 Life Skills are essential to be a productive employee thriving in any career. Follow the links to some great assessment tools. Once you know where you stand, you can access skills development programs to enhance your competitiveness.

These are the basics everyone must do well to succeed. How do you stack up?

	Reading... Can you read, understand and then apply the information to work situations? interpreting technical and general interest materials commonly used in this field applying understanding of the material to job operations.
	Mathematics... Do you have basic math skills; can you use them to solve workplace problems? performing math operations using whole numbers, fractions, percentages using statistics (percentages, averages, medians, and standard deviations) to monitor processes and quality of performance using mathematical reasoning to solve word problems using algebra-based formulas performing job-specific math operations.
	Writing... Are you concise, clear and direct while expressing complete thoughts in your written work? (Business writing is about telling the whole story in as few words as possible.) Define the purpose. Determine the audience. Gather information. Plan the format/layout. Write a first draft. Edit and revise as necessary to ensure that the document is complete, clear, concise, correct, and considerate of the reader.
	Speaking & Listening... Can you speak clearly and listen closely to others? giving and taking direction or instruction giving and responding to oral reports or presentations participating in group or team discussions engaging in conversation with co-workers, supervisors, and clients conducting business in person and via electronic means.
	Computer Literacy... It's more than spreadsheets and word processing! Do you know how to use office technology to help you get more done? using common software to accomplish word processing, construction of simple spreadsheets, and keying in and retrieving information from databases transferring the operating principles of one application to another similar application using knowledge of computer logic, operating systems, and basic troubleshooting techniques to identify problems using special job-specific computer equipment, software, and other technology.
	Problem Solving... Can you think through a problem to find a solution? differentiating among types of problems (e.g., technical, human relations, ethical) using established methods of problem solving and decision making in both individual and group settings applying previous learning to situations where problems must be solved or decisions made quickly predicting short- and long-term effects of proposed solutions or decisions testing solutions or decisions to determine effects or to identify related problems.
	See the "Big Picture"... Do you like to see how your work fits into the bigger picture and contributes to broader goals? identifying the company's mission and the individual employee's contribution to that mission how the company functions within the broad world of business, industry, and service explaining the rationale behind organizational policies and procedures explaining the necessity and benefits/disadvantages of organizational change explaining basic economic concepts.
	Work Ethic... Can you “be there” for your employer? Do you try to be productive and do the right thing? exhibiting responsibility: coming to work as assigned, contributing work required to meet organizational goals, adhering to policies and procedures, managing time to accomplish assigned tasks exhibiting flexibility and adaptability: working longer hours than normal to accomplish a goal, substituting for an absent coworker, taking a temporary assignment, accepting changes in the work environment as a challenge and an opportunity.
	Positive Attitude... Are you cooperative? Can you follow directions and accept criticism and still be pleasant and polite? Are you eager to learn? cooperating with coworkers and supervisors taking direction willingly exhibiting eagerness to learn acting in a pleasant and polite manner with customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
	Independence and Initiative... Are you a self-starter who can work alone without a lot of direction? working without constant supervision finding tasks to perform on one's own making suggestions for improvement exhibiting interest in making the organization more effective and productive maintaining work standards in the midst of change.
	Self Presentation... Are you willing to dress to be “part of the team”? Are you comfortable and confident when speaking with individuals or groups? identifying ways in which the individual employee represents the organization exhibiting a neat appearance using effective communication skills exhibiting elements of etiquette required in professional settings.
	Attendance... Can you “be there” on-time, ready to work everyday? being on time for work and all appointments limiting tardiness, early departures, and absences to legitimate and essential occasions explaining the importance of satisfactory attendance to the overall operation of the business negotiating anticipated absences according to company policy calling in to notify the supervisor of unanticipated absences.
	Team Member... Are you able to work with others? Do you respect the opinion of others while courteously expressing your own views with a positive attitude? attending team (group) meetings, focusing on the topic and purpose of the meeting, offering facts and ideas, and helping others contribute facts and ideas passing on good ideas to others looking for ways to help others recognizing others for their contributions letting others know what is needed to get the job done explaining the importance of teamwork to the overall operation of the business.