Top 10 Valued Workplace Skills

If you think you have nothing left to learn after all the books you cracked in University, think again. There’s a whole set of business skills you probably weren’t taught in class, even if you were a business major. So as a new graduate, be sure to brush up on these ten essential job skills you’ll need to succeed in the workforce; communication, organizational, computer, interpersonal, analytical, leadership, problem solving, time management, mathematical and professional skills.

1.    Communication

• Negotiating; bargaining; persuading; debating issues without being unpleasant or abrasive to others

• Greeting people; representing others to the public; selling; demonstrating products or services

• Courteous telephone skills

• Reporting; conveying information; explaining issues or procedures

• Listening effectively

• Interviewing; drawing out others' views; probing for information

• Demonstrating skills in the use of language, grammar and punctuation

• Expressing ideas in written form; editing; revising; preparing concise and logically written materials

• Organizing and presenting ideas effectively for both formal and spontaneous speeches

• Participating in group discussions

2.     Organizational

• Identifying tasks to be accomplished

• Pulling elements together in an orderly, functional, and structured whole

• Facilitating discussions on program planning processes

• Facilitating brainstorming activities

• Giving constructive feedback on others' work

• Prioritizing tasks; getting most important work done first

3.    Computer

• Identifying and using appropriate software

• Identifying, analyzing, and solving hardware or technical difficulties

• Teaching others to use computer programs

• Understanding different application programs

• Using HTML and other web design tools

• Understanding and using different operating systems like UNIX and Windows

4.    Interpersonal

• Interacting effectively with peers, superiors, and assistants

• Understanding the feelings of others

• Analyzing behavior of self and others in group situations

• Demonstrating effective social behavior in a variety of settings and under different circumstances

• Maintaining group cooperation and support

• Making and keeping commitments to others

5.    Analytical/Critical Thinking

• Analyzing the interrelationships of events and ideas from several perspectives

• Identifying reasonable standards for assessing the appropriateness of an action

• Identifying the general principles that explain interrelated events

• Applying appropriate criteria to strategies and action plans

• Understanding and making logical arguments

6.    Leadership

• Motivating others towards the accomplishment of a common goal or vision

• Understanding and working to fulfill the needs of each team member

• Knowing, using, and properly allocating a team’s resources

• Effectively planning team activities

• Influencing the actions of team members by setting a good example

• Dealing with team disputes quickly, fairly and effectively

• Assigning duties and responsibilities effectively

7.    Problem Solving

• Effective problem solving and conflict resolution

• Anticipating problems before they occur

• Defining problems and identifying possible causes

• Identifying possible solutions and selecting the most appropriate ones

• Developing plans to apply new solutions

• Creating inventive solutions to complex problems

• Adapting one's ideas and behaviors to changing customs and rules

• Quickly and accurately identifying the critical issues when making a decision or solving a problem

8.    Time Management

• Managing and organizing projects while being conscious of schedules and deadlines

• Setting realistic goals

• Organizing work effectively; breaking projects down into manageable steps

• Prioritizing work to do most critical tasks first

9.    Mathematical

• Interpreting, manipulating, and using numerical data effectively

• Understanding and managing financial plans

• Understanding and controlling operating expenses

• Creating formulas

• Recognizing and understanding data in different forms (like graphs)

• Using precise data entry techniques; analyzing data

• Recognizing abnormalities or mistakes in data

10. Professional

• Representing an organization through appropriate dress, language, behavior, and business ethics

• Complying with the company's written and unwritten rules and expectations

• Treating coworkers, superiors, assistants, and customers with respect

• Working toward compromise in situations of disagreement or dispute

• Working within project protocols

• Showing loyalty to an organization

• Being punctual and working efficiently

• Producing high quality results

Proactively assessing skills and addressing any skills deficits make you better qualified and showcase your initiative. Keep your professional development going by asking your manager and others whom you admire what skills they think you should build to be even more successful.