SPECIAL SKILLS THAT PREPARES YOU FOR LIFE:
(PART 1)
Dave Ikiedei Asei
31/01/2023
Meaning of skills
A skill is an ability to perform an activity or task proficiently, typically acquired through training or experience. It can refer to practical abilities such as technical knowledge and manual dexterity, as well as personal attributes like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Since all humans need such skills to function effectively and efficiently to live a fulfilled life, there is need to understand some of the skills that are very vital for all to live in any society they find themselves. Regardless of your calling position, and age in life, you need to learn and keep improving till the end of one’s lifetime.
Today we shall take a look at some of the skills you need to have in order to perform better in anything you are doing. In pert one of this article, we shall discuss some of them. Ie
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION
Communication could defined as the exchange of information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, and emotions between individuals or groups using a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.
Communication can also be verbal (e.g. speaking, writing) or non-verbal (e.g. body language, gestures).
It is a crucial aspect of human interaction that helps to build strong and mutual relationships.
Effective communication requires active listening and the ability to understand different perspectives.
Communication can be formal or informal, direct or indirect, and can take place face-to-face, over the phone, or through various forms of technology.
CRITICAL THINKING:
Critical thinking is a mental process of objectively analyzing information and arguments to form a judgement. It involves questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and considering alternative perspectives to make sound decisions.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS:
Critical thinking involves skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and reasoning.
INDEPENDENT:
Critical thinking is an independent process, allowing individuals to arrive at their own conclusions.
EVIDENCE-BASED:
Critical thinking is based on evidence and facts, not just opinions or emotions.
OBJECTIVE:
Critical thinking requires being objective and avoiding biases, preconceptions, and prejudices.
REFLECTIVE:
Critical thinking involves self-reflection, examining one's own thought processes to improve reasoning.
DYNAMIC:
Critical thinking is a dynamic process that adapts to new information and changing circumstances.
DEFINITION OF PROBLEM SOLVING:
Problem solving refers to the process of finding a solution to a challenge or issue that a person, group, or system is facing. It involves analyzing the problem, generating potential solutions, evaluating those solutions, and implementing the best one. Effective problem solving requires critical thinking, creativity, and effective decision making.
POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT PROBLEM SOLVING:
Problem solving often requires teamwork and collaboration among different individuals and groups.
Clear and effective communication is key to successful problem solving, as it helps ensure that all parties involved have a shared understanding of the issue.
Brainstorming and idea generation techniques can be useful for generating a range of potential solutions.
Considering multiple perspectives and evaluating solutions based on their potential benefits and drawbacks can help identify the best course of action.
Adaptability and the ability to revise solutions as needed are important skills in problem solving, as the problem and its potential solutions may evolve over time.
Practice and experience can improve problem solving abilities, as people become more familiar with common types of problems and effective strategies for addressing them.
TYPES OF CRITICAL THINKING:
DYNAMIC CRITICAL THINKING:
Critical thinking is a dynamic process that adapts to new information and changing circumstances.
PROBLEM SOLVING:
Problem solving refers to the process of finding a solution to a challenge or issue that a person, group, or system is facing. It involves analyzing the problem, generating potential solutions, evaluating those solutions, and implementing the best one. Effective problem solving requires critical thinking, creativity, and effective decision making.
SOME POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT CRITICAL THINKING:
Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions and examining evidence.
It is a disciplined process, relying on principles of logic and rationality.
It requires an open-minded and curious approach.
It involves considering multiple perspectives and solutions.
It allows for the identification and correction of biases and errors.
It leads to more informed and effective decision making.
It improves problem-solving skills and increases creativity.
It is essential for learning and personal growth.
TIME MANAGEMENT:
Time management refers to the process of organizing and planning how to allocate time effectively and efficiently towards specific activities or tasks. This can help individuals maximize their productivity and achieve their goals. Techniques for time management can include prioritizing tasks, setting schedules, creating to-do lists, avoiding distractions, and more.
ADAPTABILITY:
Adaptability refers to the ability of a person or an organism to adjust to new or changing circumstances, situations or environments. It is the capability to modify one's behavior, thinking, and approach to better fit and succeed in different scenarios.
SOME POINTS ON ADAPTABILITY:
Adaptability is Essential for survival and success
It Can improve problem-solving skills
It Helps with resilience and stress management
It Promotes personal and professional growth
Adaptability Encourages creativity and innovation
It Improves relationships and communication
It is Essential for organizations in a rapidly changing business environment.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. It encompasses a set of skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and social awareness that can influence an individual's thoughts, feelings, and actions. High EI individuals are better able to navigate complex social situations and form positive relationships with others.
EI helps individuals regulate their emotions, respond to stress effectively and make sound decisions.
It is also a key factor in successful leadership, as leaders with high EI are able to build trust, communicate effectively and resolve conflicts.
EI can be developed through various techniques like mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and emotional expression.
EI is different from IQ (Intelligence Quotient) as it measures emotional and social abilities rather than just cognitive ones.
Low EI can lead to negative outcomes such as poor relationships, difficulty in handling stress and emotional outbursts.
0 Comments