If you have worked in any organization within the last 10 years, you have heard the term benchmarking. Whether internal, functional or competitive, benchmarking keeps top of mind, Performance Improvement, New Paradigms and Change as a constant. So, that being said, why not continually benchmark your skills? Benchmarking your skills often and critically will give you the added value necessary for success whether you are self-employed, presently employed or unemployed. It will also quickly acclimate you for future employment, should you choose to leave your present employer or become a statistic in some merger/acquisition. Other than keeping current on education/licensures (dependent on position), the three skills crucial to continually benchmark in the constant of transitions are:
- Physical Presentation
- Communication
- Technical Skills
Physical presentation…is all about what people see the first time they meet you. This includes your sense of health, balance, style and company culture fit. I was interviewing for a flagship women’s clothing store on 5th and 15th in Manhattan one very hot day in August. On these smoldering days, you carry your clothes on the subway and find a nearby bathroom to change into your work clothes before entering the store. A gentleman came into the store dressed in a pair of shorts, a tee shirt and flip flops and announced he was there for the store manager interview. He said, “I hope I did not mind his appearance but it was very hot out there”. My response to him, “I do mind your appearance and my team and I will not be interviewing you today based on our appearance standards, profile of clients and store culture”. By the way, we had 5 more interviews that day and not one person came dressed as he was dressed. Physical presentation is important and researching websites and asking others, who may work there, about appearance policies and expectations, is an important part of how little or much physical presentation (including healthful presence and balanced well-being) means to an organization. Remember, what someone sees may be the first and last perception they have of you.
Communication style…verbal & non-verbal communication behavior (vocabulary, eye contact, hand gestures, tone & volume of voice, comfort level with self), is your hallmark. Having a better than good vocabulary, eye contact, pleasant tone of voice and hand gestures that won’t offend or knock anyone out, can all be learned and continually improved. A comfort level with yourself, takes time with yourself and self-confidence. Knowing who you are and communicating what value you can add to an organization, takes practice and a good coach or friend that can be critical and supportive. Choose wisely.
The ability to write well and speak to topics which give examples of your critical thinking, problem solving prowess, teamwork, collaboration, and leadership, make you not merely a choice but an influencer in an organization. Instead of making you a borderline choice, it will propel you to the top choice of influencer with leadership opportunities…so do your homework, prep well and often, and choose a network to test your communication style regularly and critically.
Technical Skills…Technological literacy (Technology Literacy) is the ability to use, manage, understand, and assess technology. Tech literacy and savvy are essential whether working for a high-tech company or a social services organization. Each organization has its own set of technology tools, if you are not proficient, learn, if you are proficient go beyond by assisting others and be willing to bridge high tech with high touch.