SkillPath: Beyond the Seminar Blog

Delegation: Straight Talk From a Former Control Freak

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 06:00:00 GMT

I admit it. I used to be a control freak. And for many years, the word “delegate” wasn’t even in my vocabulary.

I knew I could do any job, assignment or task better than anyone else. The thought of delegating something to an employee--no matter how willing and able--scared me. What if they drop the ball … miss a deadline … make a mistake … or, heaven forbid, make me look bad?

Power to the I-dotters and T-crossers of the World!

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The greatest success in any endeavor lies in the details. At work, it’s about doing the little things correctly and consistently, day in and day out. Not forgetting an appointment. Responding quickly to your boss’s request. Making sure all the complexities of an order are covered. Re-reading your message one last time before you send it. (You know--“dotting all your i’s.”)

It’s about thoroughness, focus, concentration, care, attention. And, on a personal level, it’s about pride in the way you perform your job.

Garbage in, garbage out

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Recently I went to a computer store to pick up a Web camera for a project we were working on. Since their Web site showed one in stock (you probably see where this is going … ), I happily spent 20 minutes looking through every box they had searching for the particular model I wanted.

Finally, I admitted defeat and asked for assistance. The associate was much more adept at searching through piles of Webcam boxes, so it only took him about 6 minutes to determine they didn’t have one. When I mentioned their Web site said they should have one left, he responded something along the lines of how much he loved on-line real-time inventory (HA HA … NOT!).

Learning transfer?the real driver of training value

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

It always feels good to know you’re ahead of the curve. But when it comes to learning transfer--a popular buzzword gaining ground in 2012--I can proudly say this is something SkillPath has been doing and excelling at for over 20 years.

What exactly is learning transfer? The term refers to the application of knowledge, skills and attitudes learned in training. Let’s say you attend a seminar on conflict management. Then, the next day at work, you use some of the techniques you learned to effectively mediate a disagreement between two employees. Or you respond to a colleague’s put-down without losing your temper. That’s learning transfer.

Technical expertise never has been enough

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

You’re beginning a job search and feeling quite smug about the portfolio of technical skills you have to offer employers. After all, when it comes to your particular field--accounting, IT, graphic design or whatever area you’re in--you’ve got the degree, certifications and experience.

But don’t be surprised if employers aren’t lining up outside your door. With the slowdown of the economy, there are plenty of people with strong technical skills competing for the few jobs available. If you really want to stand out above the crowd and impress a potential employer, wow them with your interpersonal skills.