Back in December I posted comments on the skills needed for a job in 2013. I don't know how many of your gave serious thought to what was written because even after I wrote that I am realizing how important what was pointed out makes a lot of sense. I thought I would add to the heading. Thanks to Ruth Mantell from MarketWatch for the springboard to add.
I notice this challenge, especially, in my work, and I think these days it make is more difficult than before. To effectively get a good paying job, no matter what, we all need to communicate more effectively. I know that we all could be better in communicating with those who are important to us. But, when we are in context of a work environment, we have to have the basics. And let me tell you that I notice that the basics is really lacking, even after demonstrating the example of how it should be worded.
I thought that I would break down why I thought this article about skills needed for 2013 jobs was important. In my 20+ years leading teams, it's very frustrating to deal with team members who just don't have to communicate what's going on, or what they need. I know that, in my personal life I am walking on egg shells because I know that my wife is rolling her eyes because I need to improve on my communication skills for her. But I will work on that, and I will, as a leader who hires team members I am going to make suggestions on what potential workers need to do!
I find that many cannot really communicate what they need from their leader for help to get what they to take care of the guests dining experience. I hear: Take off the meal that the table didn't like. Instead, they should say: "The (meal) on table (table #) on guest (number) needs to be taken off because the guest didn't like their meal." The comment I posted earlier is that it's more than 140 characters, which may require more than a post on Twitter, which I do not like or use.
The hardest thing is not only being able to communicate but to connect with people. I know the best way to do that is to follow through with the commitments or promises made. If you want to change them, communicate the changes to the ones you made the commitment to, because since you have changed your side of the agreement, they have the opportunity to change theirs, too! The one thing that I learned about this is that we have to treat each team member for their unique personality and motivations. And, no doubt that will require us to really get to know them. By saying this, it doesn't mean to lower the business' standard of operating and making a profit. I know of one simple thing that I can do to at least demonstrate the simplest of recognition: if I am leaving the restaurant before them, I would walk out and ensure that I try to say, "bye" to them. I know, it's a start, but there is a lot more that has to happen.
If you are looking for a job, you have to have the skill to communicate to your direct reports in the business, to your customers/guests and to your fellow team members in your business. Without the basic skill of sharing your challenges and connecting to others, you will not go far in any business. Or you may, but you won't last in your position for a long, long time.
