Lots of options

“Technical skill” means knowledge and abilities needed to do mathematical, engineering, scientific or computer-related tasks. Think of them as skills for a specific technical task. For example, a developer needs to be able to code, a UX designer needs to know how to wireframe, and someone in technical support needs skills to investigate issues.

But, what about all the other skills we need to do our jobs?

In addition to the specific technical skills needed for your job, there is a vast range of ‘added value’ skills, insights and abilities. (For more context on this, take a look at the page about all the value you bring.)

These are like a painter’s palette - you can pick the ones you have, or choose some you’d like to strengthen. No need to have them all or learn them all.

They’re grouped into three areas:

  • Skills for you as an individual, which you can practice by yourself.

  • Skills for working directly with others. To grow these these, you’d need to interact with other people!

  • Skills for the wider work community. Here you’ll be reaching further than your close connections to make a broader impact.

Click to view in full page mode.

You can use this list in two ways: to reflect on the skills you have, and to get ideas of areas you’d like to strengthen.

To take stock of the skills you have:

Look at the list and pick out the ones you have a level of comfort in. Perhaps you’ve had some practice in them or yourself or others have noticed this skill in you. You don’t need to be an expert. You can take stock in a more specific way via the page on your value.

To find some skills you want to grow:

1. Scan the list and notice the items that spark your curiosity, or look for ones that would be useful in your next career step, or think of someone you admire and look for the items in the list that they demonstrate.

2. Do a quick online search to see what it takes to grow that skill. Or ask the person you admire how they grew that skill. Or post a note on Well Work Hub to ask how other people developed that skill.

3. Pick one action you could take to try out this skill. Remember that practice will always be better than more research.

4. Try it. See how it goes, and try the next thing.

Coming soon - links to tips and ideas for each item.