Friday 4 October 2013

Do I Really Need A New Skill?


Oftentimes we are bombarded with a lot of information, be it on the internet or by the water cooler. It’s tough not to get swayed by all the media hype, sometimes even scared into deals or decisions that might not work in our best interest. With every career guru talking about acquiring new skills, the question no one’s asking is, ‘Do I really need a new skill?’
The answer to this million dollar question lies in your level of satisfaction with your current job and designation. Even then, we answer it for free. Here are 4 things one needs to look at to determine the importance of a new skill in your present career.
1.       NEW JOB. NEW RESPONIBILITIES.
Have you recently been promoted? Or is there a promotion on the horizon? Scared you’ll fail? Have faith - in yourself and your seniors for trusting you with a new role. What probably is needed is a bit of brushing up with the latest updates in your field. This is easily available everywhere but if you think your new role will require you to be proficient at a new skill, then pick it up instead of just learning it on the job. That way you’ll be less likely to fail.
1.       I FEEL STUCK.
If more than a year has gone by without any incentive from your seniors, maybe it’s a hint. You could be outperforming your colleagues two to one but going beyond a certain pay-grade requires handling tasks that could well be beyond the boundaries of your current skill set. In such a situation, changing jobs will only get you so far. The real solution is to stand up to the changes taking place in your industry and update yourself.
1.       I’M TOO OLD TO LEARN (THE SCIENCE OF IT ALL)
Scientifically speaking, learning makes our brain function better. And wait, there’s actual proof to back this statement. We have believed for the longest time that as we age, the connections in our brain become fixed. Recent research has disproved this theory stating, learning reorganizes and helps form new connections in the brain.
1.       I’M BORED (THE FRILLS)
2.       Learning provides other benefits that might be less purported but have a positive impact anyway. For example, one experiences improved self-esteem, self-confidence, decreased boredom when armed with a purpose and a sense of personal growth.

3.       Learning helps improve not just your professional life but your personal one too. It is widely supported by facts and theories. So to answer a simple question, ‘do I need a skill?’, look at your life, career and your 10-year plan and decide whether you need one or not. Most times the answer is ‘YES!’.

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