Skills You Can Learn

Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life. - Brian Tracy

You have probably either heard me say (or read an article where I have reminded you) that you can develop your emotional intelligence. Perhaps you have also read an article where I remind you that you can adapt your conflict resolution approach and while you cannot control difficult people, you can control your own behavior. You can learn the best way to deal with your jerk at work. All of these are skills you can acquire and strengthen. Communication is a skill too. Don’t let anyone tell you, “Too bad you are a poor communicator and that is just how you are.” Do let them share with you how they think your communication skills can be improved, because YOU can improve.

You really have the ability to take command of the experience you have at work. You have so many skills available to you. It really comes down to prioritization. Where will you place your time and attention first? If you do not know, that’s OK. Ask someone you trust about your soft skills and your strengths and weaknesses. Think about some of your working relationships and experiences. Don’t dwell on the negative or beat yourself up, just objectively consider some of the situations you have faced. When you recall situations that you think could have gone better, think about what you think you could have done differently. Is this an opportunity to become more self-aware? Is it possible that you could have communicated differently? If so, here is an opportunity for you improve.

Like the quote above says, “If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.”

Sounds good to me!