UNIVERSAL SKILLS

 Are you planning to apply for your next job? Then you must be thinking about knowing if you have transferable skills for your next job. The specific job-related skills that you may have at your present job may or may not be considered transferable skills. Examples of job-related skills are driving a bus or operating a forklift. Examples of transferable skills are using a computer or delegating authority.  If you possess transferable skills then you have universal skills.  So let us define what universal skills are. Universal skills are abilities and skills that are applicable or common and can be used in any job or in any location. They are therefore transferable skills.  The more universal skills you have acquired throughout your education or life experiences plus all the adaptive skills you have likewise acquired, the better chances you have in succeeding in your next job.

 Here is a list of eight (8) universal skills that all of us could acquire and be universally competent as well.

1. Computer Skills- Essential computer skills are always required in the universal or global workplace. The more knowledge on information media and technology, the better.
2. Management Skills- The ability to organize human resources and tasks to achieve specific goals is always needed.
3. Interpersonal Skills- Simple, yet complicated day to day activities could have disastrous results if one does not have the ability to get along with others.
4. Communication Skills- How a person conveys written, verbal or visual communication across an  organization reflects a person's ability as far as communication is concerned.
5. Foreign Language Skills- The ability to speak a foreign language or several languages would be very ideal in getting the message across so to speak.
6. Leadership Skills- The ability to motivate each and every one in the organization to contribute and work towards a goal and not letting anything get in the way is what makes a leader a valuable asset to any organization.
7. Innovation Skills- The ability to think creatively, critically and the ability to solve problems and immerse in research work is one universal skill not everybody possesses.
8. Teamwork Skills- The ability to be a group member and working collaboratively with a group of people, providing constructive and positive feedback and setting aside personal conflict between individuals is the epitome of universal skills.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A STRATEGIC PLANNER?

Whenever an agency, corporation or organization starts talking about future activities or future expansion or growth, they are thinking and strategically planning to effectively reach a long term goal. In all likelihood the Strategic Planner is not only the person responsible for guiding a company through rough and tough financial obstacles, but also the person answerable for assisting the company achieve its primary goal of increasing revenues and consistent profitability. Nearly every industry has a need for a Strategic Planner.  The Strategic Planner is a vital member of the management team. He or she is involved in the CEO led strategic planning process. The Strategic Planner formulates strategies, suggests improvements or changes to existing corporate plans, policies and procedures by assessing the company’s environment, workforce and  resources;  carefully defining the mission and vision, identifying objectives and priorities, developing business plans and choosing strategies to optimize near-term growth. A Strategic Planner determines where an organization is heading over the next year or over the next five years by reviewing the organization to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. More often than not, the Strategic Planner is also involved in strategic management, strategic discussion and strategic initiatives.

As far as education, the position requires a bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, or finance. Other degrees include engineering or science. An MBA from a leading business school is of course preferable as well as experience working as a Strategic Planner in major corporations. Certification and membership in professional organizations such as Association for Strategic Planning  or Strategic Planning Society or Strategic Management Society offers a lot of benefits as well as credibility for its members who wants to be updated with the latest trends and body of knowledge related to the field of strategic planning and management.

 Some of the skills that are important for a Strategic Planner include:

1. Leadership skills
2. Facilitator skills
3. Conceptual skills
4. Analytic skills
5. Problem solving and decision making skills
6. Judgment skills
7. Project management skills
8. Presentation skills
9. Market research and financial analysis skills
10. Interpersonal skills