"Skills" in Four Secrets “'Skills' is a common term in the workplace, and 'soft skills' has become a fashionable way to refer to adept-ness at interacting with others." Chapter 8 "In situations where none of the other three perspectives in this book provide insight, an objective look at skills can be quite helpful." Chapter 8 "Many studies have shown that the presence or absence of soft skills drives a host of work-place issues, including satisfaction, morale, and productivity." Chapter 8 "Few things are more difficult than taking an objective look at our own strengths and weaknesses." Chapter 8

The Secret of Skills
Stories and Case Studies

For practice with the perspective of Skills, read the stories below and consider the questions that go with them. 

1. Angela and Ruben
Everyone in the group could tell there was friction between Angela and Ruben.  Nothing was said about it in words, but during team meetings each time Angela spoke, Ruben would roll his eyes.  And when Ruben made a point, Angela seemed just slightly more absorbed in her own notes than usual.

In a private moment later, Angela admitted to a close friend that the tension was bothering her.  "I think he's upset with me but I really don't know why.  It may have something to do with the schedule problems we had with our last project, but I thought we were working together pretty well despite the difficulties.  If only Ruben would get better at sharing what he is thinking, maybe he could help me understand the problem.  But he's never been able to do that."

			Although her intentions may be good, Angela is misusing the perspective of Skills.  How? See Four Secrets, page 117 What type(s) of Skills might be useful to Angela in this situation? See Four Secrets, page 109

2. Robert and his job
Robert's main reason for taking his current job had been the opportunity to learn new things.  Having spent most of his career focusing on developing and manufacturing new products, he was excited at the chance to become more involved with product marketing and publicity.  When he took the job, he hoped that this new experience would teach him some new skills that would ultimately increase his value as an employee, and of course his salary.

Two years later, he was no longer convinced that the change had been a good idea.  To be sure, he had learned a lot about the way his employer approached sales, marketing, and public relations.  And, he had to admit, he had gotten better at meeting with potential buyers and media partners and convincing them to at least consider his proposals.  But there was something about the job that frustrated him.

His frustration was hard to explain in words  It had to do with trying to figure out what customers and partners might want in advance of meeting with them.  He felt as though much of what the customers wanted was nonsensical, and that the media focused on all the wrong things.  Although he was able to be "quick on his feet" when actually meeting with them, he found it very difficult to anticipate what questions or comments they might have.  As a result, he always felt like he was playing catch-up.

He knew his coworkers were aware of his struggle too.  Occasionally, one of them would make a comment like "I'm surprised you didn't see that coming" or "wow, you were really winging it!"  He found himself becoming defensive, claiming that it would be impossible to guess in advance at such random desires. Was he supposed to have a crystal ball?

			What type of bias might Robert have with respect to his own skill development? See Four Secrets, page 116 What type(s) of Skills might be useful to Robert in this situation? See Four Secrets, page 109