Often times in our careers we complain or we wish we were better at something because we feel our inadequacy is holding us back. For example, you might say I wish I was a better public speaker or I wish I was a better writer. I have good news for you. Most of the tools or skills for which you might say “I wish I was a better….” are skills that you can learn and develop!
If you want to become a better speaker, read a book, take a course or join a group to help you become a more confident, comfortable and powerful presenter. If you want to become a better writer, again take a course or write articles for a website or magazine on the subjects you enjoy writing about. If you don’t want to go that far, just start paying more attention to your everyday writing in e-mails, memos, reports, etc. Ask someone to review some of your written materials and provide you with feedback.
All too often we accept the “I wish I was a better” statement as meaning I will never be better at that skill and that is just not true. You have the ability to be better at most skills if you decide you want to.
No more wishing or hoping about improving your skills, start intending to and do so!
Remember, it’s up to you to take your career wherever you want to take it!
Have you found yourself saying “I wish I was a better….” in your career lately?
Anthony Fasano, P.E., LEED AP, CPESC, CPSWQ, CPC
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Anthony Fasano, P.E., aka Your Professional Partner, founded Powerful Purpose Associates after he realized that it was the development of his soft skills that helped him to become an associate partner at a reputable engineering firm at the young age of 27. With history as a civil engineer, Anthony is now a nationally recognized executive coach and inspirational speaker, specializing in the areas of engineering career development, as well as leadership. He uses his highly effective coaching and speaking techniques through affordable programs to help engineers develop their soft skills, work through blocks, prioritize effectively, set clear goals and achieve their maximum potential.
Getting “better” requires giving attention to both technical and nontechnical or “soft side” competencies. Augmenting technical competencies with “soft-side” knowledge, skills, and attitudes is a key to earning career security which is a much more viable life strategy than chasing job security.
Sadly, too many engineers do not recognize their “softside” deficiencies and, therefore, do not address them. We can’t fix something unless we know it is broken.
In keeping with your “learn and develop” advice, my website (www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com) offers, at nominal cost, many nontechnical self-study aids.
Stuart it’s an honor to have you visit my blog as I heave attended your ASCE webinars and read your material and I am thankful for it!
Thanks for your input, I agree that softside deficiencies are a huge block for engineers in career advancement and my intention through this blog and my daily boosts is to help engineers realize how important these skills are.
I will definitely check out your website. Thanks!