10 valuable workplace skills

Hard but worth it - these 10 tough but valuable on-the-job skills will place you in good stead for workplace success.

1. Time management

From fitting in part-time study to the long climb up the corporate ladder, managing your time isn’t always easy – but it is certainly worth the effort to alleviate stress and improve your work-life balance. Find a system that works for you and stick to it.

2. Empathy

No matter how talented, attractive or wealthy you are, you’ll go nowhere without empathy. Every job you ever have is likely to involve some interaction with co-workers, clients or the public. Being able to work with people on their terms, as well as your own, will make life that much easier.

3. Sleep

You’ve been doing it since before you were born – so why are so many people so bad at it? From our over-reliance on technology to poor sleeping environments, not getting a good night’s sleep can be one of the biggest barriers to working your best.

4. Confidence

Cut out the negative inner monologue that’s slowly chipping away at your confidence. You’ll need all the self-belief you can muster to survive in the workplace. Remember, mistakes and accidents happen to everyone. There’s no use in beating yourself up over them.

5. Dedication

Just because you’ve reached the top, doesn’t mean you can stop. The reason people reach the top of their chosen field and stay there is because they’re dedicated to working hard, maintaining their achievements and setting new goals for themselves. Keep at it!

6. Asking for help

There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it – and it doesn’t make you look weak or incompetent. Studies have shown that, despite being difficult to do, those who ask for help are often better perceived among their peers. By asking your peers for their advice, knowledge or assistance, you’re not only learning something yourself but making someone else feel valued, too. It’s a win-win situation.

7. Knowing when to shut up and when to speak out

How often have you blurted out something in anger, only to regret it later? Learning to manage negative emotions is a skill many people find difficult to master. On the other hand, it’s important to know when to speak out against issues such as bullying and harassment, and who to speak to if you or one of your colleagues are experiencing it.

8. Listening

Put down the mobile phone and stop checking your emails. When someone speaks to you, listen to them. Not only will it stop you from having to ask them to repeat themselves later, but practicing active listening is the fastest way to build a strong rapport with someone.

9. Minding your own business

As great as you might think you are, not everyone wants your opinion. Waiting until asked might take some discipline, but it’s worth it. You’ll soon find colleagues will seek out your advice.

10. Focus

Learning how to block out distractions and become a more efficient worker can be overwhelmingly difficult, but if the trade-off was more free time, why wouldn’t you? Creating a dedicated work space and setting goals are all useful tricks for focusing your mind on your work.

For any further advice that will help your reach your goals, speak to our Student Success Advisors. They’re available Monday to Friday on 1300 863 819.