10 Skills You Need to Succeed at Almost Anything
What does it take to succeed? A positive attitude? Well, sure, but that’s hardly enough. The Law of Attraction? The Secret? These ideas might act as spurs to action, but without the action itself, they don’t do much.
Success, however it’s defined, takes action, and taking good and appropriate action takes skills. Some of these skills (not enough, though) are taught in school (not well enough, either), others are taught on the job, and still others we learn from general life experience.
Below is a list of general skills that will help anyone get ahead in practically any field, from running a company to running a gardening club. Of course, there are skills specific to each field as well – but my concern here is with the skills that translate across disciplines, the ones that can be learned by anyone in any position.
1. Public Speaking
The ability to speak clearly, persuasively, and forcefully in front of an audience – whether an audience of 1 or of thousands – is one of the most important skills anyone can develop. People who are effective speakers come across as more comfortable with themselves, more confident, and more attractive to be around. Being able to speak effectively means you can sell anything – products, of course, but also ideas, ideologies, worldviews. And yourself – which means more opportunities for career advancement, bigger clients, or business funding.
2. Writing
Writing well offers many of the same advantages that speaking well offers: good writers are better at selling products, ideas, and themselves than poor writers. Learning to write well involves not just mastery of grammar but the development of the ability to organize one’s thoughts into a coherent form and target it to an audience in the most effective way possible. Given the huge amount of text generated by almost every transaction – from court briefs and legislation running into the thousands of pages to those foot-long receipts you get when you buy gum these days – a person who is a master of the written word can expect doors to open in just about every field.
3. Self-Management
If success depends of effective action, effective action depends on the ability to focus your attention where it is needed most, when it is needed most. Strong organizational skills, effective productivity habits, and a strong sense of discipline are needed to keep yourself on track.
4. Networking
Networking is not only for finding jobs or clients. In an economy dominated by ideas and innovation, networking creates the channel through which ideas flow and in which new ideas are created. A large network, carefully cultivated, ties one into not just a body of people but a body of relationships, and those relationships are more than just the sum of their parts. The interactions those relationships make possible give rise to innovation and creativity – and provide the support to nurture new ideas until they can be realized.
5. Critical Thinking
We are exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of times more information on a daily basis than our great-grandparents were. Being able to evaluate that information, sort the potentially valuable from the trivial, analyze its relevance and meaning, and relate it to other information is crucial – and woefully under-taught. Good critical thinking skills immediately distinguish you from the mass of people these days.
6. Decision-Making
The bridge that leads from analysis to action is effective decision-making – knowing what to do based on the information available. While not being critical can be dangerous, so too can over-analyzing, or waiting for more information before making a decision. Being able to take in the scene and respond quickly and effectively is what separates the doers from the wannabes.
7. Math
You don’t have to be able to integrate polynomials to be successful. However, the ability to quickly work with figures in your head, to make rough but fairly accurate estimates, and to understand things like compound interest and basic statistics gives you a big lead on most people. All of these skills will help you to analyze data more effectively – and more quickly – and to make better decisions based on it.
8. Research
Nobody can be expected to know everything, or even a tiny fraction of everything. Even within your field, chances are there’s far more that you don’t know than you do know. You don’t have to know everything – but you should be able to quickly and painlessly find out what you need to know. That means learning to use the Internet effectively, learning to use a library, learning to read productively, and learning how to leverage your network of contacts – and what kinds of research are going to work best in any given situation.
9. Relaxation
Stress will not only kill you, it leads to poor decision-making, poor thinking, and poor socialization. So be failing to relax, you knock out at least three of the skills in this list – and really more. Plus, working yourself to death in order to keep up, and not having any time to enjoy the fruits of your work, isn’t really “success”. It’s obsession. Being able to face even the most pressing crises with your wits about you and in the most productive way is possibly the most important thing on this list.
10. Basic Accounting
It is a simple fact in our society that money is necessary. Even the simple pleasures in life, like hugging your child, ultimately need money – or you’re not going to survive to hug for very long. Knowing how to track and record your expenses and income is important just to survive, let alone to thrive. But more than that, the principles of accounting apply more widely to things like tracking the time you spend on a project or determining whether the value of an action outweighs the costs in money, time, and effort. It’s a shame that basic accounting isn’t a required part of the core K-12 curriculum.
What Else?
Surely there are more important skills I’m not thinking of (which is probably why I’m not telling Bill Gates what to do!) – what are they? What have I missed? What lessons have you learned that were key to your successes – and what have you ignored to your peril?
WRITER'S BIOGRAPHY
Dustin Wax
Dustin M. Wax is a contributing editor and project manager at lifehack.org. He is also the creator of The Writer's Technology Companion, a site devoted to the tools of the writing trade. When he's not writing, he teaches anthropology and women's studies in Las Vegas, NV. His personal site can be found at dwax.org.
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Comments
Dave B says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Creativity or ingenuity is often the difference between surviving and succeeding!
Shanel Yang says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Outstanding post, Dustin! To help with the critical thinking part of it, here is a link to my post “How to Think Like a Lawyer” at http://shanelyang.com/2008/06/.....-a-lawyer/
Kate Saltfleet says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:53 am
You will never regret learning how to touch-type or how speak a foreign language.
Alexander Vaniashev says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I think that good memory is a very important skill for success.
Michael Ham says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:57 am
1. Negotiating skills
2. Foreign language skill (at least one)
3. Planning skills (PERT, for example—as a *planning* technique, before work starts)
4. People management/leadership skills (communication, evaluation, training, organizing, assigning effectively)
And in decision-making, I would include long-term after-the-fact evaluation of decisions.
5.
Michael Ham says on July 30th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Two others:
Reading effectively.
Listening effectively.
(You do cover writing and speaking, but I think good reading and listening skills are at least as important.)
Michael Ham says on July 30th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
BTW, what you describe under “accounting” is more like bookkeeping. I think accounting is indeed vital, but it’s broader than you suggest.
Writer Dad says on July 30th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
PATIENCE. Patience, in line with perseverance, are almost always rewarded.
Neo says on July 30th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
The ability to listen, those who spend all their time talking will learn little.
Michael Ham says on July 30th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Ah—another important skill: drawing. Not in the sense of portraits or nature scenes, but in the sense of diagrams, representations, freehand graphs, and the like. As in the book Thinking With A Pencil.
Dustin Wax says on July 30th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
All: Some of your suggestions I’d consider “qualities” rather than “skills” — e.g. patience, creativity. That’s not saying they can’t be cultivated and improved, of course. Maybe I should do a companion: “10 Qualities for Success”?
Kate: Touch-typing! Does anyone even teach that any more? It’s true, though, I would have gotten more out of one high school typing class than I’ve gotten out of probably *all* the AP courses I took! (On the other hand, I did take 5 years of foreign language, which has been fun and helpful, but I don’t know if it’s given me any success…)
Michael: That’s true — maybe I meant more bookkeeping. I wanted to suggest that the principles that accountants use to gain the “big picture” of a company can transfer to real life, but I’m not well-versed enough in them to make that argument. Which is another reason Bill Gates doesn’t return my calls
Neo: Yes, listening *effectively* is an important skill. Somewhere between when I had the idea for this post and when it got written, communication skills were dropped. I can’t remember my reasoning now, and I’m pretty sure I should have left it in!
a says on July 30th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Initiative - the world doesn’t change on it’s own
bjørn says on July 30th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
crap
Brooks Van Norman says on July 30th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I agree that #9 is the most important point in this list. In my own life, I have found that 10-15 minutes of alone time, doing nothing, at least once per day helps to manage my anxiety and stress. Being in the technology business - this is so important for all of us to manage. Not only does it help with mental health, but it also helps keep the waistline slim: it’s well known that stress makes you fat.
Mark W says on July 30th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I agree with some of these and yes many are key. However, Public Speaking should be replaced with confidence. Networking isn’t always key as some people are unique in their own right. Research - not always, sometimes success is born from luck or from the unique aspect. Relaxation… i work 16 hours a day.
Tyson says on July 30th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Dustin:
Good to see yet another person who understands the importance of accounting in everyday life. My site about basic accounting is my way of helping people gain this important skill.
Tyson says on July 30th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
And sorry, I forgot to mention that I think knowledge of economics is essential as well. Otherwise, great list!
Terrence Seamon says on July 30th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Nice list and good provocative idea!
Comments:
- Items 1, 2 and 4 are Communication Skills
- I’d expand item 10 into Business Acumen
Terry
Ishani Mitra says on July 30th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Great compilation!! I would like to add learning from our failures as another key factor in the long road to success
Nathan McGee says on July 30th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I think a sense of humor is important in growing success. Knowing the appropriate time to use humor and to what extent can require a great amount of skill (typically called timing
).
If it is not a skill by itself, it would definitely improve the communication skills 1,2 and 4.
Bob Watson says on July 30th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Obama, McCain, Bush, Kerry and Gore, all attended elite private boarding schools. Did they get any skills there not on the above list, and not taught at your public school either, no matter how “good”? Educator (public school, NYC) John Taylor Gatto thinks so. He names fourteen such here:
http://www.edflix.org/gatto.htm
They are in the first four short videos.
One is training in manners and civility.
Handle and seek responsibility.
Come to a personal code of behavior, of production, and of morality.
Can deal with personal challenges, like shyness, cowardice, procrastination.
Having a habit of caution in reasoning to a conclusion
I don’t think Gatto has written these up anywhere.
Jake says on July 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Sales skills - incredibly important.
Ibrahim Husain | ZenCollegeLife.com says on July 30th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I would say that a certain level of confidence and the ability to sell yourself are two things which will really aid in success. Great article, thanks!
Bill says on July 30th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Knowing how to look……
Literally, being able to look at a problem in the physical world. The solution will often be obvious if the observer has the ability to concentrate on the object to the right degree…..in my experience, a rare quality.
Figuratively, in the non-physical world, complex problems cannot be solved unless they are subjected to close scrutiny by means of concentrated observation and analysis.
dhonut says on July 30th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I don’t know if these are one of them, but I guess a good attitude (etiquette) and wisdom also a must on that list. It’s always good to see successful person with those qualities.
Michael Gorsline says on July 30th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I just posted at GTDtimes.com about three life skills from a psychology point of view, some of which overlap with yours. They are very broad. 1) Getting along with others, 2) Getting things done (familiar, eh?) 3) Managing emotions (self-soothing).
I think your list was remarkably solid, and could use a little amendment to either broaden your self management one or add these more psychological ones.
Was very glad to see critical thinking on here. That is surprisingly undervalued by too many educated people IMHO. My accounting skills could use some enhancement by the way.
torkhum says on July 30th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
What about being a ninja?
Squeedle says on July 30th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
One very important one: computer literacy. I consider being able to touch-type part of that. I know even successful computer geeks who don’t touch-type, but they are the exception. The reason I include this, if it’s not obvious, is that even with jobs that aren’t really computer jobs, almost any high paying job is a desk job, and with desk jobs, you will not be able to compete with your morore efficient, computer literate coworkers if you don’t know how to use technology to its fullest advantage. Even if you are a contractor or a plumber or something like that, knowing how to use a computer and software relevant to running your business will still allow you to compete better. Anyone avoiding using computers will be stuck in the mid-20th century, and so will their career.
Another important skill to have is to learn how to delay gratification and plan for the long term. If you have a route and a destination for say the next 5 years, then you don’t waste a bunch of time acting on impulses, doing mostly things that may be fun or interesting, but which don’t advance your personal goals. That’s not to say advancing your goals can’t be fun or interesting, or that you shouldn’t goof off - but be able to keep your sights set.
Dustin Wax says on July 30th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Torkhum: As I understand it, youy have to be *born* a ninja. If you’re not a ninja and you try to become one… Things won’t go well for you. They’ll go quickly, but not well.
Gunnar Andreassen says on July 30th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Dude - you TOTALLY forgot positive thinking!?
Nietzsche says on July 30th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Enroll yourself into a liberal arts program. The humanities need more attention. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 are taken care of with that level of education–being the best and most rounded education.
Rob Chant says on July 30th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Attention to detail and mindfulness!
beddoe says on July 30th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Social Intelligence! Understanding human behavior, Putting yourself in other people’s shoes, and having a deep understanding that it’s not about YOU.
Joshua says on July 30th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Great post. Public speaking would definitely be near the top of my list. Lately, this area of my professional career has been the most challenging for me. For all those who struggle with public speaking (or even in meetings when doing a round-the-room), my thoughts are with you!
Frederico Felini says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
You have to live life spherically in many different directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm and things will come your way.
Some Rocket Scientist says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
NEVER EVER believe some dumbass who tells you “it can’t be done.” Prove them wrong by doing it.
Antoine says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Nice post, you have them all.
Actually I would kill accounting: it is the same as Math + self management
Also you might want to change the order to group communication skills, analytical skills and other (decision making + Self mgt + relaxation)
Next question is how much is appropriately taught in high school…
Alex says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
This will sound vile, but
11) The ability to dropkick people who cannot do #9: RELAX!!! out of your life.
There’s nothing like waking up every day to someone who is stressed beyond belief and thinks that everything will be alright as long as everything stays the same.
Polynomial Integration says on July 30th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
… is as easy as integration gets, so I found that kind of funny.
Ed says on July 31st, 2008 at 12:12 am
I’d add:
* Negotiation
* Communication skills - See Difficult Conversations
Ed
Taryn says on July 31st, 2008 at 12:38 am
I like the addition of managing emotions self soothing concept. I work in the healthcare industry and it is amazing to see how when some co-workers response to stress and other various emotions reflect outwardly they can quickly lose respect and sucess.
Sam says on July 31st, 2008 at 12:40 am
Nice list but I would like to add one– Self Control
Sam
Fix My Personal Finance
Jame yaqins says on July 31st, 2008 at 12:51 am
It’s a great integration.To be successful we must exercise their own more…
action figure says on July 31st, 2008 at 2:25 am
- listening
- s*x maybe ???
great post! keep shared
Andre Kibbe says on July 31st, 2008 at 2:27 am
The original list is pretty complete. I would add conflict resolution, marketing (implied to an extent with writing, public speaking and networking) fitness.
Friedbeef says on July 31st, 2008 at 2:47 am
I agree with Michael Ham on negotiating skills. It makes or breaks deals.
Keith says on July 31st, 2008 at 4:58 am
How about spelling? It’s Maths, not Math.
Orchid says on July 31st, 2008 at 5:58 am
Skills you need to succeed at almost anything = skills the poster already has and prioritizes
Seriously. How about the ability not to see yourself as central and having the ability to see the world from other perspectives? Everyone commenting and the OP could use that skill. I actually possess the 10 skills offered, but I know plenty of successful folks who do not.
Scott says on July 31st, 2008 at 6:43 am
Where I work, one most easily bend at the knees and … well you get the point. It appears that around here it is the only way to move up or in some cases save your job. Our management and staff motives are self-serving.
I agree with the posting above it is another reason I am looking to leave my employer. Problem is that there are so many others who are looking to do the very same. If I had the money and could start my own compnay I could very easily take 1/3 of the people I work with with me!
According to Kouzes and Posner (The Leadership Challenge) one has only to observe who get promoted, rewarded and punished to figure out the values of the organization. Using that as a guildline - my org has no or very poor leadership or redeeming morals. People are wanting to jump ship!
So bottom line - if you want to succeed - find an organization that share YOUR personal values! That way you are not trying to swim against the current!
MrChauncy says on July 31st, 2008 at 7:03 am
Great list - if your creating a robot or autotom. Seriously, we are humans and human skils, as mentioned in previous comments, are at least as important. Think about people who have most influenced your lives/careers/etc. What was special about them? Off the top of me head I’d add compassion and visualization (the “big picture”).
Tim says on July 31st, 2008 at 7:55 am
I can’t help thinking that these skills should be set for the national curriculum. Languages also, although I don’t agree languages are essential, childhood is the best time to learn.
Jen says on July 31st, 2008 at 7:56 am
I don’t think anyone would ever regret learning a foreign language. But I’m biased, so maybe I’m wrong. XD
Thomas says on July 31st, 2008 at 8:09 am
Well, I would add:
* empathy - understand whats going on in other people
* Proactivity - getting things and yourself started without an ignition from others
* Negotiation - you won’t be really successfull if you go down in any negotiation situation. Are we negotiating? Always!
Cheers,
Thomas