Acquiring Vital Competencies and Soft Skills for the Labour Market – Series one – Commitment to Results
It is often said that excuses don’t build bridges. Most employers want results, not stories. Commitment to results is a very high-index competence that employers want to see displayed in their staff. Companies often want individuals who will help it succeed and take an active role in ensuring company success through their own professional development efforts and dedication to the corporate vision.
How do you display this competence to a would-be employer?
The interviewer is interested in the tangible evidence that you can provide as to your suitability for the job role. Specifically, he/she is looking for concrete examples of things that you have done. When it comes to competence and soft skills, it is important to talk about real examples of how you have displayed this competence in the past.
This could be through activities in your career or projects that you have been involved in. Have you volunteered or actively participated in projects in your local community or school before? Did you deliver on the aspect of the project assigned to you? What milestones or results did you achieve?
Commitment to results is simply staying focused and driven on the job until success is achieved despite obstacles. In giving examples, it is important to use specific parameters to explain your achievements. For example, as a marketer or salesperson, telling your interviewer that you achieved 80% of your target of 5 million naira sales makes more impact than just saying you are a good marketer.
Why is commitment to results important?
The industry environment today is very challenging, with a huge demand for achieving results, irrespective of the sector. The work ethics of the employees have a direct impact on the corporate results of the company. Therefore, every employer wants a team where everyone is adding value and is committed to achieving corporate goals.
How to grow in your commitment to achieving results
Make use of every opportunity to grow in your commitment to achieving results. Opportunities could come in form of school-related group projects, volunteer projects, work-related projects, projects in our local community, church, etc.
1. Learn punctuality.
No matter the event, try to arrive on time. Punctuality shows professionalism. Arriving on time shows that you prioritize things and have a high sense of value. Meeting deadlines always shows you value the time and are committed to achieving results.
2. Volunteer to help.
A man’s greatest contribution, aside from their competence, is their time. Being available to help and eager to support efforts toward success and meeting goals beyond your regular work schedule and duties proves you can balance your job roles. It also indicates that you have the skills necessary to devote more time when needed.
3. Develop Yourself
Set some time apart to develop yourself. Get into a mentor program, and make use of opportunities to open up a dialogue with those who can help you improve on your competencies. Be open to receiving advice.
4. Be confident
Being confident helps you to put your best foot forward. You won’t be ashamed to volunteer or to share knowledge where necessary. Believing in yourselfself is vital because you will communicate more effectively, and speak your mind more concisely.
5. Be genuinely interested in the corporate goal
So, you are currently volunteering at your local community, non-profit, or are working at a company. Do you know the corporate goals, vision, or mission statement of the organization? If yes, bravo. If not, how do you align with what you don’t know? To establish your commitment, go the extra mile and be genuinely interested in the goals and workings of your organization.
6. Be a team player.
It is becoming more and more important in today’s job market and career trends to work efficiently with others. Cooperative work benefits the company through capitalizing on individual strengths and providing opportunities for each worker to learn from one another. Through teamwork, employees share the workload and reduce work-related stress. Working on a team also improves productivity as each member is working towards a common goal, with joint efforts resulting in higher quality output. Teamwork encourages members to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and motivates them.
7. Request evaluations.
Another way to grow in your commitment at work is to ask for feedback on your performance. Although most organizations have a formal evaluation process, asking for feedback, even informally, can improve your commitment to your work. Both supervisors and co-workers can offer insight into ways you can improve that you may miss through self-evaluation. You can use this constructive criticism to take initiative and work on honing your skills.
8. Listen to suggestions.
Once you have asked for ways to improve, follow up and make sure you take that advice. Although you may find that some information and criticism do not apply, use what you can to increase your productivity and efficiency in projects that you are involved in.
9. Be optimistic.
An optimistic approach to any project you are handling shows genuine job commitment and purpose. Having a positive outlook encourages others to seek you out and proves your resolve and dedication to your profession. A positive attitude at work promotes an atmosphere of high energy where creativity and inspiration thrive and support problem-solving skills. If faced with an obstacle, it is best to approach it optimistically, learn all you can, and weigh each option.
10. Share ideas.
Through the transferring of information, you can build professional bonds and become a resource for others who need support. Sharing ideas provides an opportunity for you to highlight your innovation and commitment. It also shows you have valuable knowledge about your work. Take part in conversations to discuss processes and relate your ideas on how to improve procedures or capitalize on unused resources. Having perceptive ideas that might improve the project shows your investment in the organization and the people who work there.
11. Take initiative.
Taking initiative shows the drive and leadership skills necessary for workplace success. Initiative is a leadership skill that proves your commitment to reaching goals through your actions and dedication. Taking the initiative shows that you can work with minimum supervision. It is a strong indication that creativity and commitment can advance a team.
Written By. Engr. Mrs. Nkese Umofia
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Christian Youth Mentoring Initiative is a Christian Interdenominational organization that provides opportunities for youths to learn the principles of vision, values, a healthy mindset, networking, leadership and Godliness.
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