Dr. Engr. Md. Sakawat Ali
E-mail: sakawat_ali@yahoo.com
Smart Skills
Smart skills are the abilities that enable a person to adapt to new situations, think critically, and make informed decisions. Smart skills, also known as "soft skills" or "people skills," refer to a set of interpersonal abilities and personal qualities that enable effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence in professional and personal settings.
Some examples of smart skills include:
- Communication skills (Verbal communication, Written communication, Active listening, Nonverbal communication)
- Teamwork and collaboration (Cooperating with others, Contributing ideas and Sharing information)
- Problem-solving and critical thinking (Problem Identification, Information Analysis, Creative Solution Generation, Decision-Making and Implementation & Evaluation)
- Adaptability and flexibility (Openness to Change, Agility and Responsiveness, Continuous Learning and Comfort with Ambiguity)
- Time management and organization (Prioritization, Planning and Scheduling, Minimizing Distractions, Productivity Strategies and Adaptability & Flexibility)
- Emotional intelligence (Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Empathy, Social Skills and Motivation & Inspiration)
- Leadership and decision-making (Leadership, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, Adaptability and Flexibility, and Emotional Intelligence)
Unlike technical or "hard" skills, which are specific to a particular job or industry, smart skills are transferable across different roles and contexts. They are highly valued by employers because they enable individuals to work effectively, collaborate productively, and adapt to changing work environments. Developing and demonstrating smart skills can be a significant advantage in both professional and personal pursuits.
Smart skills measurement:
Measuring smart skills is a complex attempt, as many of these skills are multifaceted and difficult to quantify. However, there are several approaches/techniques that can be used to assess and evaluate an individual's smart skills:
- Self-Assessment Surveys
- Skill-Specific Assessments
- Behavioral Observations
- Peer/Supervisor Feedback
- 360-Degree Feedback
- Performance Metrics
It's important to note that a combination of these methods often provides the most comprehensive and accurate assessment of an individual's smart skills. Additionally, the specific measures and approaches used may vary depending on the organizational context, job requirements, and the particular skills being evaluated. Ongoing feedback, coaching, and opportunities for skill development are also crucial for individuals to continuously improve and refine their smart skills over time. Let me know if you have any other questions or if you'd like me to elaborate further on measuring and assessing smart skills.
Key Words: Smart skills, Creativity