4 Essential Skills to Be Better at Work | Mental Maps #03

Here are four important skills that can help you succeed. These skills, kind of like soft skills, are useful no matter what job you have.

Who can benefit from this? Basically, everyone! Whether you're finishing up your university degree or you've been working for a while and want to get better at some things, these skills can help. If you're starting a new job, people will be impressed if they see you using these skills in your first few days.

Now, let's dive in.

Typing

Often overlooked, something as simple as being able to type fast can make a big difference in your life. It's a skill you can easily improve through practice. I recommend using the website Keybr, which can help you get better. Typing at a speed above 70 words per minute would put you in the top percentile.

One of my best memories related to this skill was when I transitioned from my bachelor’s degree to my master’s degree. I used to think I was a pretty fast typer and was proud of it. However, when I started my master’s degree, surrounded by capable and smart people, I was amazed by a guy sitting three rows in front of me and how he took notes.

I could barely keep up with what the professor was saying, and not only was the guy typing without looking at the keyboard, but he was also focused and asking questions. This inspired me to get better at typing. It can go a long way for you too. Imagine getting hired somewhere and being asked to take notes in your first week – being a proficient typist could make a real difference for you.

Excel/Spreadsheets

For those who know me personally, probably know about my passion for numbers, arithmetic, and, overall, Excel. While not necessary for every job, many companies consider these skills essential. This forms your entry level for Data Analysis, where you can delve into complexity as much as you want.

You don’t have to be an Excel expert, but having some basic skills is crucial. What's considered basic can vary from person to person, but I'd suggest a foundation in basic arithmetic, creating tables, using pivot tables, and understanding basic formulas. These skills will take you a long way.

Want to learn more? I created the Excel Essentials - Mastering the Basics guide, which you can get for free by clicking on the link.

Public Speaking

During my 6-month exchange in the US, I took a public speaking class with a good friend of mine. While some of it stayed with me, what truly made a difference was the emphasis on public speaking, body language, and overall presence.

Public speaking is more than just giving presentations; it involves knowing how to communicate in various situations—meetings, introductions, not interrupting, conveying the right message, and disagreeing without coming across negatively.

Often overlooked, these skills go a long way. How can you improve this? Simple: practice. There's no other way. Even for more introverted individuals (count me in), it might not come naturally, but the key is to put yourself out there and practice. Some may have a natural knack for it, but everyone can get better with experience.

Writing

Closely tied to typing but applicable to various aspects of life, the ability to write is a skill that extends to numerous areas. The saying, "Don’t think to write, write to think”, resonates with the broad impact of this skill.

Crafting understandable sentences, tailoring your message to your audience, and employing proper formatting are all aspects of writing that have widespread applications. This skill might arguably be the most important one, influencing everything from emails and note-taking to presentations.

Back in school, I struggled with writing and often sought help from a friend who turned out to be a successful journalist. While he aided me in improving my writing, it remains a skill I continue to work on. If you're like me and aspire to enhance your writing, I recommend two simple things: read and write. It's as simple as that. Additionally, I recommend checking out a tool called Typeshare; it can assist you in gauging your writing level.

Finally, tell the reader what you hope for them.

In conclusion, embracing essential skills such as fast typing, basic Excel proficiency, effective communication, and strong writing can truly transform your personal and professional life.

Enjoyed this newsletter? Want more insights and tips for personal and professional growth? Follow for future editions and stay connected.