Game of Survivor in the work place
moneyrelations :: Feb.25.2008
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I have expressed my opinion on the importance of soft skills in the work place before. I have also been baffled by how people can actually keep their jobs given their lack of technical skills. I conclude then that they must have other redeeming qualities.
Given that human interaction is a vital part of career survival, should soft skills be officially recorded - let’s say as part of a student’s transcript?
As reported by BusinessWeek, the University of Wisconsin is contemplating the idea. It is considering a secondary transcript based on communication and leadership to accompany the academic transcript.
While I agree that job recruiters should not hire based on grades alone, looking at extra-curricular activities won’t paint the complete picture either.
One such recruiter looked for:
candidates who have participated in student organizations, athletics, or community services; demonstrated leadership; communicate well; have a strong work ethic; think on their feet; and are flexible.
Dang… Given those criteria, I’d be unemployed.
It’s been a few seasons since I last watched the reality TV show Survivor. However, as aggravating as the show is, I do believe it reflects on the realities of life: a bunch of Type-A personalities will eventually cannibalize each other be they jocks or brainiacs.
So who wins out?
With a dash of luck, it’s always the under the radar (UTR) player who is crafty enough to support the leaders while keeping his/her mouth shut. The UTR player does not attract attention but is sociable enough to get along with others. As well, this type of player performs just enough chores to be seen as valuable but refuses to take on the mantle of camp slave.
These secret ninja skills cannot be measured in any transcript.
Superhero leaders are important as they are figureheads who thrive in the spotlight and in the heat. But in an age where there is no job loyalty, do you really want to recruit overachievers who have short shelf lives as their egos look towards bigger and better things? I’d rather have my army of quietly efficient UTR players.
Career ::
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