Basic Skill: Listening

Listening is a part of communication which requires one person to receive a message conveyed by another, and then process this message mentally. Its objective is to gain understanding of the message, so that a response will be made accordingly. Importance of Listening Skill In any area that requires communication, listening takes on a vital role. Without listening, communication will not be complete. More often than not, people mistakenly put a lot of weight on speaking and the ability to deliver a message clearly and confidently, but they forget that… Read More

Basic Skill: Speaking

Speaking is a communication skill that enables a person to verbalize thoughts and ideas. There are two instances when such a skill is required and these are: interactive and semi-interactive. In the first instance (interactive), this would involve conversations with another person or group of persons whether face-to-face or over the phone, wherein there is an exchange of communication between two or more people. In the second instance (semi-interactive), this happens when there is a speaker and an audience such as in the case of delivering a speech, wherein the… Read More

Basic Skill: Writing

One of the most basic skills needed today is writing. It is an aspect of communication that allows a person to compose thoughts and ideas, and note it down for other people to read. Importance of Writing In any type of job, there will always be instances when an employee is required to write something- be it a memo, an email, a report, or even a handwritten reminder, which goes to show how very important and fundamental this skill is for every person. While there are people who can make… Read More

Basic Skill: Reading

One of the basic skill crucial to every individual is the ability to read. Reading is a fundamental skill that allows a person to be able to expand knowledge and widen certain topics of interest. We do not just gather information and insights about various things from listening alone. People who lack the ability to read are just but unfortunate to not have this basic skill because it deprives them from getting equipped with apt knowledge and makes them feel mediocre in this ever-competitive world. Reading also polishes a person’s… Read More

Types of Core Skills

If you keep asking yourself why you were not as successful as the others were, why you failed to get that promotion, why you did not land that dream job, better ask yourself if you have the right skills needed for you to achieve your endeavors. In the corporate world, most employers choose to hire candidates who either have the potential to develop their skills or those who already are skilled enough to perform the job. Core skills are the most indispensable skills. People who possess them are more likely… Read More

Introduction to Core Skills

Though modern man has mastered number of skills, not everyone can possess all the skills. There are certain skills that are more essential than others, while some are required only for certain job positions. Because of the large number of skills being utilized today, the question one must ask is: “What are the most important skills we need to have?” The answer to this question is core skills. These would refer to skills that will equip a person of the main capabilities needed to perform his role effectively, whether in… Read More

jQuery Smart Libraries

jQuery is a well known programming language for JavaScript and Ajax for a good reason. Since its inception, developers around the world are constantly working with the framework. Their work is not just based on creating new applications based on jQuery but on creating new functions and tools that will improve the framework. Because of this support, thousands of scripts can be freely used in various jQuery based applications. A good example for the continued support of this framework is the recently released tools for jQuery: Concrete and Selector. The… Read More

Art of Managing Performance

Performance management is a process that involves the effective managing of teams and individual performances in an effort to achieve high organizational performance level. A very important aspect of this process is the communication between the supervisor and the employee in order to fully understand the objectives of the organization, and know various ways that will help these employees work successfully towards achieving the organization’s objectives. Performance Management Defined Performance management has been further defined as: 1. The development of individual competencies. 2. The provision of guidance and support to… Read More

Importance of Continuous Learning

In any organization, continuous learning means growth through learning events and experiences. It can be applied to individuals, team, and organizations- a process that will help them to achieve their overall objectives. Undergoing a continuous learning process entails change; one cannot learn and still be the same person, team, or organization. There is a constant evolution in the way we think and act, brought about by new understanding, new knowledge, and new skills. One of the worst phrases that any person or entity can say is “I already know that”… Read More

Tips to Boost Performance

It makes a lot of sense for working individuals to continually improve themselves in order to keep up with the rest, or to stay ahead of them. Unless a person is waiting to get fired from his job, steps must be taken so that skills and abilities will be honed and developed, and also to make room for new skills to be learned and acquired. Supervisors and managers play a crucial role in helping their people boost their performance. Without the proper guidance and support of superiors, performance improvement efforts… Read More

Performance Related Issues

On average, we spend one-third of our time at work, and in some cases, we spend a lot more time working than the required 8 hours. Work gives people a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and satisfaction, and at the same time, it provides them the financial stability they need. Job performance is a very significant aspect of a person’s career, and it can make or break a person; it could take his career to the next level, or keep it stagnant and uneventful. How a person performs at work impacts… Read More

Annual Appraisal Process

An annual appraisal, otherwise referred to as annual performance appraisal, is a management system that will evaluate the level and quality of an employee’s performance. The immediate head of the employee conducts the appraisal, by filling out an assessment form that has been designed and developed to specifically meet the standard and key requirements of the organization pertaining to job functions and contribution. The result of the evaluation is discussed in-depth with the employee. Five Fundamental Annual Appraisal Sections Annual appraisals can be derived from standard models or can be… Read More

Self-Assessment Techniques

Self-assessment refers to an employee’s description of his accomplishments, in relation to his job’s key objectives. It is a tool that provides him an opportunity to describe and put into light the major contributions he made to the organization. Note that an employee’s assessment of his own job performance may be different from how his superior, or the organization in general, perceives it. Basic Guidelines for Self-Assessments The following should be present in a written or documented self-assessment, for it to be effective: 1. Restatement of objectives – The objectives… Read More

How to Handle Performance Anxiety

When dealing with unfamiliar and unique situations, we sometimes feel anxious. If an individual does not know what to do or what to expect, it is common to feel restless, concerned, and worried. The extent of anxiety would depend on whether this person feels he can cope or not. When gifted with a high level of self-confidence and self-esteem, people will be less likely to get anxious; however, for those with very low regard to oneself, it can be expected that anxiety in job performance can be very severe. Effects… Read More

Setting Realistic Performance Goals

There is a big difference between successful people and those who cannot seem to get anywhere; the difference does not have anything to do with age, educational level, race, or social status. The difference lies in the setting of goals to get to where they want to go. Goal-oriented individuals are confident and are always “on the go.” They are a productive group of people who can handle difficult situations with higher chances of accomplishing objectives compared to those who are simply “doing their job.” Importance of Setting Realistic Performance… Read More

Performance Management

Performance Management is defined as a process by which an employee and his supervisor establishes a clear understanding about the job functions of the employee; how he can perform his job satisfactorily; how the supervisor can help the employee to improve his work performance; and lastly, how the employee can contribute to the overall objectives of the organization. Often times, the root cause of poor performance is the lack of clear understanding and expectations between the supervisor and the employee which is why there is a need to implement performance… Read More

Performance Development Planning (PDP)

Companies differ in terms of processes and methods used for performance development, depending on the culture and the objectives set by the management group. But as a general rule, there is at least one Performance Development Planning (PDP) session in a calendar year that is being facilitated by the supervisors of a organization; a one-on-one meeting between the supervisor and the employee to outline, discuss, and re-evaluate personal goals as well as the organization’s goals to make sure that the employee works toward achieving these goals successfully. In the PDP… Read More

Performance Development System

Developing Core Competencies Developing core competencies is inherently dependent on the individual’s commitment to improve his performance. It is essentially a self-directed endeavor, and the organization is simply there to provide guidance and support to this person. In their effort to help an employee to perform well in various situations, many organizations have utilized a performance development system designed specifically for their employees. Its main purpose include the alignment of individual goals with the organization’s goals; organizational effectiveness by identifying core competencies required of every employee from the different levels… Read More

Performance Development Aspects

In the organization’s plight to give effective performance development programs to employees, it is necessary to ensure that key aspects are given much attention. The entire process is a collaborative effort between the employee, the supervisor, and the organization; the supervisor facilitates the performance review, and thereafter, tackles on the key aspects: defining career goals, making assessments of the skills and competencies of the employee, as well as the drafting of developmental activities and setting of timeframes for each. Whatever transpired during this session will be forwarded to the appropriate… Read More

What is Performance Development?

Performance development is considered a very important aspect in the growth and progress of individuals in their respective careers. It comprise of several strategic processes that are integrated and utilized with the purpose of developing individual capabilities that will benefit the employee, specifically, and the company as a whole. It focuses mainly on performance, along with its classification, measurement, factors, and management. To gain a better understanding of performance development, its definitions are discussed here, in addition to a thorough explanation of why it is vital for career-oriented individuals to… Read More

Online Task Management Tools

The Internet has paved the way for various opportunities and breakthroughs. Through it, we are now enjoying the benefits of fast communication, online shopping, online bill payments, easy access to information, and even the chance to work at home. Additionally, with the Internet, getting things done in the office has never been easier. We can simply do video-conferencing to hold meetings with colleagues, superiors, and clients who are located elsewhere; we can send emails to people who are in other parts of the globe, taking only seconds for them to… Read More

Personal Task Management

Ideally, work and personal life should be kept separated; however, there are times when our personal activities get in the way of work, and vice versa. An example is when you need to watch your son’s baseball game, and there is a business meeting scheduled, or when you have to meet with a client, and are already running late for your anniversary dinner with your spouse. Because these things cannot be avoided, making use of personal task management is deemed necessary. What is Personal Task Management? Personal task management is… Read More

Task Management for Team Groups

To build a great team, every member should be working on the same goal. How is this achieved? Before anything else, understand that teams are formed mainly to handle tasks created to help the company grow and profit. This means that each individual member of the team should know how to become efficient and effective when it comes to doing the tasks assigned to them. This is where task management takes on an important role in helping the team become productive. Many factors contribute to keeping a team working on… Read More

Task Management for Project Leaders

Task management is the key to performing any endeavor successfully. We can use it for managing our tasks in the office, as well as in getting things done at home. It keeps us efficient, thereby being able to finish our tasks sooner than those who prefer not to follow a set of workable systems. In project management, this is even deemed a necessity mainly because each project can be performed and completed by working on a series of tasks. If there are tasks left undone, then the project is rendered… Read More