|
This is part 2 of a three part blog. REALITY RULE #2 — Ask questions and keep learning. There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “He who asks a question may appear to be a fool for a minute; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.” In order to maintain the kind of accurate communications that we just spoke about, you must ask questions when you do not understand something. People in high tech who ask questions don't look dumb, they usually appear inquisitive. By asking questions, you continue to learn. And in the high tech world, you must be prepared to be in a constant learning mode. All industries continue to evolve and change. And you must keep up with the growth by asking questions and continuing to learn. The JAVA programming language was first accepted around 1998, and was only introduced in 1996. It is widely used now but in the next few years there will be new languages and operating systems in use that have not even been thought of yet! Ask Questions — One day, when I was working at GTE, I was in my boss's office going over a report when the divisional President came in and sat down. He asked my boss if I could attend one of the project status meetings. My boss said, “Sure, but why do you need Jim?” The President said, “He always asks the embarrassing questions that other people think of but never ask. I want to learn what is going on with that project, and Jim can find out.” Learn how to learn, ask questions and keep learning! REALITY RULE #3 — Be creative. Practice looking at problems and situations in different ways. Push to be creative and make it a part of you. Don't be afraid to suggest something new and unique or even a little unusual. Creativity is not a unique skill. Everyone has it. Some just exercise it more than others do. Get with others to help you brainstorm and you'll be amazed at how your creative thinking will improve. Most people only do what's easy and comfortable. But if you keep thinking creatively, you will be constantly expanding your horizons. Not every creative idea or activity can be a winner. Thomas Edison failed hundreds of times before he finally hit on a successful light bulb. There's nothing mysterious about creativity. It's systematic and persistent work. And like a muscle, the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. So work at being creative and never be afraid to try something new — even though YOU are new to the industry yourself. Remember that amateurs built the Ark, and professionals built the Titanic. (End part two of three) Jim Stedt is a partner at The Business SoftSkills Company (GetSoftSKillsNow.Com) located in Santa Ana, California. They provide job readiness and workforce success videos for education, business, prisons and individual use. Training is available online, on DVD, or through an affiliate program. These products are the most complete and concise soft skills training packages now available for the price of an average college textbook.
Related Articles -
Success, soft skills, business,
| 
