# Work Abilities and Skills By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-11-04 If one is looking for an edge, consider becoming an expert in the abilities and skills of work activities. To be clear, one should not become an expert in performing the work or the abilities and skills themselves. Instead, understand what they are, how they are defined, and what they mean within the context of organizations and human behavior. Few look at someone performing a job and think about the foundational abilities to perform that work or why the work was constructed in such a way. Most see the tools used and the instructional steps to complete the task. For example, most see a software developer as someone writing code in JavaScript on a computer based on requirements provided by the project manager and within the scope of organizational coding conventions. Thus, most have a hard time seeing the translatability of these skills and abilities to anything else. Additionally, most struggle to see how the work could be performed in many other ways. Instead, think about the foundational skills and abilities of the software developer. For example, logical thinking, problem-solving, staying on task and following instructions. These translate to many other jobs, but also open up a world of opportunity to redefine how software development should actually work within the organization. Why not use a different programming language or task management strategy? One will encounter the status quo differently once one sees these alternatives and options. The status quo won't simply be the way things are but an intentional choice by the organization for some purpose. Understanding that nearly everything about work is a choice allows one to better self-actualize and consider alternatives for progress. Understand the foundations of work and learn its meaning. #### Related Items [[Work]] [[Skills]] [[Thinking]] [[Reflection]] [[Self-Actualization]] [[Progress]] [[Organization]]