ALT-1 How to use your Strengths and Weaknesses in the Workplace
During the course of a day several opportunities are presented in the workplace where your strengths can be used to your advantage. In addition to this, a person can sometimes also use their weakness in a way to make the resulting outcome a positive one.
Working among a group of people necessitates good social skills so that the interaction that results is profitable both for the team and the company. Having a friendly personality is an endearing quality that makes it easy to communicate with others and share your opinions and ideas. The benefits are not only limited among work colleagues but also useful when dealing with customers who see you as the company representative. The ability to get on with people from different backgrounds is a valuable asset not just in employees but also in management as it can help to build and maintain business relationships. It is also invaluable for sales staff that require people skills alongside their product knowledge to increase company turnover.
Another important quality useful in the workplace is diligence or attention to detail when performing their job. While ensuring that the work done is of good standard it reflects well on the responsible nature of the person who has put in the time and effort to complete the given task. Going hand in hand with this trait are qualities of hard work, efficiency, reliability and dedication that make an employee stand out as being exceptional as they do not hesitate from helping out if the need should arise.
Some employees go beyond their call of duty and handle tasks that are not part of their job description. They are multi talented and are often called upon to assist in other areas of the company if there is a shortage of staff or if an area of the business isn’t functioning as it should. Making people aware of the talents you possess which are not necessarily related to the job you do can open up new opportunities for an employee. An example is an accounts person who has knowledge of how computers work or a warehouse person who is also good with electrical repairs. If the need should arise they can help out so that the company continues its operations without having to wait for costly external assistance.
Product knowledge or being good with numbers is an example of other skills that prove useful in a working environment. Some people have an astute business sense and can anticipate the outcome of decisions being made better than others. Having the confidence to put new ideas and opinions across to management with a view to steering the business towards a profitable direction can very soon put such employees on the ladder to success in their companies.
While positive qualities make any employee or employer stand out sometimes weaknesses can be used to move forward in a company. Being honest and admitting to a lack of experience in a field can encourage an employer to pay for the necessary training to bring the employee up to par. It is easier to train an existing employee who has shown potential than to hire someone new who might not live up to expectations.
Employers are generally sympathetic and supportive of employees who are honest about any weaknesses or limitations that are affecting their work. If they are being bullied for example or not fitting into a team flexible arrangements can be made so that the work does not suffer and the employee can use his skills in a more receptive environment.
