Critical Thinking Is a Critical Skill
In my previous article on how to become more valuable in the marketplace, I shared one important tip - that is to acquire more than one skill.
If there's one skill among so many that need to be developed, in my opinion, I would say it's critical thinking.
Critical thinking, in a nutshell, is the disciplined process of processing information based on substance, context, and timing before making a conclusion or judgment.
Many people go astray in their lives because they let every idea that comes their way to influence their minds. If they can develop this critical skill, they would be able to go to places they wish they were, or become a better person they aimed to be.
There are three primary reasons that I see critical thinking as a necessary skill to practice.
First, it helps you to filter information that you get by reading, watching or listening to a video, article or any other sources.
You put, what I call, "mental stop" to an idea that is trying to enter your mind. You pause for a while and think.
By doing so, you don't give a chance to any idea that will not add value to your success goals.
Second, critical thinking helps you deepen your values by recognizing them first as your primary criteria to check if an idea is good or bad.
Thirdly, critical thinking allows you to make solid arguments when there is a need to protect your beliefs and your virtues.
No, you don't insist debate, but when the time comes that you have to defend what you believe in, you know what to say because you have pondered it well several times.
Now, let me discuss how you can develop a critical thinking skill.
1. Question the popular thinking.
Our social networks are now bombarded with motivational quotes, videos on "5 easy tips to make", "quick hacks," and "secrets to success." Information like these is scattered everywhere. If you want more of them, just follow a famous personality, and get notified by his latest updates.
When an idea is positive and is coming from a person you admire because he or she is very famous and rich, you are likely to read it, consume for a while, and share it quickly.
But..
How many times have you questioned a popular idea?
Have you taken time to reflect and criticize if it is really valuable?
If you are like most people, you don't. As long as the quote got thousands of likes and shares, it doesn't matter, they will accept it.
I want you to take cautious moments and think.
The next time you read a quote, watch a video, read a book, or hear a principle from a speaker, my recommendation is for you to ask yourself these simple questions:
- Are these ideas aligned with my beliefs, values, and virtues in life?
- What's the context of this statement?
- Where is the speaker coming from? Why is he saying that?
- Does the idea add lasting value to me and to others?
- Are these statements leading me to shortcuts or easy hacks in life?
- Does this person's life reflect what he says?
And a lot more questions that would allow you to criticize the idea. Once you've got through all the thinking process, you will realize if an idea is worth accepting, worth to practice to your personal life, and even worth sharing to your social media feeds.
2. Read more than one material.
My favorite business philosopher, Jim Rohn, says this best, "Don't be a follower, be a student."
What does it mean to be a student?
To be a student means to read more than just one book. You go to the library and look for other references for the same topic. You don't stop searching until you find which resources are valid and credible.
Then you make a curated list of topics or points that sums up your entire report or presentation.
In life, you don't just follow the crowd. You don't just accept opinions from other people. You get more than one source. You ask advice from many counselors, mentors or coaches. You seek for learning.
From that, you make a decision upon your conclusion. You conclude on yourself on what makes sense to you.
TAKEAWAYS:
You cannot master critical thinking by just enrolling in a course or reading a book on this topic. It requires more than that - a discipline to think and reflect and the humility and willingness to be corrected.
"You eat the meat and throw away the bones," as Francis Kong said. You get what is substantial and valuable, and throw away what's not.
So, If someone tells you there's a shortcut to success or one formula to getting wealth, would you believe them easily?.
Becoming More Valuable in the Marketplace
This week, I was having a conversation with one of our employees who just went to a 1-year evaluation in our company.
I went over her accomplishments, how she behaved in the office and the improvements she needs to make in the coming months or years.
It's tough to give evaluated feedback as you have to support your objective comments with data, notes and situational cases, where both of you would remember and agree.
Like every employee, she wants her salary to be adjusted. Of course, who didn't want that?
Given the results and productivity she had, her line of work and the professional behavior she showed, the value that she gave to the company doesn't deserve a salary adjustment.
With a little pondering with my business partner, we came to that conclusion.
As I end my conversation with her, I gave recommendations as to how she could be more valuable to the company. I provided a few opportunities that she can grab and treasure and shared recommendations for behavioral changes that need to be made to acquire specific skills.
When we desire to get more from the marketplace, we have to give more and become more valuable.
As my favorite business philosopher, Jim Rohn once said,
"Work harder on yourself than you do on your job."
What a fascinating philosophy that is!
More than just being a hard worker on your job, you've got to be hard worker on your own personal development and growth.
Your salary will never be more than your personal development. I strongly believe that.
Of course, there would be people who are undervalued in the corporate world today - meaning, they don't get the salary deserved for what they have contributed.
If you are one of them, I believe God knows that if you invest time, money and other resources to grow yourself and put them into practice in the workplace. Time will only tell. In the right season, you'll reap your harvest.
Working hard on yourself means learning some extra skills by reading books, attending classes and seminars, having lunches and dinners with mentors, coaches and trusted friends who can give you feedback and by doing other activities that will help you become a better worker.
It is better to make yourself more valuable than to wait for the annual review to get a raise. You may look for another company that gives a better compensation, but sooner or later, you'll receive the salary that deserves your worth in the marketplace.
I say worth in the marketplace, not your self-worth. You get your self-worth alone from God and not from anybody and anything else. Our worth in the marketplace will increase if we make some changes in the way we think, the way we say and the way we do things.
Here are two ideas to increase your worth (or value) in the marketplace.
1. Develop the discipline.
Every one of us will choose either of these two pains: the pain of regret or the pain of discipline. The pain of discipline weighs ounces, while the pain of regret weighs tons.
How many times did you regret something you've never done or finished in the past? Whether it's a new part-time business that you want to put up or a certification course you want to take or an MBA program, you want to enroll in?
Whatever it is, those regrets could be avoided if you have put enough disciplines to them.
In a moment of deciding whether to invest your money and time in an activity that helps you grow, discipline your mind. Think of the future, and not just the present.
You can easily waste the money if you decided not to. But if you invest it in the future, you'll reap the rewards of your investment. And the investment is not on other people, IT'S ON YOU!
It takes discipline to decide whether you'd go for the necessary activities for personal growth or let days pass by without doing anything and just waiting for things to happen.
2. Acquire more than one skill
When you understand the benefits of becoming more valuable in the marketplace, you'll start to look for opportunities where you'll gain more skills.
We paid by the value of our hands. Knowledge and skills are both needed in the marketplace. But let's talk about our hands - our skills.
The more specialized our skills are today, the more we increase our value.
Think about your current skills today. Do you have a technical skill you gained from your college course? Is there any chance you can deepen your knowledge towards that skill?
How about adding more skills? Other skills aren't industry-specific but are critical for daily work.
Today, people skills are fundamental. There's a high likelihood of you getting promoted when you have both technical and people skills.
Many available resources will help you gain knowledge in dealing and handling people in the marketplace. One book that I'd recommend is the 360 Degree Leader by Dr. John Maxwell. This resource will help you lead yourself, your co-employees, your subordinates, and even your boss.
There are other skills every one of us need to develop - skills such as communication and selling (if you're entering into business, this one is a must).
Be intentional in gaining more skills. Because in this highly competitive world, highly-skilled people are ones who get the highest pay.
Takeaways:
With simple disciplines and a strong intention for accumulating new skills, you'll increase your value in the marketplace over time. Maybe not too quick as you wish. But success is not an overnight success. Success is practicing daily disciplines consistently.
Big Secrets of the Most Successful Online Workers Uncovered
The interest in online employment among Filipinos is increasing dramatically. Obviously, with good reasons. Who wouldn’t want more independence and flexibility in their daily schedule? Not to mention numerous possibilities for earning far more than you need! And all that from the comfort of your home. It’s finally not important who you know, but what you know and can do.
Sounds like a dream come true, right?
We’re not talking solely about earning some extra cash on the Internet. It’s rather about making your living online and building a stable virtual career in a massively growing industry. You wonder which one it is? A bit more patience, please. You’re about to find out the greatest secret of online workers who are well ahead of the game.
Take a peek at these genius insights into becoming a prosperous and satisfied online employee.
Love What You Do
You can make money online in various ways. For instance, you can work as a virtual assistant, copywriter, web developer, CSR, administrative support, marketer, graphic designer and the like. The opportunities are numerous, so everyone can find what suits their needs and interests best.
That is important because you can’t remain committed to your work if you’re disengaged. But how could you get engaged with the job you don’t like or get bored with? Don’t let the money be your only motivator. You won’t be able to achieve the business goals and fulfil your company needs.
Instead, be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Based on that, find a lucrative niche you’re interested in and hone the necessary skills to perfection. That’s the only right direction.
Followed the link above? Then, you have the idea which one that is for sure. If you think it’s eCommerce, you’re right! The rise of this industry is undeniable. Cost saving and convenience for buyers are what primarily drives its massive growth. That’s the well-kept secret of leading online workers.
Keep Up-to-Date with the Latest Industry Changes
Once you’ve identified the most impressively growing industry and chosen your field of interest within it, it’s vital to remain updated. Why? Because all industries are evolving rapidly nowadays. The tools you have to use when working online are changing and developing in the blink of an eye.
In one of the Forrester’s reports about eCommerce forecast for 2017 to 2022, it is stated that:
“Cross-border shopping will make up 20% of eCommerce in 2022, with sales of $627 billion. Asia Pacific, driven by China, will become the largest eCommerce cross-border region for both imports and exports.”
You see? Not only eCommerce is the future, but it’s already our present!
Thus, strive to stay on the learning path constantly if you want to be competitive. It’s impossible to become affluent if you’re not highly skilled for the job, right?
So, be proactive! Always gain new knowledge and certifications to stay ahead of the curve. Your employer will appreciate that.
Develop Your Technical Skills
Haven’t we mentioned that constant learning is the key to success? You don’t have to be a Jack-of-all-trades who speaks perfect English, knows a lot about SEO, graphic design, marketing, or programming. Just show initiative to learn and grow. Every legitimate employer will reward your effort.
Basic technical skills of an average online worker include:
- using the Internet,
- using a word processing program (e.g. MS Word or Google Docs) to create and edit documents,
- using spreadsheets (e.g. MS Excel or Google Spreadsheets) to keep various records,
- sending emails,
- downloading and uploading documents, and the like.
Mind you - your aim is to be exceptional, not average! So, invest in your knowledge today to become competitive! Choose an effective self-paced online training.
Master Your Communication Skills
When it comes to communication, keep it clear and straightforward. Be a careful and active listener who asks specific questions. That’s how you’ll get targeted information you need to complete your tasks.
For instance, imagine you’ve encountered a problem you’re supposed to discuss with your teammates to find a solution. Don’t just say ‘Hey! Here’s the problem! What should I do?’ Instead, offer a possible solution in advance and ask for their opinions and suggestions.
Also, provide detailed but concise instructions. Use active verbs and a step-by-step approach when assigning a task to a co-worker to avoid misunderstandings. For example, don’t phrase the instructions like this:
“Blog article on popular shoes with nice photos and relevant links needed by Friday.”
Instead, give the following less generic guidelines, such as:
“Hi (team member’s name),
Please, write a blog article about the most popular high-heeled shoes this season for www.storename.com/blog (no longer than 900 words).
Deadline: Friday, August 25, 2017, 10 a.m.
The aim of this task is to .... (explain what you would like them to achieve with this work)
1) Please include a link to their most popular product page in the first part.
2) Include no more than X outbound links.
3) Also, include at least 3 high-quality product photos (dimensions AxB).You can ask [team member] to help you find them.
Thank you,
(Your name)”
Isn’t it more precise?
So, keep your messages and emails brief to avoid confusion. Getting right to the point will show you respect other people’s precious time.
Strengthen Your Soft Skills
Besides the professional skills required for the job, you shouldn’t neglect your soft skills as well. It means you’re supposed to develop your emotional intelligence. That’s how you’ll learn to:
- handle work pressure,
- cooperate with others,
- be an active listener,
- communicate properly,
- connect with people,
- empathise with them,
- be open to feedback, and much more.
It’s also useful to learn how to deal with difficult colleagues.
Maximise Your Productivity
It’s impossible to reach maximum productivity when you’re not focused on what you’re doing. Stronger focus increases productivity. As simple as that. Thus, plan your steps, manage your time, and remove any distractions while you’re working. That’s the only way to boost your productivity.
Keep Track of Your Performance
Define reasonable specific professional goals and deliver on them. Keep track of your performance on a daily or weekly basis. It will help you stay on the right path and head towards achieving your goals.
If you’re not satisfied with your performance, find the ways to improve it. Also, don’t sit and wait for the feedback, ask for it.
Demonstrate an Exceptional Work Ethic
No matter whether you’re working on a major or minor task, always do your best. Handle all your tasks with particular attention to details and the same enthusiasm and responsibility. Anyway, being devoted and hard-working are typical Filipino traits. So, you won’t find achieving it difficult, right?
Someone unreliable who often misses deadlines can’t expect a raise or promotion. Similarly, your excellent performance will be recognised and rewarded.
Thus, hone new skills, be within reach, stay loyal and self-motivated. Jump in and offer help when you see a colleague struggling with a task. Even if you’re not asked to. Get the job done on time and inspire others around you to grow. That’s an online employee who can count on long-term engagement, high rates and success.
Always Stay Professional
Wins and losses are part of everyday business. Filipinos are sensitive and take everything too personally. That’s why you should learn how to take constructive negative feedback from your boss or co-workers seriously but not too personally. Use it to figure out how you can improve. It’s vital to learn how to manage your emotions and stay professional.
Create a Good Working Environment
Remove any distractions from your working environment and get some peace and quiet. You certainly wouldn’t take your children, family or pets to the office, right? Your office is now at home, so make sure the kids are playing in another room or outside while you’re working. Talk to your friends and family so that they know when they mustn’t interrupt you unless the house is on fire.
Also, turn off the TV and your mobile phone. Don’t get lost and start surfing the Internet for pleasure, reading newspapers or playing games during your working hours. A serious online employee would never do that!
Comfortable chair and adequate lighting go without saying.
Take Special Care of Your Equipment
The equipment you use in your day-to-day work MUST meet at least some minimum requirements. Otherwise, you won’t be able to perform your duties smoothly. Make sure your computer works properly, and secure a stable Internet connection. Also, come up with a backup plan if something goes wrong. That’s how you’ll show your employer you’re serious about the work.
Be Wise with Your Earnings
When you start earning more than you used to, you will be tempted to spend more too. You’ll want to make some big or unnecessary purchases, buy expensive presents for your friends and family, or organise big parties as most Filipinos would.
You think that’s how you’ll show the people how much you love and appreciate them, right? Besides, shopping and parties relieve stress, and you work a lot now and are under intense pressure. So, why wouldn’t you relax a bit and enjoy your life? Be careful not to fall into that trap!
Plan your budget before you get old and realise all your big money’s gone with the wind. Open a savings account, get insured, and think about your retirement now. Also, invest in your education because it will bring you an even higher salary.
Adopt the Right Attitude
It’s all about the right approach to work. Do you believe your home-based online employment is less important and serious than a regular office job? If you do, that’s an obstacle to success.
Don’t get working in your tracksuit or pyjamas from your room deceive you! Your virtual job requires as much dedication and effort as all the other jobs. Thus, treating it as a genuine employment is the only right attitude.
That’s why you should learn how to be an effective and valuable remote employee. All these guidelines rely on nothing more than common business sense. Stick to them and your online career is bound to thrive. Keep in mind that building a successful online career takes discipline, dedication and persistence.