Examples of Transferable Skills Excerpted from the Get REAL Skills website. Top 1. Self Motivation / Initiative 2. Communication 3. Teamwork 4. Flexibility 5. Creativity 6. Diversity Appreciation 7. Time management 8. Information collection and management 9. Problem-solving 10. Self-Directed Learning 11. Customer Service Orientation 12. Using technology 13. Project management 14. Leadership 15. Conflict management 16. Influencing (sales ability) 17. Operating and Managing Information Technology Systems 18. Consulting skills 19. Public and Personal Safety Awareness 1. Self Motivation/Initiative I do more than required or expected, and do things no one has requested to achieve objectives and avoid problems EXAMPLES I have good attendance, am dependable, punctual and enthusiastic in approaching and completing tasks I function with minimal supervision I pay attention to detail I concentrate even when given an unpleasant task I take on extra responsibility to help meet objectives; perform more than required I am persistent; donÕt give up when faced with obstacles or rejection I follow through to completion; am accountable for results I suggest new ideas and new ways of doing things. Back to top 2. Communication I express ideas effectively both orally and in writing, in both individual and group settings EXAMPLES I listen actively (e.g. by clarifying and confirming with others what I heard) I encourage others to ask questions, provide suggestions and share opinions I provide and solicit feedback I use plain language and examples I seek input and ideas from others to keep current I respect confidential information I inform others who need information I present in front of a group with confidence and poise I use visual aids I write clearly, logically and concisely, with correct grammar, spelling and punctuation (e.g. brief notes, memos, instructions, letters, reports or proposals) I select the best communication medium for the audience (e.g. oral, written, graphic, pictorial or multi-media) Back to top 3. Teamwork I work with others to accomplish a common goal. EXAMPLES I work with team members to define team goals I assume responsibility for my assigned role I help others to solve problems and accomplish work objectives I respect differences (e.g. gender, race/ethnicity, thinking styles, etc.) when interacting with team members I adapt to different communication styles I give credit to others who have contributed I acknowledge and work through conflict I support team decisions (even when such decisions may not entirely reflect my own position) I lead when appropriate I have a sense of humour Back to top 4. Flexibility I adapt and perform effectively with a variety of situations, individuals and groups. EXAMPLES I objectively perceive changes in a situation I appreciate different and opposing viewpoints on an issue I adapt approaches as the requirements of a situation change (e.g. a change in schedule or task priorities) I flexibly apply rules or procedures, depending on the individual situation I change my own behaviour or approach to suit the situation Back to top 5. Creativity I identify and suggest new and effective ways to get a task done, solve problems or identify opportunities. EXAMPLES I use imagination freely I combine ideas and information in new ways I make connections between ideas that seem to be unrelated I seek out new information and people with expertise I reshape goals in ways that reveal new possibilities I question established ways of doing things I do not make premature judgements about what will and wonÕt work Back to top 6. Diversity Appreciation I respect and appreciate diversity and individual differences in people. EXAMPLES I seek to understand cultural differences I seek to understand the views of others, I do not act on stereotypes I seek diverse input I seek common ground I see differences in people as opportunities for learning and approaching things differently Back to top 7. Time management I effectively manage my use of time to meet deadlines. EXAMPLES I accurately estimate time needed to perform a task I balance getting the task done and the feelings of the people performing the task I assess and evaluate priorities daily I keep focused and avoid wasting time I manage interruptions Back to top 8. Information collection and management I identify and collect the information needed to make a decision. EXAMPLES I quickly identify the specific information needed to clarify a situation or make a decision I identify the best information source(s) I verify completeness and accuracy of information by checking multiple sources as necessary I probe with tact and diplomacy to get the facts when others are reluctant to provide full detailed information I make effective use of time in gathering information I organize information in readily accessible formats (e.g. paper file, computerized data bases and spread sheets) Back to top 9. Problem-solving I identify problems, consider alternatives, take steps to solve and to prevent reoccurrence. EXAMPLES I gather information from several sources to understand the problem I recognize differences between symptoms and root causes I break complex problems into component parts I generate and recommend solutions I make timely decisions and act within responsibility I achieve win/win solutions to problems I look for new approaches and resources to improve problem-solving Back to top 10. Self-Directed Learning I continually improve my knowledge, skills and abilities. EXAMPLES I understand the learning process I learn from experience I know my own strengths and weaknesses I plan for personal and professional development and monitor my progress I ask for honest feedback from others I am curious I keep knowledge and skills current in areas of interest I have role models; I learn from othersÕ ideas I take risks I view mistakes as necessary learning tools I apply lessons learned from mistakes, setbacks and successes Back to top 11. Customer Service Orientation I understand the importance of serving the customer. EXAMPLES I actively listen and ask questions to understand the customerÕs requests I identify obstacles to meeting customer requests and find the best ways to overcome them with the resources available I give the customer other options when his or her request is not possible I respond with an appropriate sense of urgency I manage multiple customer needs effectively I anticipate customerÕs needs and make suggestions in the customerÕs interest I stay calm and professional if a customer is angry or loses control Back to top 12. Using technology I use technology (e.g. computers and software, fax, copier, phones, specialized equipment, etc.) to complete a task. EXAMPLES I identify the technology to achieve the desired outcomes I am proficient at using technology to complete a task I use technology to organize and analyze information (e.g. enter, modify, store, and verify) I use software to communicate information (e.g. line graphs, bar graphs, tables, narrative, etc.) I can describe in detail where problems are occurring I understand maintenance (e.g. knowledgeably discuss repair needs, expected repair times) I report maintenance to the appropriate person/department (do not get more involved than necessary in order to resolve the problem efficiently and effectively) Back to top 13. Project management I organize a collection of activities to accomplish a specific project goal. EXAMPLES I use systems to organize and keep track of activities (e.g. "to do" lists, appointment calendars, follow-up file systems) I set priorities I establish objectives that are achievable and measurable I determine the best allocation of resources (budget, people, equipment, space, etc.) I anticipate obstacles and develop a back-up plan I meet deadlines and complete projects I plan for follow-up activities I handle multiple assignments and projects I evaluate projects and report on lessons learned Back to top 14. Leadership I influence and guide others to achieve objectives. EXAMPLES I establish standards and performance goals for others I convey confidence in peopleÕs ability to do the task I coach and develop others I recognize and reward good performance I give frequent feedback I discourage competition and promote open communication I utilize group problem-solving and decision-making techniques I delegate authority and responsibility I adapt my leadership style to fit individual needs and tasks Back to top 15. Conflict management EXAMPLES I describe key issues leading to conflict situations I focus on processes and behaviours rather than personalities I seek to influence rather than control I identify areas of agreement (what do we agree on, what do we disagree on) I change my views when warranted I defuse tense situations I work towards win/win solutions Back to top 16. Influencing (sales ability) I gain acceptance of others for ideas, plans, activities or to buy a product/service. EXAMPLES I identify the people who can make or influence decisions I choose an appropriate approach to gain agreement to an idea or course of action I establish credibility or make an impression (e.g. using details like dress, language, and surroundings to make that impression) I present compelling arguments based on factual information and logic to support positions (e.g. cost/benefit analysis) I highlight advantages or benefits of an idea, a plan or products using concrete examples, visual aids, demonstrations etc. I look for win-win opportunities I understand how my own style and behaviour impacts others I anticipate the reactions of others and respond to objections I use experts or third parties to influence Back to top 17. Operating and Managing Information Technology Systems Design, improve, monitor and correct information technology systems. EXAMPLES I determine desired outcomes and constraints of a task I suggest methods to achieve the desired outcomes and the technology (e.g. software) to do it I evaluate specifications and decide which technology will give the desired outcome I install computer systems including printers, storage devices, etc. I troubleshoot problems (e.g. printer error) I perform routine maintenance and service on computers and programming systems I recognize when to get additional help Back to top 18. Consulting skills Work to meet the needs of internal and external clients. EXAMPLES I quickly identify needs of clients I respect policies and procedures in problem solving I draw on diverse sources of information and personal contacts to generate ideas I prepare proposals I assist the client in assessing needs and options and recommend courses of action I am accessible and responsive to clients I report on results Back to top 19. Public and Personal Safety Awareness EXAMPLES I identify/apply relevant codes, standards and methods I read/interpret codes I am aware of the consequences of code infractions I identify/apply company design standards I identify/apply occupational health and safety standards I identify/apply environmental and legal responsibilities I design to codes I verify conformance to codes I apply safe work practices