Think of it this way - What is your weakest ability? It is your customer relations skills? Would you rather work behind the scenes instead of having to deal with customers the majority of your time? If so, then improving your people skills can help you achieve a great level of satisfaction and a higher level of success in your career. Perhaps you are great with customers and could sell ice to the Eskimos, but you lack certain technical skills dealing with computer programs. If this is the case, you should spend more time learning everything you can about a certain computer program in order increase your productivity.
If you deal with foreign clients often then maybe you will want to improve your foreign languages. If you speak with someone who is not native to the United States, for you to make them more comfortable then you can speak to them in their native tongue. No matter what type of job you have, there are numerous opportunities to improve your skills. If you work in a shoe store you can get a better understanding of the different types of materials shoes are made from and what feels best for the foot. You can learn about the subtle contours in the foot and determine what type of shoe is best for the customer.
Once you stop growing as a person then you might as well not try because you are not truly living anymore. Yes, your job might not be the best, the highest paying, or the most rewarding, but by improving your skills you will increase your worth and production to your company. Spending a little extra time improving your skills, whatever they may be, will go a very long way in the success of your career.
There is an old saying that says ''You can't teach an old dog new tricks''. You'd better learn new tricks (improving your skills) before a younger and more talented dog comes along and takes your job right out from under you. Employers are always looking for the next rock star of the office. Therefore, improving what you need to so that you can stay ahead of the pack is vital to your career.
Lastly, once you have improved in an area of your skill set that was lacking, guess what? Now you need to look for the next skill you are not the most confident in and begin the process all over again. The key is to continue to improve in all areas of your life (relationships, both professional and personal) so that you can grow as human being. Never become too complacent in your job because the next bright, young talent will pounce on you.
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