So what are the new skills? #2

I just recently shared the first in what was to be a series, but now is finally a series again.

So What are the New Skills #1

Now on to number two...

So current day, what are the new skills, the ones everyone is supposed to have, should have, or would be embarrassed not to have?  What skills would they want on a new job, in everyday life, or in an emergency?  Remember we are talking technical slash computer skills.

To keep it brief and to promote reading this blog all the way through (no skimming), I am providing a bulleted list for your personal safety and enjoyment.

• You can install your own software AND read the install screens to avoid those annoying browser spy bars (toolbars) and other trash-ware crap.
• You use keyboard short cuts and or anything to help you get things done faster 
• You understand that if a button pops up while on the internet and says "CLICK ME" that you by all means should NOT click it

Ok, my snarky self is getting in the way, here is the "non-snark" list:

• You are adept and productive in Microsoft Office and other Microsoft products 
• Keyboard shortcuts, you know at least 6 of them
• You Google things to find answers because its faster than asking someone
•  You know the difference between the four main browsers.  
• You can name the four main browsers.
• You understand social media and use it correctly 
• You have proper web Etiquette. REALLY (see I yelled)
• You can fix your own computer problems, well at least 60% of them
• You can use technology seamlessly from desk, mobile, car, and tablet.

There it is... and if you are reading my blog, you can either hear me preaching to the choir or something like that.

Try again and drive it home

Iron sharpens iron, but also consider hammer on thumb brings focus to nail.

Mistakes and errors can happen (your new sore thumb), but that setback can bring new focus to the thing you are aiming for (the nail).

Try again and drive it home.

So what are the new skills? #1

So what are the new skills?  #1

When applying for a job, future employers are looking for some type of descriptive of what are your skills.  The same is true when going to school, acting as a volunteer or other task.  So besides your perceptive skills of various types, what are your computer skills?  How are you when it comes to technology? In general, what are your tech skills?

Around twenty years ago the term “computer literate” became a term that was used to describe if you could sit down at a computer and do something with it.  At the turn of the millennium, the PC explosion was on its rise and in the work place as well as home computers became the central tool to operate to perform many or most job functions.  Being computer literate became a much bigger term and a much more important skill in the work place.

Enter in 2013 and technology is infused into everything.  Apps are everywhere, and the modern smart phone has more power than a late 1980’s Packard Bell does.  Computer literate has been out run by the need to be tech savvy.  No longer does computer skills count as a bonus as everyone from pre-school toddler to the elderly us computers like previous generations used to use the radio and television. Computer skills are just assumed these days.

Back when, in the 1990’s, being able to be fluent in DOS, able to install software in Windows 3. 1, and able to work with software applications such as Lotus 1-2-3, Word Perfect, and Netscape was  considered pretty lofty and you were probably the local guru.  If you could attach and setup a SCSI scanner and work with editing pictures, you were in the top 90%.  

Today working with spreadsheets, word processors, and using the internet are given skills.  Plug and play that works along with USB has replace the need to be a hardware guru.  Editing pictures, five year olds can crop pictures and use editors.  

So what are the new skills?  We will explore that. First enjoy Kim Komando explain what a computer is and what it can do.  We have come a long way baby.  

Making something ... making yourself....

Lately I have had several conversations with people where we were discussing how so and so has really made something out of themselves. These were all folks who had less than desirable circumstances or simply have really worked harder than everyone else around them. They have made something out of themselves.

The Occasional Guru would like to point out that successful people make themselves... they make themselves do a whole lot of things that take them past average and beyond the norm.

It may not always be pleasant, popular, or fun, but do you make yourself do the necessary to be extraordinary?

Cheers if you do.

Why Programmers Work At Night

So what schedules you: a traditional or a makers schedule?  I don't put links very often but when I do, they are important.  Click and learn...

http://www.businessinsider.com/why-programmers-work-at-night-2013-1

Distruption - A Tad More Sage Career Advice

Disruption - Knowing what it is and what it does provides a tad bit of career advice at knowing what is sometimes called "help" or "ideas" is often disruption.  Having that good idea that is a real time saver or a better way to do something my seem like good input and both a boost for your future boon and for the betterment for all involved.

Now what makes this sage career advice is knowing that in most locations in a career path disruptions are not welcome.  Oh no they are not. It might be the million dollar fix, but in the workplace which is still factory method minded that it is keep quite, do more, and don't buck the system.  After all those above you know all and see all.

Now with a smirk we know that great ideas can come from anywhere and even the simplest suggestion can be a winner.  Genius knows no boundaries.  But ideas are disruptions and can pull the stop cord on a forward moving train.  Is that what you want to be remembered for?  I thought so.

If you have an idea, and it is a good one, then it can sprout, and grow roots or wings waiting until the time when a disruption is best accepted and handled.  It might take some time and patience, but you probably have not been hired to be disruptive, but to be productive. But in the right time and place, that hiccup that you introduce to improve life and humanity for all in your workplace world will forge a revolution, or maybe just a improvement.

Sage career advice, be productive first, disruptive later.  Its all good.

- Mike

Sage Career Advice: Learning with your mouth shut.

Pondering some moments from strange and wonderful ride though a varied and I think successful career path, a thought of reflection is due for the tact and fact of learning with your mouth shut.

So this installment of sage career advice adds the thought of in groups and gatherings, such as meetings and work sessions, that the best learning opportunities (as well as leadership opportunities) is to learn with your mouth shut.  Don't be the first to talk, and don't be the last either.  If you feel that you have a worthy "add" to the conversation, then play your card well timed and delivered short and sweet.  But in the meantime listen to the conversation around you.  Carefully.  Pondering, Considering, Thinking. Reviewing. Respecting.

What is being said?  How is the conversation maturing? Exactly.  Now add and draw back. 

Are you learning before going all in?

Learn with your mouth shut.  Then speak.  In time, you will get to be the one with the million dollar answer to the 64,000 dollar question.