21st Century Skills: Comparative Analysis Self-assessment is an explorative and introspective activity to find self-realities in order to gain insight and plan selfimprovement activities (Yena, 2011). The self-assessment aspects reviewed for this assignment, include skills assessment, skills inventory, emotional intelligence, and a career profile summary. In particular, this paper will focus on the results of the self-assessment in comparison to 21st century skills and analyze the results for growth opportunities and self-improvement.
The self-assessment results suggest I view myself as well developed in most skills required in the 21st century. My particular strengths include the four most important skills employers are seeking, including critical thinking and problem solving, oral and written communications, teamwork and collaboration, and professionalism/ work ethic (Yena, 2011). In particular, critical thinking and problem solving is the core of my career today, which includes leading business partners to understand their root causes and find innovative solutions to address the issues, not the symptoms.
Conversely, opportunities are notable in emerging content areas of economic issues, globalization, and non-English language skills. In the 21st century, expectations are growing in areas of personal development of health, finances, and career (Yena, 2011). As expected, areas of emergence are likely new for many individuals and should be viewed as opportunities to practice lifelong learning. Table 1 List of Skills Needed by Workers in the 21st Century and SelfAssessment Comparison Type Skill Self-Assessment Result Knowledge Reading, writing, and speaking English I am fluent in English and focus work is not necessary at this time.
Mathematics I use math daily in my Six Sigma statistical and analytical work. I also create dashboards from measurements collected from processes. Science My career background has included computer science as I have worked in information technology for a number of years. Government/economics An area to improve is government and economics as I work in the banking industry. Additionally, as my career goals include global consultative services, it is important I become more globally minded.
Humanities/arts I have an appreciation for the arts, however it is a personal enjoyment and not a focus area of my career. Foreign languages have some French background, however this area is a focus area as I look to develop into a global consultant. History/geography Thave a basic understanding of history and geography, and I enjoy researching and using internet tools to find more about a local are when applicable. With my goals of global consultation, it is critical I do pre-work within the areas I intend to focus on.
Applied and Transferable Skills Critical thinking and problem solvingl am strong in critical thinking and problem solving skills, as evidenced by my application within facilitating continuous improvement Process Discovery and Innovation Sessions with business leaders. Additionally, I use Six Sign nethods to compute and statistical measures to educate and influence business leaders. Oral and written communications, am called upon to present virtually and physically in front of teams of 10-500 audience members about process improvement.
In particular, I have created a highly visual and well received PowerPoint presentation on Service Models and include a now infamous Pizza Delivery example to help explain the concept to my audience. Teamwork and collaboration As a consultant, I am not a decision maker. It is critical I work with the decision maker and the team in order to help them understand their opportunities at the root cause level, and develop solutions to them. This requires a high level of teamwork and collaboration.
Professionalism/work ethic I am confident in my professionalism and work ethic skills. I consider these table stakes and would not be in the position I am without them. Information technology application I have an AAS in information technology and over 10 years of experience in the field. This is one of my greatest strengths as I partner with business leaders. Leadership I am sought out as a leader within my team and past teams. I prefer to lead in non-managerial roles such as my current consultant role.
Creativity/innovation Process improvement is primarily concentrated on creativity and innovation. Additionally, my PowerPoint slides are exceptional in their construction, creativity, and combined with my delivery, profoundly impacting Lifelong learning/self-direction continue to seek my degree in Organizational Leadership from CSU-Global. Diversity I will continue to use my employer’s robust diversity and inclusion program to grow. Ethics/social responsibilityl have a high level of integrity and ethical behaviors.
Emerging Content Areas Health and wellness choices Exercise, nutrition, and well-being activities are regularly executed within my household. Opportunity will always exist to expand in this area. Personal financial responsibility I am financially sound and have long term savings for retirement and my children’s college education. Entrepreneurial skills As a process improvement leader, I am always looking for new ways to execute work and championing change across the organization.
Economic issues and the role of the U. S. and global economy This is an area of growth for me as I look to become a global consultant. Economic and cultural effects of globalization This is an area of growth for me as I look to become a global consultant. Informed citizenship I participate in civil rights activities and am highly supportive of same-sex marriage. Importance of non-English skills I know some French, however with a goal as a global consultant, it is important to grow in this space.
Note. Adapted from “Career Directions” by D. Yena, 2011. p. 13. Goal setting is important to drive to selfimprovement. Goals should be SMART, meaning specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (Yena, 2011). Currently, my personal career goals are relatively short-term because I am new in my current role. My goals include: • Complete my Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership at CSU-Global at a pace matching my employer’s tuition reimbursement program.
Take advantage of my ability to work remotely to enhance my wellness, including preparing meals and increasing exercise with what was previously commute time. • Deliver to my performance and bonus goals, as well as my development plan, as set forth in planning earlier this year. Conclusion Self-assessment and self-improvement are not one time events. Goal setting and planning must evolve as one gains new skills and seeks further development. Lifelong learning is the key to continual growth and further successes.
