We live in times when it is no longer pardonable to be ignorant. Doing business in this decade can no longer be as it used to be. Consequently, work has evolved from merely “doing your job” and expecting pay. The millennial worker is now expected to provide value that affects the “big picture”. However, certain traits, systems, thought patterns, and so on are compulsory if one must succeed in providing this kind of value to the organization they work for. A lack of (or insufficient) knowledge of these parameters is what creates the knowledge gaps many employees find in their life.
Experts have indicated that it is dangerous to allow knowledge gaps to linger for long. It is therefore urgent for an individual to quickly identify these gaps and begin a program of personal development to catch up. It is equally expedient for a Human Resource practitioner to swing into action and implement a much-needed staff development program.
There are 5 areas progressive employees must ensure knowledge gaps are nonexistent in their careers and everyday lives.
Social Media: Here, the writer does not intend for employees of organizations to become social media gurus. But having a proper understanding of how each works and how to utilize them to one’s advantage is too important. This knowledge is essential in building a strong personal brand.
Communication: Communication goes beyond being able to get yourself understood. In the business of this time and age, one is required to acquire effective listening skills that will enable them to be able to grasp both spoken and implied notions. According to entrepreneur and trainer, Kingsley Aigbona, every conflict is usually a product of gaps in communication.
Virtual Meeting: Virtual meetings are becoming an integral part of our lives and work. There must, therefore, be no gaps in the knowledge of how virtual meetings work. Every working person must learn how to proficiently use Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet. They must also learn the dos and don’ts of virtual meetings.
Empathy: The ability to feel what the next person is feeling is what sets great leaders apart from average leaders. It is invaluable to learn how to “step in someone else’s shoes” in order to be able to know how it “pinches” them. This important emotional intelligence is called empathy.
Networking: Success in life is determined by how much you know. But who you know matters more. The ability to successfully network with others in such a way that they start to like you and chose you when they need to is priceless. Do not have a knowledge gap here.
There are more knowledge gaps one must not allow but these 5 will suffice for now.
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