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Is It Who You Know or What You Know?

Everyday I encounter people who feel they could be “doing better” if they only knew someone who would give them a leg up. I am the first to admit that having friends in high places is a definite advantage. But, not in the way many people believe it to be.

In most situations “who you know” will definitely open doors for you. But, mastery of you underlying temperament and “what you know” determines whether you will be able to take up residence in the new region beyond that opened door.

In fact I would have to give two elements of advantage an approximate equal value. A college diploma. An established friend in a desirable place of employment. Either one will get you the proverbial foot in the door, which is to say, an interview. Skill at tasks and the ability to capitalize on your temperament are what get and keep you in a job.

In fact, the SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) published in 1991 (finalized 1992) indicated their are ten competencies and skills that make you a desirable and employable person.

  1. Reading
  2. Writing
  3. Performing mathematical operations
  4. Listening
  5. Speaking
  6. Thinking
  7. Interpersonal Skills
  8. Information Management
  9. Understanding of Systems
  10. Technological Literacy
  • My bonus addition would be Typing or Keyboarding.

The other option would be knowing the “right people.” If that is the true course what are the steps to follow it?

Coleen Watson has these suggestions.

  1. First build a personal network inventory.
  2. Ask those on your inventory to introduce you to those on their inventory.
  3. Ask you boss who you should try to meet in the industry.
  4. Call some of the people you wish to add to your inventory and introduce yourself.
  5. Recommend your peers when opportunities they could fulfill arise and recommend them.
  6. Be nice. People who aren’t nice to the waiter, to the dog and to children aren’t nice. Dont’ be one of those people.
  7. Become a hub. Help as many other people make connections as you can.

The question remains, which of these skill sets is truly requisite and therefor “the” key to success?

What are your thoughts gentle readers?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 28th, 2008 at 1:50 pm and is filed under Elemental Truths, communication, personal development, success, temperament, tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

6 Responses to “Is It Who You Know or What You Know?”

  1. Mother Earth Says:
    June 3rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm

    I think it’s who you collect and why and then sharing the collection - some people affectionately collect - their collection of people has meaning, but if the meaning isn’t shared then it’s a personal shrine.

  2. Reg Says:
    June 4th, 2008 at 11:15 am

    I never thought about it as a collecting metaphor. How did you come to that as a construct?

  3. Mother Earth Says:
    June 5th, 2008 at 2:22 am

    not sure i understand what you mean by construct ?

  4. Reg Says:
    June 5th, 2008 at 11:37 am

    I meant construct as a literary device, a way of connecting ideas together. Your “collection of people” is an excellent example. We do go through life attracting or collecting the people we most enjoy being around. It’s a good analogy or construct. Thank you for it.

  5. Mother Earth Says:
    June 6th, 2008 at 9:59 pm

    gosh i have been a person collector for a very ling time, i am glad it’s something that you appreciate, and that somehow I have constructed a literary device - ha!!

  6. Reg Says:
    June 7th, 2008 at 12:35 am

    Your sense of humor is super.
    Have a great day.
    Reg

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