There are an infinite number of skills humans can accomplish.  From that list, however, there’s a smaller number that are mandatory for sustained success in any job.  Develop these skills and you’ll be successful in any position accomplishing any work. 

Communications

Empathy

Vision

Execution Mindset

Self-motivation

Creativity

Health (diet, physical training, emotional equanimity)

Self-leadership

Focus

Networking

Gratitude

Developing these skills won’t come from a week professional development course, a weekend retreat, or a single book.  You may take inspiration from these and have an “ah-ha” moment, but you won’t achieve an end-state, a point where you say “yes, I’m as good as I’ll be in communications”.  These are all skills that ebb and flow in intensity and competency throughout your life.   Approach them as a continuous work-in-progress.

As you develop these skills, you’ll expand your capacity, capability, and the velocity at which you accomplish tasks, generate and act on ideas, and connect with people around you.

“A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.”  Larry Bird

Christian Knutson, P.E., PMP is a leader, civil engineer, and author.  He’s an accomplished professional specializing in A/E/C work internationally and author of The Engineer Leader, a recognized blog on leadership and life success for engineers and professionals.