The ever-evolving "skills" terminology

- With the rapidly changing workplace comes a rapidly changing workplace terminology. Before we dive deeper into the course, let me share with you some of the most common terms used to help you clearly communicate skills-based opportunities. We begin by asking, what is a skill? I've seen many different definitions. For our purpose we'll keep it simple. A skill is an ability to perform a task. It is something that can be measured or assessed. That could include wiring a junction box, writing a legal brief, handling a disgruntled customer, doing an Excel spreadsheet, or writing a line of code. When we use the term upskilling we're talking about improving an employee's skills. Basically, it allows them to do the job they're currently doing better. For example, they may need to learn new project management software to communicate with their team better. When we use the term re-skilling, we're referring to replacing completely outdated skills. For example, someone who is a manager of a manufacturing line may no longer have employees because they were replaced with robots. That manager will have to be re-skilled to use the programs that run the new robots. Transferrable skills are skills that can be used in multiple positions. For example, the ability to manage conflict or use an Excel spreadsheet are skills that can be used in many different jobs. Most skills are transferrable, unless they're unique technical skills or have become obsolete. Skills like communication, teamwork, and problem solving, which by their very nature impact performance, are transferable skills. Essential skills are the prerequisites for any position. For example, somebody may be required to speak Spanish because most customers do so. They may need to have a pilot's license in order to fly a plane. Interestingly, something can be both a transferrable skill and an essential skill, like the ability of a nurse to show empathy. The skills gap is defined by the Department of Labor as the gap between what employers need and what job seekers are offering. That gap is wide and it's growing rapidly. Lastly, skill pathing is a development journey that we co-create with employees to help guide and develop their careers. It's also referred to as career pathing. While it's helpful to understand these terms, I am willing to bet we'll be introduced to many more new terms on the journey to building a skills-based organization.