Skill
Contents
Definition
Skill is A learned ability to do something well
Summary
Description
Skill is an ability of an individual to do something well, i.e. it is a synonym for individual's know-how. Skills can be learned, developed and taught. Skill is not like talent which we are or are not born with.
By definition, skills can be a part of a person's tacit knowledge. Skills are related to practice and to doing things. A person with a long experience, may not be able to fully explain how and why he is doing things.
Managing skills
As part of their competency management, organisations usually develop competency models which include skills that are needed in the organisation. Skills defined in competency models are linked to role descriptions and thus become part of managing individual competencies.
Organisations often group the needed skills into skill sets. These may include technical skills, communication skills, management skills, people skills etc.
The methods for managing skills are usually a part of the following management methods
There are also several tools available to manage and use the skills of an organisation. These include
Developing skills
Skills are part of individuals knowledge and competency and they can be learned. Thus there are several options for organisations to build new skills or further develop the existing ones. The processes to achieve this involve individual learning. Some most typical tools are listed below
The choice of an appropriate method depends on the skill in question. As skills are related to doing something, usually a class room training or lecture are not sufficient and some practical exercises are required. To develop a skill into a level where it is a part of person's tacit knowledge, experience of working with
References
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