Overview
Mrs.Ishara Raviharee conducted the first lecture of the Professional Skills module, introducing us to the concept and importance of professional skills in both academic and workplace environments. The session emphasized the differences between technical skills, soft skills, and transferable skills, explaining how each contributes to success in various career paths.
Technical skills are specific to particular jobs or industries, while professional skills, also called soft skills or employability skills, are applicable across multiple roles. Important professional skills discussed included teamwork, communication, leadership, flexibility, and problem-solving. The lecture also highlighted essential values such as honesty, respect, integrity, responsibility, and trustworthiness, which serve as the foundation for strong character and professional behavior.
The Johari Window and Group Activity
We also learned about the Johari Window, a model developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham to help individuals understand themselves and their relationships with others. It identifies areas that are known or unknown to both oneself and others. During a group activity, I worked with my friend Asith using this tool. This exercise allowed me to discover qualities that others noticed in me but I had not been aware of, as well as traits that I recognized in myself but others did not. This practical experience provided valuable insight into self-awareness and interpersonal communication.
Suggestions for Developing Professional Skills
To strengthen professional skills, it is recommended to:
Take on new challenges to broaden experience. |
Accept feedback and criticism positively. |
Apply learned skills regularly through practice. |
Continue learning, as growth is continuous. |
What I Learned
This session helped me realize the significance of soft skills, which I had previously overlooked while concentrating on technical abilities. I recognized that I had been using skills such as teamwork and communication without fully realizing their impact. Leadership was particularly meaningful to me because I aspire to become the owner of a company and lead others effectively to improve overall efficiency.
I learned that true leadership involves more than giving instructions; it requires guiding team members, making fair decisions, and being accountable for outcomes. Reflecting on this lecture, I believe that studying these concepts earlier would have enhanced my performance in group projects and improved my overall academic development.
Captured Moments
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| Dividing skills into categories |
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| Johari window exercise |
