Report: Evaluating Personal Skills for Strategic Goal Achievement

This report offers an in-depth evaluation of personal and professional skills essential for achieving strategic goals. It explores various methods for assessing personal skills, such as time management, problem-solving, and communication, highlighting their significance in individual and organizational development. The report also examines techniques for evaluating professional skills, including SWOT analysis and psychometric tests, within the context of 3sixtygsm company. It identifies key professional skills like leadership, mentoring, and presentation skills. Furthermore, it delves into a skills audit to assess the strategic skills required for leadership roles, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal and professional skills and their impact on achieving strategic objectives. The report also includes personal development plans and methods for assessing their outcomes. The importance of continuous learning in achieving strategic goals is also emphasized.

Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 1
EVALUATION OF PERSONAL SKILLS REQUIRED IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF
STRATEGIC GOALS
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Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 2
Abstract
This report informs about learning outcomes. It consists different methods that can be used to
evaluate personal and professional skills that are necessary in the achievement of strategic goals.
It also consists different techniques that assess professional skills required to support 3sitxtygsm
company to achieve its desired outcomes. There is a skills audit that can be used in the
evaluation of strategic skills required in leadership positions. Moreover, there are techniques
used in the identification of preferred learning styles. Additionally, there is a personal
development plan and methods that can be used in the assessment of the outcomes of a personal
development plan against set objectives. Finally, it highlights the importance of own learning in
the process of achieving strategic goals.

Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 3
1.1 Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals
Personal skills are vital in human development and they enable people to develop and attain
professional growth. Personal skills are significant both for individual development as well as in
the development of the entire organization. Organizations should aim towards continually
developing their personnel and aiding them in the development of their personal skills. Personal
skills enable people in the attainment of success. People who lack different vital personal skills
are unable to function properly in the society and are face many challenges to fulfil their
different goals.
The personal skills that every individual should possess include; proper time management skills,
problem solving skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, dedication and hard work
skills, skills of stress management, ability to prioritize in different tasks (Learning policies
branch 2006).
To evaluate the skills one method which is commonly used is the SWOT Analysis. This involves
a classification of skills that I consider to be my strengths and weaknesses. Further I consider the
skills that are significant at landing me different opportunities as well as skills that I lack and
they therefore pose a threat to the achievement of my strategic goals (Turkay 2014).
One of the most significant personal skills is the skill of proper time management. This skill is
vital because it enables people to succeed in their personal activities as well as in their
professional activities (Management Institute 2016). Regardless of how knowledgeable one is
without proper time management, one is likely to fail in multiple instances. As a student who
works part time and studies the rest of the time this skill has determined how well I am able to
achieve success in both areas of my life. If I am late for class, there is a high chance of failing in

Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 4
my exams. On the other hand, going to work late may lead to getting fired and losing my job
which I cannot afford to do. To ensure that both activities go smoothly, proper time management
has been vital.
Moreover, there is time that I have allocated to carry out personal activities. Therefore, to be able
to achieve all my targets in any given day, I have conducted an analysis of time spent on the
most important activities and gotten rid of unimportant activities that were eating into my time to
create time for enough rest, sleep, and doing my hobbies.
Prioritization of activities is another skill that is very important in everyone’s life. It enables
people to have an analytical awareness of the different activities that need to be carried out and
decide which is the most urgent (Zenger & Folkman 2014). This skill has enabled me to be able
to meet my deadlines in various tasks such as assignments. It has also enabled me not to forget
important activities. Further, I have been able to carry out high quality work due to presence of
enough time to deal with the challenging activities first.
The ability to have effective communication skills is vital to everyone’s life. This is because
communication, both verbal and nonverbal, is the means people use to inform other people what
they want. Communication skills enable people to apply for jobs and through proper expression
of themselves and their abilities in the interview process, they are able to get the job. Moreover,
through this process, individuals carrying out business activities are able to interact with different
stakeholders in their businesses. These stakeholders may vary from customers, suppliers,
investors, the community, and the government (Public Service Agency 2016).
Once people are employed, they need communication skills to understand what is required of
their jobs and to ask questions in areas where they do not comprehend. People who are great

Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 5
communicators are also confident and they are able to achieve their objectives in a more efficient
manner than people with poor skills of communication.
Having the ability to work hard and have dedication in all activities is another skill that is very
important. This requires sacrifice to get the job done in a proper manner. People who have a goal
of progressing in their careers and moving up the corporate ladder, need to be committed to their
work and work harder than everyone else. It is important to note that hard work goes hand in
hand with productivity (Gates 2010). Working hard but not achieving various set goals will not
yield any returns. Incidentally, I always work hard both in my studies as well as in my job. Hard
work and dedication involves assisting people who may need help in their tasks.
Another very vital personal skill is stress management. People who work hard but are not able to
manage their stress levels are highly likely to get diseases such as high blood pressure. Stress can
result from exhaustion or lack of skills to solve a given complex problem which requires
consultation with different people. People need to find ways that work for them which they can
employ to reduce their stress levels and to control their emotions during these times (Carter
2012). Whenever I feel stressed because I do not understand how to carry out a specific activity,
I ask for help from people more knowledgeable than I am. Moreover, physical exercise is one
method I use to manage my stress levels after having a busy day at work or studying using
activities such as jogging.
Finally, interpersonal skills are significant because they enable one to interact with other people.
Human beings are social beings and as such, they need to relate with other people. Activities that
involve team work require people to possess interpersonal skills to enable them to interact with
different people some who they may not know (Zenger & Folkman 2014).

Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 6
By being aware of the skills that I possess and those that I need in carrying out various activities,
I have been able to realize whenever they are not being utilized. For instance, I am able to know
how my time management skills have been over a given period of time by comparing the number
of times I was early to those I was late. By being aware of my strengths and weaknesses, I am
able to capitalize on the strengths and improve on the weaknesses.
1.2 An Evaluation of Professional Skills Required to Support the Strategic Direction of
3sixtygsm Company.
In a bid to assess one’s professional skills, there are various assessment tools that can be used.
These include; performing a SWOT analysis – this involves an identification of the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and strengths. In this analysis, one is able to identify opportunities
that could lead to career progression as well as identify threats that exist to the progression of
one’s professional life and therefore find solutions to solve these challenges. Another method of
evaluation requires carrying out psychometric tests to identify which professional activities one
is best suited in (Cajander et al. 2011).
As a professional working at 3sixtygsm company, there is a myriad of skills that I am required to
possess to be productive to the company. These include; leadership skills, mentoring and
counselling skills, presentation skills, conceptual skills, and effective skills.
Conceptual skills refer to the ability to use available information to understand various aspects of
the business. For instance, I am able to; comprehend the business model the company is using,
understand different challenges and execute solutions, have the ability to analyze data and draw

Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 7
insights, among others (Zenger & Folkman 2014). This involves the use of critical thinking in
different situations.
Effective skills on the other hand refer to one’s ability to contribute to the overall objectives of
the organization (Brewer 2013). As an employee of 3sixtygsm company, with possession of
effective skills, I have the ability to perform different tasks effectively. These skills enable me to
multitask and work well with others to produce the desired results.
Leadership skills are very vital in professional activities. Leadership refers to the ability of a
person to influence people to pursue a certain course. People who have leadership skills are able
to take charge of different situations with confidence and charisma whether they have the
necessary qualities or not. For a person to be a good leader they need to have personal skills such
as proper communication skills and time management skills (Zenger & Folkman 2014). Working
at 3sixtygsm company has enabled me develop my confidence and communication skills that are
vital in leadership to assist me in leading other people in an effective manner.
Mentoring and counselling skills are also important in different professions. Mentoring involves
guiding and coaching people in various fields. As a professional in 3sixtygsm company, who has
a goal of producing high quality results, I need to possess coaching skills which can be used in
teaching my subordinates how certain activities should be carried out. To impact skills unto other
people, one needs to be a good communicator. A coach also needs to have good listening skills
to be able to know how to coach and counsel people as well as listen to their opinions.
Presentation skills are also important professional skills. These skills enable one to be able to
present information in the right manner to have the desired effect. For instance, after data

Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 8
analysis or any research, there is a need for the results to be presented in the right manner
(Cajander et al. 2011).
Indeed, personal skills and professional skills are very interconnected. It is clear that personal
skills are vital in gaining professional skills. When a person has good personal skills, their
professional lives are likely to be a success (IBEC Training 2010). Therefore, personal skills first
lead individuals to the achievement of personal success but when they get into a profession, these
skills enable the individuals to experience professional success and consequently the
organizations they work for become successful.
To properly perform as a student as well as an employee, there are different strategic goals that I
have set and work towards achieving consistently. My strategic objectives include; always being
a peak performer at work, gaining knowledge and being able to complete my learning activities
and perform well, and managing a balance between my different responsibilities.
2.1 Skills Audit to Evaluate the Strategic Skills Needed in Leadership Activities
Carrying out an audit on one’s skills is an important exercise because it helps one to identify the
areas where they need to improve on based on the responsibilities that an individual has. It
involves a review of a person’s existing skills against the skills that are needed to achieve
different goals both in the present as well as the future
There are different strategic skills that are required in the achievement of current as well as
future leadership activities. 3sixtygsm company as it aims to achieve its goals requires leaders
with various management skills. They need skills that aid in the development of strategies that

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help in the ever changing complex markets. All organizations are bound to face ups and downs
in terms of demand and supply of their goods and services. There is need for a leader with
strategic skills that can be able to face these challenges and come up with solutions.
The business environment changes very fast, is highly complex and very competitive. There is a
need for organizations to come up with methods that are innovative and strategic in the
management of the various problems (Zenger & Folkman 2014).
Another strategic skill that is needed in leadership is the ability to have proper cultural and
communication skills. This highly applies for 3sixtygsm company because it deals with people
from different geographical locations and who have different cultural activities. Leaders in this
company such as managers need to be able to communicate properly with different employees
and customers from the different regions regardless of the difference that exists in cultures
(Brewer 2013).
Skills in people development are also extremely vital in leaders. Today, it is very important to
develop existing as well as new employees in an organization. This development is in the form
of improving their business acumen, their communication and professional skills. Due to the
presence of numerous emerging markets and competition in the market place, companies have to
ensure that their employees can be able to deliver high quality goods and services. Therefore, as
a leader, one should be able to direct the employees on how to deal with the various challenges
and be as productive as possible (IBEC Training 2010).
Leaders should also be able to motivate employees to accomplish the organization’s objectives.
This requires the leader to use something as motivation to induce the employees to develop the
desire to perform different tasks to the best of their ability (Wilcox n.d.).

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Leaders should also possess delegation skills. This refers to the ability of a leader to pass on
certain duties, tasks or power to their subordinates. This requires the leader to assess the
strengths and weaknesses of different employees to be able to give the responsibility to the right
person. The leader needs to have good delegating skills to be able to be in line with the strategic
goals of the organization (Public Service Agency 2016).
To carry out an audit based on strategic skills required in future leadership requires activities that
can be performed in three steps. First, one has to find out the strategic leadership skills that are
needed in the achievement of current and future goals. The second skills involves an evaluation
of the skills that one’s followers need to possess in order to bring the best results. Finally, one
needs to evaluate the results and decide developments needed in order to achieve the strategic
goals (Gates 2010).
Feedback is another method that can be used in the process of auditing personal and professional
skills. This could be feedback form peers, superiors at work as well as from customers in any
organization. Other means of auditing of skills include appraisal, performance reviews, and
feedback from supervisors and mentors (Zenger & Folkman 2014).
2.2 Techniques to Identify Preferred Learning Style
There is a myriad of techniques that can enable one to identify which learning style works best
for them. These include; psychometric testing for instance the Kolb learning styles, Flemings
VAK/VARK Model, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and the Honey and Mumford Model (Felder
& Celanese 2015).
Psychometric tests are scientific tests that are used to measure the behavior and mental
capabilities of a person to measure how well suited the individual is for a given role as per the

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cognitive and personality traits depicted. One type of psychometric testing is the Kolbs Learning
Styles. This model has four learning styles that include; Converger, Diverger, Assimilator, and
Accommodator (Flores & Ed 2016).
The converger style of learning involves thinking about something and then doing it. It is a
practical method of learning and requires application of the thoughts and ideas. It is very
important in solving different problems. It is a pragmatic mode of learning and the individuals
likes to view results. It also involves a hands on experience and questioning after learning and
then practice. Finally, it is viewed to be a narrow and technical method of learning (Flores & Ed
2016).
The diverger learning style involves observation and feeling. It brings about generation of new
ideas. It requires one to be open minded and creative. People who use this style of learning are
also very sensitive to feelings. People with a diverger learning style like to interact with other
people. They are also interested in cultural issues that are broad and prefer topics on social
sciences. They like discussing many different ideas as well as generating new ideas and are very
imaginative. Moreover, they like to brainstorm and getting involved in group discussions (Felder
& Celanese 2015).
Another learning style under the Kolbs model is the assimilator style of learning. This learning
style involves observation and thinking. It involves information analysis into a logical solution
and makes use of theoretical models. Unlike the converger learning style, the assimilator style
requires an understanding of the information as opposed to applying it in different ways. People
who use this style of learning prefer to deal with information in the form of abstract ideas as

Evaluation of Personal Skills Required in the Achievement of Strategic Goals 12
opposed to dealing with people. They like synthesizing data and logically analyzing information
(Flores & Ed 2016).
The final learning style in this model is the accommodator style. This style involves feeling and
doing. It is where people learn by performing activities. People who learn in this manner like to
take risks and carry out experiments. They are also open-minded and adaptable. They like
dealing with other people. Their most benefits come from situations that are structured and
require to be changed. They enjoy learning from other people and possess great lab skills (Felder
& Celanese 2015).
Another learning model is the Neil Flemings VAK model. This model speaks about three types
of learners. These include the visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners.
The auditory learners are the people who prefer having someone explain things to them instead
of reading them. One common study method they use is having music playing in the background
as they recite information. Other than background music, they may find other noises to be a
distraction (Flores & Ed 2016).
Visual learners on the other hand find the best learning style to involve reading, the use of
graphics or looking at a demonstration. They find it easier to look at graphs and charts but could
be easily distracted when listening to explanations (Felder & Celanese 2015).
Kinesthetic learners are able to understand information best using an approach that is hand on.
This involves actually carrying out an activity in the learning process. They also find it easier to
learn as they write things down (Felder & Celanese 2015).