It may seem doubtful, but throwing parties or playing video gaming may mean bigger strides in your career development plan. This emerging world of work does not necessarily mean allowing the robots to take over — it’s also about bringing skills, interests, and strengths from your personal life that can contribute to your professional success.
According to one study, “World of Warcraft” gamers possess the psychological profile that would indicate success as virtual team members. The fast-thinking communication skills gamers hone would translate to real world skills. You don’t have to be a gamer to have applicable skills to leverage for job growth. Here are a few other hobbies you may consider picking up for professional success.
1. Get active
Join a softball league, a chess club, or a few neighborhood runners on their next trail. Sure, getting into shape is a big bonus. The focus here, though, is about flexing those social muscles. Honing your social skills and ability to pick up social cues is a fundamental need in the professional world. Interestingly, the type of sport indicates what traits are being hones. For individual-centric athletics, like swimming or running, endurance and goal creation are incredibly important. Team sports like basketball or water polo, develop the ability to remain competitive whilst remain affable.
2. Throw parties
It doesn’t have to be a college-style rager. It can be a dinner party in your backyard. Invite friends over for a casual beer and have them invite their friends. It’s a fabulous way to grow your network and develop social skills. The biggest skill takeaway is the organization part of the bash. Organizing events take dedication and thought-out planning. Making grocery lists, figuring out portion size, and remaining mindful of the budget are all skills that can translate to the workplace. Who knew a few cold ones meant career development? This calls for a toast.
3. Build something
It can be a drone, a model airplane, or a piece of furniture. The key here is to zero in on your decision making skills. In this small environment, no lives or jobs are at risk, but it does make you think on your feet to make the right decision. It creates a state of focus that can be translated into the world of work that values great decision makers.
Find that one thing you’re great at
One question to ask yourself: “What am I amazing at?” Do people compliment your sense of style? You are a quick reader? Or your ability to make people feel at ease or laugh? Find that one thing that you are really good at and build on it. Capitalize on your strengths and watch them grow. It creates confidence, which goes a long way in the work place where ideas need to be negotiated and deadlines need to be enforced. Becoming incredibly knowledgable on one thing may also be a gateway to another career move: entrepreneurship. A common claim is “entrepreneurs are generalists”. Though true for some, think of other well-known founders, like Steve Wozniak, Bill Gates. These guys understood how to program computers really well. Then, they launched into a different career trajectory.
Your career development plan: Never stop learning
At absence.io, we understand the workplace is shifting. That’s why we empower companies, like MyTheresa and Check24, with freedom and ease as they manage team absences.
Cheers to that.