4 skills you need to excel at

As I sat down to figure out what to pass off as career advice today, I decided I would go back to the essential things people need to excel at. So I say to myself: “what are the 4 things that I always wish I could be better at?”

But as hard as I tried I couldn’t think of anything! Not even one thing in the world that I could possibly be better at. Again, my beatified perfection gets in the way of educating my readers. It’s my cross to bear.

“Crap,” I say. “Now what am I gonna write about?”

Moments later – an epiphany!

I will write the about the 5 things that regular people – like people who read this awesome blog – might need to excel at. Brilliant Zach! As usual.

Writing

Communicating via the written word has been around since Gutenberg invented the printing press in the late 1970s. Ever since, writing has been a critical way to communicate ideas to a wide audience.

Writing for campaigns and for non-profits is a little different, I think, than writing for school or a regular job. Typically, political writing needs to be concise, accessible and clear. You often must reduce an entire piece of legislation to one or two sentences that include just enough substance and subtle spin to catch people’s attention and start to get them on your side.

Other political writing includes developing campaign plans, writing grants, press releases, etc. A lot of this is about practice and a lot is about style. If you want to be a good writer, read what other people are putting out there and practice on your own.

Talking

Sometimes known as “speaking,” talking was the chief manner in which early humans shared ideas, needs and information. Up until the invention of Facebook, Google Chat and email; humans were forced to utilize their vocal cords and listening ports (ears) for things other than enjoying and screaming at a Jonas Brothers concert.

You must resurrect this lost art if you want to be an effective communicator. Non-profits and campaigns are all about people. You need to be engaging, respectful and informative all at the same time if you want to make an impression on the people you are reaching out to and your peers in the field.

Listening

I never used to do this. Before I knew everything and became a blogger I only thought I knew everything. This was bad. Not listening caused me to mess up projects, confuse specifics and waste time. Listening is critical to understanding your audience (what is on their mind?), taking direction from a senior staffer and getting a task done right the first time.

So slow down, get out a notepad and listen.

Attention to Detail

In the professional world, if you can call non-profits and campaigns professional, attention to detail is acronymed as ATD.

I have heard plenty of times on reference calls for hiring: “oh he’s great but he has some ATD issues.”

I would not hire this guy. Don’t be this guy.

Slow down, re-read, and put the finishing touches on projects before handing them over.