[ to be able to listen in a variety of situations and circumstances for a better understanding and to learn how to perform your responsibilities at a higher level; 

[ to be able to read in order to understand and also to be able to use written materials appropriate for the business you are in. You must be able to read and understand instructions and directions in today's business community in order to succeed;

[ to be able to write effectively, both to communicate internally to fellow workers and also to outside contacts. Whether by internet or by snail-mail, the art of writing is still very important in today's society;

[ to be able to speak clearly and effectively in order to present yourself and your company in both small and large group settings. Marketing and public relations are so very important today. You must be able to communicate orally in order to be of any use to your company.

[ to be able to think critically and to act in a logical manner to evaluate situations, solve problems and make necessary decisions. Each day on the job brings with it new challenges and problems. It is crucial that employees be able to work their way these challenges and make decisions which are in the best interests of the company;

[ to be able to use technology effectively in problem-solving situations. We live in a hi-tech society. The world of instant communication contains very useful tools that will give you the competitive edge if used effectively;

[ the willingness and ability to continue to learn and adapt to changes in the workplace. All employers look for people who are "coachable". Employers want people working for them who will become an extension of themselves. They also want people who can adapt to the constant changing landscape in which businesses find themselves today;

[ the desire to upgrade your skills through formal training and professional reading. When you enter a new career, you will soon discover how difficult it is to "keep up" with changes and new technological advances. Always demonstrate your desire to go for upgrading and search for professional reading. Employers will gladly pay for your upgrading if they feel you are worth the investment.

[ having a positive attitude toward your work, your employer and the other people in your workplace is becoming increasingly important in today's society. Negativism is destructive and can impact on the bottom line. Also, if you have a positive attitude it helps you find solutions to problems and challenges that come with the job;

[ demonstrating self-esteem and confidence through your words and actions on the job. It is one thing to "talk" and yet another thing to "walk the talk". Show that you are sure of yourself and have confidence in your abilities if you want others to feel the same way about you;

[ placing a high value on honesty, integrity and personal ethics. Don't sell yourself out. Your reputation is the one thing that no one can take away from you and will always follow you wherever you go. Make sure it is the kind of reputation of which you can be proud;

[ showing that you have a positive attitude towards your personal mental and physical health. Develop your mind and keep yourself in good physical condition. Don't be putting yourself down if you are not build like a movie star or if certain things are difficult to comprehend. Have a positive attitude and make the most of your "strengths".

[ demonstrating initiative, a high energy level and the persistence needed to get the job done under difficult conditions. Follow a healthy lifestyle so that you can keep up to the physical and mental demands of the job. Employers love employees who have a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

[ the ability to set goals and priorities in both work and personal life and the desire to achieve your targets. All managers must have this to succeed in a leadership position.

[ the ability to manage all resources, especially time, to achieve the goals and objectives of the company. You must be the kind of person who always comes in on time with projects and is always on time for meetings and deadlines. Show that you can get the most out of your time and you will become a very valuable asset to any company;

[ the ability to accept responsibility willingly and be accountable for your actions. Always accept new challenges and positions of responsibility. Show that you are someone who can be counted on. Also, when things go wrong, accept the consequences of your actions without excuse. ;

[ being able to adapt to changing job conditions and new situations. Don't allow change in the workplace to defeat you. Seek out opportunities to effect change in order to improve the situation instead of always reacting to changes after they occur.

[ the ability to work with people with different backgrounds and mind-sets to accomplish goals and objectives of the company is crucial in today's workplaces;

[ the ability to plan and make decisions with others and support the outcomes is also very important. Once group and team decisions are made, it is up to each member of the team to work as a unit to implement the policies to the best of their ability. This is a very important skill in the workplace today;

[ work without clear job descriptions. "It's not my job" is a phrase that is quickly disappearing from most companies. Multi-tasking is the key word today. Employers are impressed with employees who show initiative and can work in the best interests of the company without needing constant direction;

[ respect the thoughts and opinions of others. The only way for companies to generate new ideas today is for everyone to feel comfortable about sharing their ideas with others. You may not agree with what a person has to say, but you can at least respect his opinion and defend his right to express his opinion and thoughts.;

[ accept leadership roles when appropriate. If an employer asks you to take on more of a leadership role in the company, accept it as a compliment in your abilities. He wouldn't have asked if he thought you were not capable of handling the added responsibilities.