world , social-economic narratives , and traditions are researched and continually tested in order to continually make informed small changes that align the narratives to the new world . And our world is changing fast . The books “ Mindset ” and “ Grit ” is but only a few examples of research work by top professors in the USA trying to address some of our most outdated social narratives .
In the Western world , education is good for everyone , but surely not the only pathway to economic well-being . Education , especially at the university level is more tailored and expected to broaden ones thinking and set a basis for continual knowledge search and absorption . History is good . Geography in good . Chemistry is good . But when a graduate cannot tell his or her right from left , then there is a mega problem .
Other skills and experiences are encouraged besides education enhancement . In a world where anything goes , skills that engages both mind and soul are winning . These are soft skills focusing inwardly into our being and challenging our intrinsic makeup . The three main skills now taking the front stage are ; leadership skills , self-awareness skills , and self-reflection skills .
Leadership is required as a skill for the
future . The old man who came to my office demonstrated leadership . He woke up , showered , and dressed up determined to come and achieve one objective . He chose to do something instead of leaving it to fate . Leadership starts with selfdetermination and independence . It starts with taking responsibility for our situation and actions . If you cannot even guide or lead yourself through your own path to your own destiny , how can anyone agree to be led by you .
In this era of a free world , self-awareness is becoming an imperative skill . If you don ’ t stay focused and set your own limits , boundaries , and standards , then everything goes . What and who you want to become will be determined by how well you know yourself and how self-disciplined you are in the midst of intoxicating information , multiple options , and attractive interests . So you must have grit and know your emotional triggers . You must master and understand your strengths and weaknesses . You must develop and embrace your intuition .
You may be able to influence others and pursue goals as a leader , you may also master how to gather and understand yourself inwardly and outwardly , but if you don ’ t know how to honestly review yourself against the personal standards you have set for yourself , then you soon falter .
Self-reflection is the skill that makes you improve and develop inwardly as a person . When you do something that doesn ’ t sit well with your conscience , hoping you have identified one in self-awareness , then self-reflection questions it . In your quiet , you should give serious thought about your character and actions in line with the person you want to become .
Get me clearly , education is good for what it . But who ( mind you not what ) does education make you become ? Relevant education must give you foundational knowledge that will make you the person you want to become . Eventually , you should thrive to become a person who can demonstrate leadership , stand for themselves , talk on their behalf , control themselves , and review themselves .
Otherwise , graduates who stand behind the curtains and let their parents or uncles perform at the center stage are a no show , leaving us asking , and where is the graduate himself or herself ?
Herman Githinji is a Management Consultant and a Director at Rhombus Ready Mix Concrete Company . You can commune with him on this and related issues via email on : Hermangithinji @ gmail . com .
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