12 Subjects I Wish I Learned in School
Where to start with this wonderful infographic posted by ThePowerMBA, I saw appear on my LinkedIn feed? This image is important for the simple reason that, with traditional MBA attendance soaring (and I understand this logic as we don’t know where the economy is headed), it is worth exploring some of the hard skills needed to succeed in a post-pandemic economy. Self-directed learning and skill acquisition are vital, and if anything, COVID has shown us that skills are more important than pedigree during this period.
You may have already developed some of the skills listed below, while some you may have to learn, but the important thing is that they are all skills that one can acquire. Learning them can level the playing field, whether you’re an entrepreneur or work for a large company. They are also applicable to all trades and industries, both those that exist today and ones that will be created post-pandemic.
Emotional Intelligence
I’m embarrassed even to write this is a skill; this should be a given. Sadly, many millennials and Gen Zers lack this empathic mindset. Often in life, those who succeed are not necessarily the ones who are the smartest or the hardest working, but those who have the highest EQ. What does that mean? They understand what drives people and can use that knowledge to their advantage.
Effective Communication
This one can be tricky during COVID times, but one meta-skill is learning how to write well. If you can write well, you can structure your thoughts and understand how to communicate them verbally. Having the gift of gab could be something you’re born with, but learning how to write well, speak with conviction, and present effectively are learnable. Every leader possesses this skill or has learned to do this effectively.
Personal Finances
This can bleed into your business dealings as well. It’s actually shocking how many people focus on making money and not saving (or even just understanding where each dollar is going). You can blame the student loan crisis or the financial services industry for making it so opaque, or you can take your financial future into your hands. You don’t need a lot of money; you just need to start.
Human Values
I wish we were more human, and I wonder if we can learn new values. There is no separation between running a successful business and being a decent human being. Millennials have been talking about this for the last few years, but being a better human and showing empathy is one of the reasons we’re on this planet. The point of business is not to make money but to produce something of value that solves people’s problems; money is simply the reward.
First Aid
You can learn this in one afternoon, and it is something we should all learn. I’m not sure how this directly relates to business, but if you care about helping others, it helps you save a life. It can also empower you.
Diet and Nutrition
As an entrepreneur, if there is one thing along with a mindset that helps you succeed, it is this. If you’re overweight, don’t sleep enough, eat junk food, and generally don’t take care of yourself, you’ll have your figurative lunch eaten by entrepreneurs who are sharp and fit. You need to be optimized, and health is the biggest hack that exists.
Time Management
The hardest thing about getting anything done is putting your seat in a chair and actually doing it. Big things, huge goals, are accomplished piecemeal, one step at a time, which means creating an effective schedule and framework to get it all done. If you cannot manage your time and prioritize your schedule to execute against your daily goals, you’ll be steamrolled by life.
Creation and Innovation
Can this be taught? I am admittedly skeptical, but it is something that should be valued and on which we should focus. Innovation is a messy business, but everyone can be creative to some degree; this is more valuable than anything else. We are in the ‘creation’ economy, so even if you’re not a ‘creative,’ understanding the business side of this is vital.
Crisis Management
This you must learn in trial by fire. We’re all going to have to deal with some bull, and at one point, it may threaten to wipe us out. Learning how to keep your head and not make emotional or drastic decisions is key. Let’s hope we don’t need to face such challenges.
Sales and Management
I would actually put sales by itself, as it is the most important skill for any business owner. Not all salespeople are entrepreneurs by a long shot, but all good entrepreneurs need to know how to sell. The problem is that people are above doing this gritty work and think sales are in the realm of used cars salespeople, or telemarketers. You need to get over that. As Mark Cuban famously stated, “sales cures all.”
Negotiation Techniques
Another one, which some cultures focus on when it’s normal to haggle. In some places, it’s looked down upon. Either way, in this global economy, learning how to negotiate is key to making sure you get the most out of what you want. Know your worth!
Meditation and Relaxation
Ah, my favorite one, because you need to make time to recharge, and if you’re a hard driver, most likely you don’t. Without a real recharge, you’ll burn yourself out and be unable to perform at your absolute best. And don’t feel guilty that you’re taking time off and not doing ‘something’; some of your best ideas and breakthroughs will come during times of relaxation.
ThePowerMBA did an outstanding job of compiling this list. This is a good framework of some of the skills on which we could focus and develop over the next year, with this infographic serving as a guide.
Jonathan ‘Yoni’ Frenkel heads Partnerships at Tulsa-based Atento Capital. He aspires to be a high-agency type and is a self-professed performance optimization nerd. He can reached on LinkedIn here.
