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Student development of the 6 Future Ready Skills is an essential element of NAF’s outcomes-driven approach to work-based learning, along with clarifying career aspirations and building professional connections. These 6 skills were carefully selected after working with MHA Labs to build upon their thorough research and holding conversations across the NAF Network. By developing these skills through work-based learning activities and receiving feedback from professionals, students will be positioned for success in the world of work today and tomorrow.
COLLABORATION
Encourages the ideas, opinions, and contributions of others, leveraging individual strengths
Provides feedback in a manner that is sensitive to others’ situation and feelings
Clarifies areas of disagreement/conflict that need to be addressed to achieve a common goal
Seeks to obtain resolution of disagreements/conflicts to achieve a common goal
Also referred to as: accountability, cooperation, helpfulness, leadership, participation, conflict resolution, teamwork
COMMUNICATION
Organizes information that serves the purpose of the message, context, and audience
Uses and adjusts communication strategies as needed based on the purpose of the message, context, and audience
Signals listening according to the rules/norms of the context and audience
Seeks input to gauge others’ understanding of the message
Asks questions to deepen and/or clarify one’s understanding when listening to others
Also referred to as: listening, negotiation, persuasion, presentation, verbal communication, written communication
PROBLEM-SOLVING
Defines problems by considering all potential parts and related causes
Gathers and organizes relevant information about a problem from multiple sources
Generates potential solutions to a problem, seeking and leveraging diverse perspectives
Identifies alternative ideas/processes that are more effective than the ones previously used/suggested
Evaluates the advantages and disadvantages associated with each potential solution identified for a problem
Selects and implements the best solution based on evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of each potential solution
Also referred to as: creative, critical thinking, decision making, innovative, process-oriented, strategic
INITIATIVE & SELF-DIRECTION
Demonstrates awareness of own abilities and performance
Seeks knowledge and information proactively to build understanding and anticipate what is needed
Needs minimal supervision to complete tasks
Attempts to complete tasks independently before asking for help
Follows rules/directions as required by the task/situation
Maintains focus on tasks despite internal and/or external distractions
Strives to overcome barriers or setbacks, seeking assistance when needed
Adapts approach in response to new conditions or others’ actions
Also referred to as: adaptable, agile, dedicated, focus, grit, motivated, optimism, perseverance, persistent, project management, self-discipline, work ethic
SOCIAL AWARENESS
Demonstrates integrity and situational ethics
Recognizes the consequences of one's actions
Balances own needs with the needs of others
Takes into consideration others' situation/feelings
Develops and implements strategies for navigating in different cultures/contexts
Also referred to as: appreciation, code-switching, cultural competence, diversity, empathy, emotional intelligence, ethics, fit, global awareness, perceptive, responsibility, social intelligence, social skills
PLANNING FOR SUCCESS
Sets and prioritizes goals that reflect a self-awareness of one’s capabilities, interests, emotions, and/or needs
Breaks goals into actionable steps
Accurately estimates level of effort and establishes realistic timelines
Manages time to complete tasks on schedule
Applies existing/newly acquired knowledge, skills, and/or strategies that one determines to be
useful for achieving goals
Monitors progress and own performance, adjusting approach as necessary
Demonstrates a belief that one’s own actions are associated with goal attainment
Also referred to as: ambition, assertive, goal-setting, impulse control, mastery-focused goals, metacognitive strategies, motivation, multi-task, plan, punctual, preparedness, self-regulation, self-reliance, time management