"I've always dreamed of being an old philosopher. So far I've achieved one out of two!"

Gerry Reid's

Personal and Professional
Development Newsletter

Volume 3 - - Subscribe to this FREE newsletter! - - Number 2

Please send your comments about this newsletter to PPDNfeedback@gerryreid.com - THANK YOU!

In This Issue:

Index to past issues

Competence
The First C of the Six C's of Success

Competence:
"The quality or state of being competent."

Competent:
"Having requisite or adequate ability or qualities."

- Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary

When I ask people to define "competence," most of the time people describe the technical aspects of their job or the task at hand. However, competence goes far beyond the mechanical, "doing" side of the job. Competence is more than just skills. Competence is having both ability and qualities.

Ability is when we have power and resources that equip us with intelligence, knowledge and skill. In my book, ASK for Success, I explain in detail how ability equals Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge. The proper ASK about the task at hand gives one the ability to succeed.

Having the "requisite qualities" of competence means to display the behaviors and demeanor necessary for success. Once again, there are attitudes, skills and knowledge that combine to form the interpersonal qualities of a competent, successful person.

Here are the ASK components of competence for both task and interpersonal success:

TASK COMPETENCE
(Abilities)

Attitudes

 . . . Belief that the technical approach being used to solve a problem or create a product is both capable and correct. To show technical competence you must believe that your approach will work and that it is the best choice among multiple options.

Skills

 . . . Applying your technical knowledge in a safe, efficient and effective manner. To be sufficiently practiced in the use of your particular approach so that the elements of work (time, resources and effort) produce results of satisfactory quality.  

Knowledge

 . . . Selecting from all the alternatives the best approach for solving the problem or accomplishing the work at hand. To have previously learned what approaches can be be applied in this particular situation and being able to identify the pros and cons of each   choice.

INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE
(Qualities)

Attitudes

 . . . Showing sincere concern, caring and understanding of the needs of the person who will be using your technology, product or service. To want to be of service to others and willing to contribute the effort necessary to  satisfy them.

Skills

 . . . Communicating clearly to your customer what you have done and why you have done it in a particular way. To be able to listen attentively, respect their perspective, present information in terms they understand,  and demonstrate to them, with patience, how the system works.

Knowledge

 . . . Being aware of the business benefit of your new system or technology as well as being fully informed about how the existing system functions. To have "done your homework" and learned what objections may be brought up and   what underlying gains will be made with the new approach.

Getting Your ASK in Gear helps you to be either more competent, or at least appear to be more competent!

Food For Thought

A Prayer to Start Your Day

This was sent to me from M. L. Price, one of my e-network friends. It definitely qualifies as a short topic deserving some serious reflection.

Dear Lord:

So far today, Lord, I've done all right. I haven't Gossiped, haven't lost my Temper, haven't been Greedy, Grumpy, Nasty, Selfish or Over-Indulgent. I'm really glad about that....

But in a few minutes I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help.

Thank you, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Words From Famous Women

Jacque Fowler of GTE Supply sent me the following list. Hope you find it inspiring, humorous, or whatever!

Please remember, I did not say these things - I am simply passing them on to you for your edification. :-) I have added a few comments [in brackets] and my own favorite quotes just to spice things up.

As you read these quotes, observe your reactions to them and ask yourself in what ways are your reactions biased. How would you handle these kinds of attitudes in a business or social setting? As you know, I believe you can learn something from everything, even if it is simply learning more about yourself.

Jacque said:

"This made my day ... so I sent it to my friends who would appreciate it most! Jacque"

WORDS FROM FAMOUS WOMEN

  • "When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country." --- Elayne Boosler
  • [Hey, Medic, you got any Midol or Morphine?]
  • "Any girl can be glamorous. All you have to do is stand still and look stupid." --- Hedy Lamarr
  • [Hedy was a glamour girl, right?]
  • "Behind every successful man is a surprised woman." --- Maryon Pearson
  • [And visa versa?]
  • "I never married because there was no need. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon and a cat that comes home late at night."--- Marie Corelli
  • [I resemble that remark!]
  • "I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch."--- Gilda Radner
  • [Why do women put up with the hideous designs that, for the most part, are created by men?]
  • "Our struggle today is not to have a female Einstein get appointed as an assistant professor. It is for a woman schlemiel to get as quickly promoted as a male schlemiel." --- Bella Abzug
  • ["Women who seek equality with men lack ambition." - Gerry Reid's feminine side.]
  • "Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then." --- Katharine Hepburn
  • [Dual careers seem to help.]
  • "In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman." --- Margaret Thatcher
  • ["We shall overcome! --- Martin Luther King]
  • "Nagging is the repetition of unpalatable truths." --- Baroness Edith Summerskill
  • ["Yes, my love. Yes, My Love!  YES, MY LOVE!!!" --- Daffy Duck]
  • "If men can run the world, why can't they stop wearing neckties? How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck?" --- Linda Ellerbee
  • ["Only a man would be naive enough to invent a bra that hooks in the back. Only a woman would be naive enough to wear it." --- Gerry Reid's feminine side.]
  • "I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house." --- Zsa Zsa Gabor
  • ["Dahling - Do you want that with or without the mortgage?" - Zsa Zsa's 5th husband]

HELP YOUR PEOPLE, YOUR ORGANIZATION AND YOUR ASSOCIATIONS ACHIEVE MORE!

How? By kicking off next quarter with exciting motivational and educational programs!

Gerry Reid Will Help You Succeed!

Give me a call, today! I will help you put together events that will motivate, train and educate your most valuable resource - Your People!

My programs are guaranteed to more than pay for themselves in improved morale, increased sales and enhanced productivity.

Mention this newsletter and receive 10% off my regular fees for any newly booked event!

Please send your comments about this newsletter to PPDNfeedback@gerryreid.com - THANK YOU!

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