Q&A: What is the most important skill to have at work?

Even though life can get busy, I aim to publish an answer to a reader’s question every month. Here’s a transcript of my answer to one of my favorite readers’ questions about my say-do ratio:

What do you consider the most valuable skill to master at work?

Thank you for your question. In May 2021, I answered a similar question about emotional competence, and how I think it’s one of the most valuable skills to master as it basically affects every aspect of life.

When it comes to work situations, however, I would say we all have this specific challenge of figuring out how to tune out the constant noise of social media, notifications, and other distractions, and find some headspace to get stuff done amidst the chaos of it all. We live in a world of infinite inputs with a lot of stimulation coming from all kinds of directions, and I find it all a bit overwhelming sometimes.

Therefore, what comes to mind when I reflect on a potential skill, is the idea of boosting our say-do ratio wherever we can, and trying to turn our words into deeds in a world full of distractions.

For example, if you’re someone who stands by what you say and gets stuff done, that’s a high say-do ratio and I like working with those people. It’s about being true to your promises and following through on what you say you’ll do. This ratio basically includes how well you match up your talk with your walk.

But a high say-do ratio requires wise decision-making around lowering day-to-day distractions. Dreaming is one thing, but making those dreams come true requires a higher level of commitment and action. That’s why it is so challenging to see them through.

The say-do ratio, in essence, serves as my personal scorecard for staying true to promises and turning intentions and dreams into tangible actions. But I have to admit, it’s a work in progress. It takes effort to truly think about how you want to spend your time. It’s easy to talk about your plans, but only few people truly know how they’re actually using their hours.

And so I find value in the say-do ratio, even though it’s an ongoing journey. The essence is not having everything perfectly figured out but rather sincerely contemplating your words and actions, making a conscious effort to really think about how moments are spent.

What’s do you consider the most valuable skill to master at work? Let me know in the comments.

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Thank you for reading. This reader’s question is part of the Ask Me Anything series. Feedback from you, the reader, is important to me. Want to ask me a question for next month? Send me your question via team@lisanneswart.com

Here is a list of the last 3 readers’ questions I’ve answered:

• What is the part I love most about learning languages?
• Has my taste in books changed over the years?
• If I could travel anywhere in the world, where would I like to go next?

» Explore more answers to thought-provoking questions from readers