Improving Effectiveness in the World of Work Through Self Understanding
In daily life, we are often involved in talking about the achievements of a colleague at work. Usually the conversation then ends in the work style of the colleague in relation to the achievements obtained. Not infrequently it then develops into quite serious discussions about his character at work. Some may argue that luck is with the recipient of the achievement. While some others think that the character of the partner is the cause. And the last but almost never escapes from the conversation is about how many or wide range of friends (networks) he has. How big is the influence of the network on the achievements he achieved? Which is more important as a bridge to achievement at work, networks or capabilities that are often associated with this level of intelligence?
Quoted from an article written by Akhmad Sudrajat about Individual Capabilities (Talent and Intelligence), Individual Capabilities are basically divided into two groups, namely: actual abilities and potential abilities. Real ability is obtained through learning that can be immediately demonstrated and tested. Potential ability is the ability contained within the individual and obtained from heredity. Potential abilities are divided into two groups, namely general basic abilities (intelligence or intelligence) and special basic abilities (talent). In its development, Howard Gardner (1993) introduced the theory of multiple intelligence which includes aspects such as: Logical – Mathematical, Linguistic, Musical, Spatial, Bodily Kinesthetic, Interpersonal and Intrapersonal.
In building a strong network, a person is required to develop at least the last two types of multiple intelligence above, namely Interpersonal skills which means the ability to observe and respond to the moods, temperaments and motivations of others and Intrapersonal which means the ability to understand oneself. In this case, separating the ability to develop networks with later capabilities is no longer relevant. Instead of separating it, the ability to develop networks can be understood more broadly not only as a bonus or gift given to those who acquire hereditary interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, but more broadly as a strength that can be learned in relation to increasing capabilities in the world of work. In the process, everyone will certainly have their own experiences. For those who have interpersonal and intrapersonal skills since birth, it will certainly be easier. Another case with those who tend to be closed and reluctant to open up to the outside world. The latter will probably think that he does not need to achieve work achievements by developing networks. They usually choose the type of work that has little to do with other individuals. Excerpted from Quiet – The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (2012) written by Susan Cain, every individual, both introvert and extrovert, basically has their own strengths in relation to making friends and dealing with the outside world. It would be a shame if only those who are extroverts are considered capable of building networks in a broad sense. Introverts are good listeners. In their own way they are able to develop networks more efficiently.
Understanding one’s own potential in relation to building networks that are useful in improving work capabilities then becomes more important than measuring which is more important, network or capability.
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Written by Nastiti
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