5/24/08

Knowledge vs. Skills

ALL THE KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORLD IS OF LITTLE USE UNLESS YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO TRANSLATE THAT INTO A DEFINED ACTION AND RESULTS!

Today I’d like to provide you with a “threefer” to make the point. (yes I know there is no such word as “threefer” but cut me some slack, it’s Memorial Day weekend)

FIRST POINT: “A consultant is someone who knows 99 ways to make love but doesn’t know any women.”

SECOND POINT: “A man comes across a little boy with a dog. He says to the boy, that’s a mighty fine dog you have there, son. Does he know any tricks?

The boy replies, why yes sir, he knows over a hundred different tricks.

The man smiles and says, wow, that’s amazing. Can I see one?’

The boy answers, well not really. He knows lots of tricks but he can’t actually do any of them.”

THIRD POINT: The WANT AD specified: “Seeking one armed sales consultant with technical skills and industry experience.”

A professional sales consultant called up the prospective employer to inquire more about the position. She said, I understand most of the qualifications you require, but why ‘one’ armed?

The employer replied, I have hired too many sales consultants who tell me one thing and then tell me, “one the other hand………”

MY POINT: Knowledge is not the same as skill. Skills in diagnosis, evaluation, analysis, planning, project management, communication, facilitation, team building, honesty and many other disciplines are integral to being an effective manager. And that holds true if you are managing people, a project, a division or an entire company.

Be confident in your assessment and course of action. There are always options, but you should be experienced enough to understand the implications of each and select the ones that YOU will stand behind.

I hope you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

Regards,

George F. Mancuso

George F. Mancuso, CPC
“WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT GMAN”