Practical skills bridge the gap between knowledge and theories and the tangible act of execution, emphasizing the importance of effective employee skills management. While understanding theory and acquiring knowledge from books is valuable, companies require more than just thinkers; they need doers.
It’s essential for businesses to not only devise plans but also to implement them effectively in the real world, making the management of employee skills a critical component of operational success.
Moreover, many concepts that seem straightforward in theory often become complex and challenging when applied in practice. It’s important to be able to transform high-level thoughts, plans, and actions into tangible outcomes. This ability to turn theoretical understanding into concrete work is what sets apart true achievers in any field. That is why we all need practical skills.
What is a practical skill?
A practical skill is a specific capability or expertise that individuals gain through direct, hands-on experience, training, or their application in real-life scenarios. This form of skill stands in contrast to theoretical knowledge, which is often abstract and not immediately applicable to real-world tasks.
Practical skills are the tools that enable people to carry out various tasks, engage in activities, or excel in their professions by applying what they have learned in a tangible, effective manner. These skills are crucial for achieving specific actions or desired outcomes, bridging the gap between knowing what to do and being able to do it efficiently in any given situation.
Benefits of practical skills
The benefits of practical skills in the professional world are immense and varied, largely because there are very few occupations that operate purely on theoretical knowledge. Practical skills empower individuals to translate abstract ideas into tangible results, making them indispensable in nearly every field.
For instance, while theoretical physicists, mathematicians, or philosophers might spend a considerable amount of their careers immersed in conceptual analysis and theoretical frameworks, even these professions require a level of practical application. Theoretical physicists and mathematicians often need to engage with experimental setups or apply their calculations to solve real-world problems, while philosophers might teach or write, applying their theories to discussions, debates, or literature creation.
Beyond these specialized roles, the vast majority of occupations demand a strong foundation in practical skills. From engineers and doctors to artists and teachers, the ability to apply knowledge effectively in real-world situations enhances productivity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities, marking the clear distinction between knowing something and being able to use that knowledge where it counts.
Learning practical skills through learning by doing
Implement project-based learning
Assign employees to real projects as part of their learning process. These projects should offer a challenge but be achievable, with clear goals and outcomes. By working on actual problems the company faces, employees can develop practical skills and learn to apply theoretical knowledge in real situations. Providing a safety net through guidance and support ensures that the learning experience is constructive. Importantly, ensure that experienced seniors are available to guide and mentor juniors throughout these projects. This mentorship is crucial, as it helps less experienced team members navigate challenges and integrate learning with practical application more effectively.
Create simulation environments
If direct involvement in real projects is not feasible, creating simulated work environments or scenarios that closely mimic real-world challenges can be equally effective. These simulations should encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making, offering employees a hands-on learning experience without the high stakes of actual project work.
Simulations are particularly useful in cases where real-life situations are too risky or impractical to recreate frequently. For example, employees in various roles often practice first aid skills and emergency response in simulated settings to prepare for potential workplace accidents or medical emergencies. Similarly, evacuation drills in office settings are a form of simulation used to prepare employees for the event of an actual fire or other emergencies, ensuring that they can respond swiftly and safely.
Beyond emergency preparedness, simulations can also be instrumental in developing soft skills such as communication and leadership. Through role-playing and simulating different scenarios, employees can enhance their interpersonal skills, learn to manage conflicts and improve their ability to lead teams effectively in a controlled, risk-free environment.
Foster a culture of experimentation
Encourage a workplace culture where experimentation is not only accepted but valued over sticking to the tried and true. Allow employees to test new ideas, methods, tools, or approaches in their work, emphasizing that failure is an essential part of the learning process.
This culture of experimentation is crucial for practical skill development as it enables employees to discover what works and what does not. It can also reveal new realities and insights when theories are tested in practice. Such an environment supports employees in learning from each attempt, refining their techniques, and ultimately leading to innovative solutions and significant practical skills enhancement.
Read more: Reskilling fundamentals: transforming the workforce for the future
Challenges in developing practical skills
As vital as practical skills are to professional and personal success, several challenges and misconceptions can hinder their development. Understanding these can help organizations more effectively foster these skills among their workforce.
Undevalue soft skills
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about practical skills is the undervaluation of soft skills such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Often, there’s a misconception that hard skills, like technical abilities specific to a job, are more important and valuable.
However, soft skills enable individuals to navigate the workplace, collaborate effectively, and lead teams, which are crucial for long-term success. Misunderstanding the importance of these skills can lead to a technically competent workforce that lacks the interpersonal and management skills to innovate and adapt to changing environments.
Practical skill decay
A significant challenge in maintaining practical skills is skill decay, which occurs when these skills are not practiced regularly. Over time, without usage, the proficiency in these skills begins to decline, and individuals may forget how to effectively perform certain tasks. Although the skills often come back with some review and practice, regaining former levels of competency can require considerable time and effort.
Learning a practical skill once means no further development is necessary. In reality, much like any other skills, practical skills need ongoing refinement and adaptation. This is especially true as industry standards evolve, and new technologies emerge. Continuous learning and regular practice are essential to keep skills sharp and relevant in a rapidly changing professional landscape.
Read more: Skills inventory decoded: Five key insights for beginners
Conclusion
As we have explored, there are numerous ways to learn and develop practical skills. However, it’s crucial to actively maintain these skills once acquired. Practical skills are indispensable in almost every workplace setting, making them beneficial for everyone to possess, alongside theoretical knowledge and academic learning. Therefore, continuous learning and practice of these skills are essential not only for personal growth but also for maintaining a competitive edge in the workforce.