Monday, September 7, 2020

Life Skills

by A. Salces Cajes, PhD


Life Skill refers to the right combination of knowledge, skill, attitude, and behavior that will help a person in coping with what the World Health Organization (WHO) describes as the "demands and challenges of everyday life." In Filipino, it simply means "Kakayahang Mamuhay". The context is right or proper living or "mamuhay ng maayos, mabuti at matiwasay". These terms, of course, need to be properly defined. But at this point, let's just use these terms as we know them -- i.e., not in the bad sense.

As I gain experience and knowledge, including hopefully wisdom, I'm sharing some insights on Life Skills that anyone can apply in their respective professional or life journeys. The articles about this topic will be simpler and personal. The "label" is "life skills" for easy reference.

Most of the lessons that I've gained are products of my reading, studies, interactions with experts and ordinary human beings, training programs, professional experiences, etc. Let me then share with you some of the life skills that I've learned and gained with the hope that these may help you in coping with the demands and challenges that may come along your way.

In relation to this topic, my related professional experiences include managing programs and projects for more than 25 years, leading people for about the same number of years, conducting organizational studies, running training sessions on strategic, operational, and risk management for the public, private an civil society sectors. I have also served as assessor of the Philippine Quality Award for a couple of years.

Caveat: Let's learn from others, but let's think and act for ourselves.


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