In a recent LinkedIn post, Entrepreneur Steven Bartlett shared a powerful insight that he claims every industry leader swears by – skill stacking. Ever heard of it? He describes it as the art of synergising diverse skills and knowledge from different jobs and experiences to create a unique and powerful set of abilities. According to Bartlett, this strategic combination of skills is the key to advancing in one’s career.
Combining skills
As a business consultant passionate about empowering individuals to reach their pinnacle of success, Josh Cote champions this transformative yet remarkably simple concept of skill stacking. Imagine if you could unlock doors to opportunities you never thought possible simply by combining the unique set of skills you’ve acquired over your career. How powerful would that be?
Why settle for being good at one thing when you can be uniquely great at a combination? This is where the beauty of skill stacking lies. It’s not about being the best in the world at a single skill. Instead, it’s about creatively combining your abilities to form a unique skill set that sets you apart.
“Sales skills are frequently underestimated and are the most impressive skills of many of the entrepreneurs I mentor”, says Josh Cote. He adds, “Sales skills are the currency of success, transcending industries and roles. Mastering the art of selling is not just about closing deals; it’s about honing a versatile skill set that opens doors to leadership, negotiation, and effective communication. In a world where every interaction is an opportunity, the ability to sell is not just confined to the sales industry – it’s the cornerstone of influence and a passport to leadership.
In an era where specialisation is often emphasised, why not flip the script and diversify your skill set? How can you merge your current skills with new ones to create a unique blend that only you possess?”
Skill stacking examples
Here are some unique skills developed in sales that become an interesting skill stack for leadership roles:
- Presentation Skills: The competency in delivering compelling presentations to potential clients is invaluable for leaders tasked with strategising and conveying visions to teams or stakeholders.
- Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: The capacity to discern and empathise with clients’ emotions is a critical leadership skill, essential for managing teams with acuity and sensitivity.
- Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiation, a staple in sales, is equally crucial for leaders navigating internal or external conflicts, aiming for outcomes that benefit all parties involved.
- Resilience and Tenacity: The sales domain’s inherent challenge of facing rejection cultivates a resilience that is indispensable for leaders striving to inspire and persevere through adversities.
- Adaptability: The sales field’s dynamic nature fosters adaptability, a trait that leaders need to steer through the ever-evolving business landscape and market shifts.
- Customer-Centric Mindset: A focus on understanding and fulfilling customer needs is pivotal for leaders to ensure that their decisions and strategies are aligned with delivering value.
- Networking Skills: The art of building and nurturing professional relationships is crucial not just in sales but in leadership, for fostering partnerships, engaging stakeholders, and expanding one’s influence.
Resilient careers
Incorporating skill stacking into your career strategy is not just about professional growth; it’s about crafting a more fulfilling and resilient career path. By combining your skills, you not only increase your value in the marketplace but also open up a world of possibilities that may have seemed out of reach.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business professional, or someone looking to make a significant career shift, understanding and implementing skill stacking could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.
