As a foundation of success, we can find these two concepts; will and skill. But what do they mean and how do they interact and complement each other? Firstly, let’s define each concept. We can view skill as the quantifiable foundation of what you do, your capabilities of performing the tasks that are asked of you. Will on the other hand can be seen as the driver of your success, that thing that you have within you that makes you decide whether you can complete a task or overcome an obstacle.
In a society where intelligence is highly rated perhaps many people would view skills as the most important driver of success. However, it can be argued that will is equally as important. A combination of both is the best recipe for success. The skills contain the experiences, training, knowledge and natural talents. Whereas the will stands for the desire to achieve, incentives to carry out tasks, confidence in one’s abilities and feelings or attitudes surrounding the task.
There is even a model called the Skill/Will Matrix from the 1970’s which was developed in order to assess employee’s skill and willingness to carry out specific tasks. The model has four quadrants, and the employee can move between the four at different stages of the task process and depending on their will and skill within the task at hand. The model doesn’t place any behaviour in a hierarchy but should rather be used as a tool for managers to gauge how they best can help their employee with a specific task.
Going back to the notion that intelligence, or your skillset, are your most important assets to succeed, many business sources note that this is not the case. One source lists sixteen other factors which are equally as important and most of them fit nicely in under an umbrella term of the will to succeed. The willingness to learn is a very important factor. If you lack the skills to take you to the next level in your employment or career, then having the willingness to learn can help you achieve the required skills. Motivating yourself is also highly important and goes hand in hand with the willingness to learn and advance.
Skills are of course also important if you are looking to advance and move forward in your professional life. The more skills you have and the more honed they are, the better opportunities will present themselves to allow you to move forward in your career. You can increase or improve on your skillset through your own experiences but also by continually educating yourself. By delving deeper into the field of your profession you will not only learn more and become more of an expert, but likely you will also get to know people within the field and connections are always a good thing.
To sum it all up, skills aren’t everything. You need the will to succeed as well. With the will to learn, to advance and to grow your skills will improve and you will be able to see yourself moving forward in chosen career path. Remember to keep motivating yourself and find that will within that will help drive you forward.