Toolkit P2- New perspectives

New perspectives on
skills and knowledge

Εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα

2 hours

A large sheet of paper, minimum size A3, a whiteboard or a flipchart
Markers and pens in different colours
Sticky notes of different colours
Optional: tape or adhesive putty for attaching the paper to a wall.

What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?

New Perspectives challenges existing assumptions about skills and knowledge while generating fresh insights to them. It works by shifting the viewpoint and imagining skills and knowledge from different roles, contexts, or constraints. This helps uncover abilities and possibilities that might otherwise be overlooked, undervalued, or taken for granted.

Steps for using this tool

STEP 1

Select a situation from your professional or personal life in which you applied your skills and knowledge. Write this situation at the top of a sheet of paper or whiteboard. List the soft (transferable) and hard (technical) skills and knowledge that you used in that situation, and explain how you used them.

STEP 2

Select four alternative perspectives. These are different characters, each with their own perspective. Here are a few ideas for these perspectives:•

A customer
A colleague who admires you
A colleague who challenges you
Your supervisor
A teacher from your past
Someone who does not know
Someone who knows you well, such as a friend or a family member
A child
Your future self (5 years ahead)

STEP 3

Write these five perspective characters in a row under the heading. You can circle or underline them, or place them on sticky notes attached to the paper.

STEP 4

Ask perspective-shifting questions and provide answers for each the perspective characters. Write each answer as a short sentence below the relevant character.•What would this character notice about how I work (or function in a given situation)?•What would they think I am good at and are what are my strengths (skills, knowledge and other areas)?•What skills, knowledge and other areas would they think I should improve?•In what situations they would turn to me?

STEP 5

Identify your skills and knowledge based on their responses. Group similar skills together, then make a list of your findings for each of the following areas: soft skills, hard skills, and knowledge.

STEP 6

Look at your findings. Ask yourself: What are my key skills and areas of knowledge? What are my strengths? What areas do I need to develop? Are there any surprises in the results?