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Upskill: 21 keys to professional growth
Brimming with punchy, practical ideas to improve your day-to-day effectiveness, Chris Watson’s 21 keys to professional growth is the definitive guide to developing the adaptive skills essential for success at work. In Upskill , adaptive skills specialist Chris Watson delivers a dynamic snapshot of easy-to-access development possibilities – providing you
Each chapter focuses on one of the twenty-one skills, and begins with examples of how the individual skills – which can be practised and refined throughout a career, and have all been shown to be associated with greater operational agility – may be observed in the work environment. This brief introduction is then followed by forty practical ideas to develop the performance of people. Although there is no formal hierarchy to the list of suggestions, all of the ideas have been categorised into three inter-related clusters for ease of use – encompassing ideas for personal development, for delivering results and for long-term gain.
Ideal for anyone who is committed to developing themselves and their colleagues, but may not have the time, the resources, the budget or the inspiration to know where to start.
Each chapter focuses on one of the twenty-one skills, and begins with examples of how the individual skills – which can be practised and refined throughout a career, and have all been shown to be associated with greater operational agility – may be observed in the work environment. This brief introduction is then followed by forty practical ideas to develop the performance of people. Although there is no formal hierarchy to the list of suggestions, all of the ideas have been categorised into three inter-related clusters for ease of use – encompassing ideas for personal development, for delivering results and for long-term gain.
Ideal for anyone who is committed to developing themselves and their colleagues, but may not have the time, the resources, the budget or the inspiration to know where to start.
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2018
20 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read
About the author
Chris Watson
1 book3 followersChris Watson is an award-winning specialist in the promotion of adaptive management skills who founded Endor Learn & Develop in 2002 following a successful career in publishing and higher education. He provides fresh, practical ideas to extend performance at work, delivering results through people for every type of organisation – from emerging small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through to multinational corporations. Drawing on his background in leadership, psychology, education and the human sciences, he has a proven track record in harnessing potential to help organisations flourish.
Incurably curious about all aspects of organisational behaviour, his aim is to strengthen relationships in the workplace by sharing straightforward solutions which people can relate to on a personal level. As an active member of the national learning and development community, Chris writes for the Business Matters publication and is a regular blogger at the Knowledge Bank. A chartered member of the Institute of Personnel and Development, he has an honours degree in psychology and a master’s in human resource management. As a keynote speaker, facilitator and coach, Chris regularly presents at regional Chartered Management Institute events, business conferences and HR forums. More recently, he has collaborated with a number of institutions to support employability initiatives and has launched an innovative toolkit for young people on the language of work.
Chris lives in sleepy Lincolnshire in the UK with his wife and four children. In his spare time he enjoys watching stand-up comedy, eating spicy tacos and listening to Nick Cave albums (although rarely at the same time). He is always interested in exploring new ideas to extend the performance of people. If you have any great suggestions for developing any of the adaptive skills listed in this book, drop him a line at: hello@endorlearning.com.
Incurably curious about all aspects of organisational behaviour, his aim is to strengthen relationships in the workplace by sharing straightforward solutions which people can relate to on a personal level. As an active member of the national learning and development community, Chris writes for the Business Matters publication and is a regular blogger at the Knowledge Bank. A chartered member of the Institute of Personnel and Development, he has an honours degree in psychology and a master’s in human resource management. As a keynote speaker, facilitator and coach, Chris regularly presents at regional Chartered Management Institute events, business conferences and HR forums. More recently, he has collaborated with a number of institutions to support employability initiatives and has launched an innovative toolkit for young people on the language of work.
Chris lives in sleepy Lincolnshire in the UK with his wife and four children. In his spare time he enjoys watching stand-up comedy, eating spicy tacos and listening to Nick Cave albums (although rarely at the same time). He is always interested in exploring new ideas to extend the performance of people. If you have any great suggestions for developing any of the adaptive skills listed in this book, drop him a line at: hello@endorlearning.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 1, 2018
What People are Saying About Upskill...
‘If you want to develop yourself, your people and your teams, read Chris Watson’s Upskill.’
Marshall Goldsmith. New York Times #1 bestselling author.
‘The book encourages constructive conversations about capability in the workplace, anchored around some of the most valuable adaptive skills. No fillers, abstract theories, or tedious stories: just full of easy to apply tools’.
Curt W. Coffman. Co-Author of ‘First Break all the Rules’ with Marcus Buckingham.
‘It’s positive, easy to read and based on in-depth knowledge of the subject - a welcome addition to the literature’.
Dr David Duncan. Chief Operating Officer. The University of Glasgow.
‘A cornucopia of tools, models and techniques that will help leaders and managers improve their skills and be more effective.
Rory Underwood MBE. Motivational Speaker. Former England Rugby Player.
‘A huge range of tactical tools, intelligent approaches and ideas for long term gain’
Dominic Monkman. Global Strategy and Business Operations Director. GlaxoSmithKline plc.
‘It is refreshing to read a book which recognises that people sit at the centre of their own learning.’
Kate O’Sullivan. Deputy Chairman, British Rowing. Chairman of the National Coaching Committee.
‘Upskill provides tools and guidance to better face complexity without getting complicated’
Yves Morieux. Managing Director Boston Consulting Group.
‘It would be a challenge for any individual to not be inspired by the range of practical strategies that are included here. Most books aimed at personal development usually only provide a couple of gems. There are 840 in this book!’
Steve Oakes – AQR Associate Director of Education
‘The clarity with which the core idea is put forward is compelling. The content reflects the latest thinking on how to improve performance by building on strengths - helping employees to learn at their own pace, in their own time.
Eleanor Cannon. Chair of Scottish Golf.
‘A fantastic reference of both classic and bang-up-to-date resources in the fields of productivity and performance. Highly recommended’.
Alison Jones. Bestselling author of ‘This Book Means Business’.
The serious business of learning is peppered with irreverence which ensures the reader does not take this important subject or themselves too seriously’.
Paula Tunbridge. Deputy Director of HR. University of York.
Upskill provides the springboard for self-development and personal fulfilment. An excellent addition to the area of performance psychology’.
Dr Keith Earle. Sports Psychologist - Hull City Tigers.
‘A wonderful resource for anyone dealing with organisational issues or who has an interest in personal development. Every single one of the hundreds of options to develop performance is worth a read’.
Jim Tamm. Co-author of ‘Radical Collaboration: Five Essential Skills to Overcome Defensiveness and Build Successful Relationships’.
‘If you want to develop yourself, your people and your teams, read Chris Watson’s Upskill.’
Marshall Goldsmith. New York Times #1 bestselling author.
‘The book encourages constructive conversations about capability in the workplace, anchored around some of the most valuable adaptive skills. No fillers, abstract theories, or tedious stories: just full of easy to apply tools’.
Curt W. Coffman. Co-Author of ‘First Break all the Rules’ with Marcus Buckingham.
‘It’s positive, easy to read and based on in-depth knowledge of the subject - a welcome addition to the literature’.
Dr David Duncan. Chief Operating Officer. The University of Glasgow.
‘A cornucopia of tools, models and techniques that will help leaders and managers improve their skills and be more effective.
Rory Underwood MBE. Motivational Speaker. Former England Rugby Player.
‘A huge range of tactical tools, intelligent approaches and ideas for long term gain’
Dominic Monkman. Global Strategy and Business Operations Director. GlaxoSmithKline plc.
‘It is refreshing to read a book which recognises that people sit at the centre of their own learning.’
Kate O’Sullivan. Deputy Chairman, British Rowing. Chairman of the National Coaching Committee.
‘Upskill provides tools and guidance to better face complexity without getting complicated’
Yves Morieux. Managing Director Boston Consulting Group.
‘It would be a challenge for any individual to not be inspired by the range of practical strategies that are included here. Most books aimed at personal development usually only provide a couple of gems. There are 840 in this book!’
Steve Oakes – AQR Associate Director of Education
‘The clarity with which the core idea is put forward is compelling. The content reflects the latest thinking on how to improve performance by building on strengths - helping employees to learn at their own pace, in their own time.
Eleanor Cannon. Chair of Scottish Golf.
‘A fantastic reference of both classic and bang-up-to-date resources in the fields of productivity and performance. Highly recommended’.
Alison Jones. Bestselling author of ‘This Book Means Business’.
The serious business of learning is peppered with irreverence which ensures the reader does not take this important subject or themselves too seriously’.
Paula Tunbridge. Deputy Director of HR. University of York.
Upskill provides the springboard for self-development and personal fulfilment. An excellent addition to the area of performance psychology’.
Dr Keith Earle. Sports Psychologist - Hull City Tigers.
‘A wonderful resource for anyone dealing with organisational issues or who has an interest in personal development. Every single one of the hundreds of options to develop performance is worth a read’.
Jim Tamm. Co-author of ‘Radical Collaboration: Five Essential Skills to Overcome Defensiveness and Build Successful Relationships’.
October 12, 2019
A good collection of important skills with numerous relevant resource suggestions including books, TED talks, etc.
February 20, 2019
Stacks of practical ideas to develop yourself and others, Upskill is a user-friendly treasure trove of personal development opportunities. A brilliant resource for anyone who wants learning and development in the workplace, but is too busy to access it. With over 800 tools and techniques to choose from, this book is both accessible and informative and will help any employee develop themselves around the key skills valued in business today. Well structured and easy to navigate, with a sprinkling of humour throughout - so the serious business of personal development isn't taken too seriously! Highly recommended. I can see this becoming a ‘go to’ book for any professional.
December 1, 2018
I found this book a really informative and useful read – especially Chapter 4 on communication. As my son will shortly be moving from full-time education into the world of work, I'll be strongly advising him to take a look through every page of this fascinating book. The language used and the easy to follow layout could act as a work 'route-map' for him as he takes the first step on his career path. Clear, actionable tools and advice to help anyone develop inside and outside of work.
November 29, 2018
Full of evidence-based ideas and suggestions to take control of your career and develop key life skills - including: ability to influence, collaboration, commercial thinking, change and adaptation, constructive communication, creativity and innovation, direction and purpose, planning and organisation, customer service, developing others, interpersonal awareness, intuitive thought, motivation to succeed, self-development, people management, positive decisions, professional ethics, emotional control, results through action, specialist knowledge and use of information. Helpful to anyone who wants to progress in their job or who is interested in personal development. Also very useful for line managers, supervisors, coaches or HR when supporting others. I especially like the way the language used throughout the book avoids any reliance on ‘corporate speak’ and is deliberately jargon-free. Accessible and informative.
April 28, 2019
Really interesting content. Just the sort of book I like - with no fillers or tedious stories to pad things out. Instead it is packed with user-friendly tips, tricks and tactics to help you develop yourself and others, includes: easy to apply tools, time-saving apps; topical insights; handy hacks; novel work methods; carefully selected videos; provocative articles; inspirational quotes and resources - all providing stacks of actionable ideas. Throughout each of the 21 chapters the advice is clear, concise and to the point. I also like the way the language used avoids any reliance on corporate speak and is deliberately jargon-free. Really useful - although I've found that I use it more as a reference book - to dip in and out whenever I need some fresh inspiration on a particular topic, rather than trying to read all of it in one go. Recommended for anytone wanting to take charge of their personal or professional development or pick up some new ideas.
December 13, 2018
One of my favourite personal development books form the last few years, containing over 800 practical ideas to develop yourself. The actionable advice in each of the 21 chapters is clear, concise and to the point. I also like the way the language used throughout ‘Upskill’ avoids any reliance on ‘corporate speak’ and is deliberately jargon-free. Essential reading.
January 12, 2019
Excellent book, covering all of the key transferable skills in detail. Easy to pick up and dip in to, without being superficial. Accessible and informative at the same time. Filled with lots of practical ideas to develop yourself and others both in and out of work. Paperback edition also looks pretty good to look at.
December 29, 2019
Really interesting and relevant book for anyone wanting to take charge of their professional development and manage their career. It contains hundreds of practical ideas to develop the skills which organizations are looking for. Easy to read and nicely laid out.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews