Any woman who’s been a mom for more than half an hour will tell you: mothering is quite a job. Unfortunately, most employers don’t look at “Full Time Mom” as an impressive point on a resume. However, just because your position as a mother may not be highly desired in a professional setting, doesn’t mean that the skills you picked up as a mom aren’t.
Even if you already have a secure job, you may not realize that these “mom skills” can help you out at work. So, whether you’re looking to land your next great job or you’re just looking for a way to make life at your current place of employment run more smoothly, here are a few skills to use that you already have but might not realize:
1. Multitasking
Have you ever had to cook dinner, wash dishes, entertain a restless toddler, and carry on a phone conversation all at the same time? Most moms have … and they do it quite efficiently. This is multitasking at its best, and there’s no reason why you can’t use the same superwoman efficiency in the workplace.
2. Prioritizing
The ability to prioritize what must be done versus what can wait tends to go hand in hand with the ability to multitask. This skill is highly desirable in a traditional workplace, but it is also extremely important when you are self-employed.
Obviously, a messy diaper is going to take precedence over throwing that load of laundry in the dryer. Your ability to see two or more things that must be done, and choose the most important first, will come in quite handy when you’re trying to decide whether to call the heavy construction equipment dealer first or get the payroll deposit in the bank.
3. Being Patient
Children require a great deal of patience, and not everyone is blessed with this skill from the beginning. For most people, patience takes time and practice to develop, and there are few things that can provide that practice better than parenting.
How is this relevant to your professional life? Well, unless you work locked away from all humanity every day, you’re going to have to interact with other people. Sometimes, these people can try your patience. The skills you learn as a mom will help you deal with these situations with both grace and professionalism, as well as help you avoid unnecessary problems that can arise when tempers flare.
4. Leadership.
When you’re a mom, and especially when you’re a mom of more than one child, you must be able to provide direction and leadership in order to maintain a household that runs smoothly. Whether it’s settling disputes, directing the kids about when and how to clean up their toys, or keeping everyone on track with their homework, you must be a strong leader.
The relevance of this mom skill in the professional world is rather obvious, especially if you are in a managerial or supervisory role. Even if you are not, however, leadership skills can help you get along better with your co-workers, and help you get noticed by your employer, which could lead to a promotion in the future.
5. Communication
Any mom who has successfully taught her children to speak understands the value of excellent communication skills. She also understands that this skill takes some practice to develop. Baby’s first words may be hard to make out at first, but when you carefully listen and clarify the meaning, you learn how to communicate with your child as he or she is perfecting his or her own skills.
Similarly, communication skills in the professional world are a must. You may not ever have to decipher an 18-month-old’s vocabulary again, but you will have moments when someone’s meaning may not be immediately clear. Understanding how to get the information you need to perform your job without demeaning the other party or becoming frustrated is an invaluable skill that you’ll use in every aspect of your life.
About the Contributing Author:
In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter: @Mich_Rebecca and Google+.
Awesome Posts by Michelle Rebecca on the Woman in Leadership Blog:
- W.A.H.M. Advice: Want to Keep Creativity Flowing in Your Home Office? Read This!
- Are You in the Right Frame of Mind to Start Your Own Business?
- 4 Must Know Tips All Work-at-Home Moms Can Benefit From