Last night I attended the presentation by Tony Reid on Backroom skills in Glasgow and it prompted some thought.Tony took us on a journey to illustrate the non-technical skills required in our working lives, although there are lessons for our non-working lives too.


Using the scenario of applying for a job, from CV, application form and interview, getting the job and working on a project Tony illustrated a wide range of skills required.


Although we can stay silent, even that gives a message, and along with our body language, we are giving an endless stream of messages that is being read all the time in any face to face situation.


Tony explained how these can be misunderstood and how they change across cultures. What is acceptable in one culture is not in others, using Japanese culture as an example.


He also explained how being a manager changed the context of communications and how it is important to manage up as well as down.


This was a fascinating talk into what is an important part of our daily lives, that we all need to be conscious of if we are to be successful.