Colorado General Workplace Competencies The Colorado General Workplace Competencies were developed by a business task force through the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry. These competencies represent the skills that workers need in most jobs regardless of the specific occupational area. These competencies will assist educators in understanding what skills must be taught in conjunction with academic instruction. Students will know the requirements of the workplace, and businesses will have a consistent set of standards that promote a skilled workforce. The Colorado General Workplace Competencies were developed by:   Colorado Department of Education   Colorado School-to-Career Partnership   Business Task Force sponsored by Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry Communication Skills - Demonstrates the ability to receive and relay information clearly and effectively listening - receives, attends to, understands and responds to verbal and nonverbal messages speaking - clearly organizes and effectively presents ideas orally reading - locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and documents to perform tasks writing - organizes and effectively presents ideas and information in writing interpreting - delineates and analyzes oral and written information and synthesizes information into a conclusion negotiating - works toward agreement while maintaining position persuading - communicates ideas to justify position, overcome resistance, and convince others Organizational skills - Demonstrates the ability to work effectively and efficiently planning - devising and outlining a process to achieve a goal and time line time management - applies appropriate time to task and manages multiple priorities using resources - identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources systems thinking - understands the nature of systems, develops, and adapts systems to meet organizational needs evaluating - collects, evaluates, and uses data to monitor and improve performance Thinking Skills - Demonstrates the ability to use reasoning problem solving - identifies and recognizes a problem, considers alternatives, devises, and implements a logical plan of action decision making - uses a process to identify goals and constraints, evaluate alternatives, and reach a conclusion creative thinking - generates new and innovative ideas learning - uses efficient techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills analyzing - identifies bias of information sources, evaluates contradictory information, and effectively manages information mathematics - performs basic computations and solves practical problems by applying appropriate mathematical techniques Worker Qualities - Demonstrates the characteristics of an effective worker self-management - demonstrates punctuality, readiness to work, initiative, and the capacity for life-long learning and personal growth team member - contributes to group effort through cooperation and consensus responsibility - follows through consistently with honesty and integrity flexibility - shows versatility and the ability to change leadership - creates a direction/vision for others to follow, aligns management methods with vision, and implements a system of accountability works with diversity - accepts differences and works well with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and/or with divergent philosophies or ideas Technology Skills - Demonstrates the ability to work with a variety of technologies and equipment demonstrates computer literacy - uses key boarding skills, computer programs, and understands basic computer operations selects technology - chooses appropriate procedures, tools, or equipment applies technology - understands overall intent and proper procedures for using selected technology and equipment uses technology information - interprets and uses data generated from a variety of technological devices Note: Technology refers to any device, tool, or piece of equipment that facilitates or supports efficient completion of work. Some examples include: machinery, computers, scientific equipment, fax machines, voice mail, overhead projectors, VCRs, cash registers, calculators, etc.