Still working through competency-based resumes (I only get a small bit of time each week to work on this, so it’s taking me a while.), I’ve run into something I’d like to talk through here. Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments, because this is one of those things where I think multiple viewpoints would really help clarify the matter.

I’ve run into a section of the core competencies that talks about “technical proficiencies”, and I nearly ignored the section. When I hear the word “technical”, my mind just automatically defaults to anything electronic, most often the computer. I’m fairly handy with my computer. I help other people understand how to complete basic tasks on their computer. I’ve helped a number of my coworkers set up their computers with tools to help them keep their computers safe. I surf. I research. I blog. I write. I occasionally write a bit of HTML or CSS code (and am relearning bits and pieces of LaTeX. I can’t take apart a computer and mess with its innards, but my friends who do that for a living tell me it’s okay, and doesn’t impair my status as a geek.

I’ve realized, though, that my definition of “technical” is pretty short-sighted. For example, I was a good ballerina from a technical standpoint. I was just missing the polish that separates a technically proficient dancer from a great dancer. From a technical standpoint, I’m a great writer. I have a good command of the English language, and my grammar is nearly flawless. I can even determine the correct format and tone to use depending on if I’m writing how-tos, nonfiction, or fiction.

One could even say I’m proficient from a technical standpoint in my teaching. I understand wait times 1 and 2, and implement them in my teaching. I employ questioning, redirecting, and reframing strategies well. I can even complete technically proficient lesson plans in three different styles on command.

So, the question of technical proficiency isn’t one of how well I can wield technology. It’s how well I understand and implement the nuts and bolts of what I’m doing.

Now it’s your turn. What do you think of when you hear the term “technical proficiency”? Do you agree that it’s having a firm grasp of the underlying basics of your field, or is it something else?

Posted by Rebecca as Uncategorized at 8:17 AM EDT

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I finally found some time this weekend to sit down with Competency-Based Resumes. I read through it fairly quickly, and then decided to work through the list of core competencies as if they were an exercise.

The idea has been to think of examples in my life that demonstrate that I have certain competencies. So far, I’ve decided that I might actually be a better communicator than I am a leader, although I know many (myself among them) who would beg to differ.

One of the skills, though, really worried me. It turns out I’m not really into building relationships that depend on reciprocity. Okay, anyone who knows me is going to agree with that one, too. The skill involved doing work for someone else to form a foundation for reciprocity, but I’ve long been of the belief (and practice) that if I can do something that helps out someone else, then I should just do it. It shouldn’t depend on what I can get from the other person.

I can’t even make myself try to discuss my own opinion in the frame of building authentic relationships, because I don’t believe authenticity and expected reciprocity can exist peacefully in the same paradigm.

Maybe I’m just old-fashioned. Maybe someone can explain to me how this works without making me feel like I’m giving up a rather important part of who I am.

Posted by Rebecca as Uncategorized at 8:09 PM EDT

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I came to the horrible realization yesterday that we’re in the middle of April. It can’t be April! I was begging for it to not be February
just yesterday, right? Sadly, much of my 2007 Goals list remains untouched for a variety of reasons…not the least of which is I don’t know where March went.

Part of the problem has been motivation. Part of it has been trying to get myself to resolve some professional issues (which remain unresolved, and that’s definitely starting to take its toll). Mostly, it’s just been trying to find my feet and a little inspiration.

Getting sick seemed to be very helpful with that second one. Once I stopped falling asleep when trying to watch 20-minute cartoons, I found myself addicted to Top Design. It reminded me of some habits I used to have that seem to have been lost over the past few years.

I’ve lost my will to design… Ironically, if you look at the title of this blog, I consider myself a designer. But I’m a designer who has really stopped designing, and I have no idea why. I’m trying to drum design habits back into my routine. I now carry a notebook and a sketch book in my bag. I’ve even added a bag with nothing but my colored pencils and a pencil sharpener in case I want to design in color. I’m debating just going to a sketch book for all my design needs, but I really prefer to write on lined paper and it’s hard to find a journal that will have lined paper where I need it and unlined paper where I need it.

I’m just a tough nut to crack!

It seems to be working, though. I’m very close to pulling out my sketchbook and drawing out the furniture pieces I want for my room, and even to design a layout for the room…maybe solidify the main scheme I’ve been longing for. My writing notebook(s) are slowly filling up with ideas and explorations of twisting old story plots and interactive fiction.

Maybe I can reclaim this part of myself by the end of the year. Otherwise, I’m going to have to change the name of this website!

Posted by Rebecca as Personal development at 7:30 AM EDT

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Sorry for the unexpected silence around the site last week. When an illness hits the area, it runs through work and my household at the same time, so I usually get an amplified dose of whatever it is. This past week was no exception as I made friends with a less-than-friendly stomach bug. I haven’t been that sick in years.

Right before I fell over (literally) sick, I stopped by the library to pick up a book I had on hold and found a book on competency-based resumes. I’m currently looking into various resume and portfolio styles in preparation for updating and revamping my resume and developing an accompanying portfolio. Naturally, I have my army of links from my days of helping others create their first resume (or whip an out-of-date resume into shape), but I’ve often felt my diverse combination of skills requires something a bit outside the box.

I started considering the competency-based approach about a year or so ago when I started trying to apply for freelance work. I wanted to be able to present myself as both a writer and a teacher. My current resume actually reflects this, and initially did its job very well. But it hasn’t been quite enough. A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across someone’s competency-based portfolio, and it inspired me to start exploring this approach again. Just a day or two later, I came across this series of tutorials on using Web 2.0 to help build your e-portfolio, and I was ready to start playing…only to be stopped by illness.

Now that I’m back on my feet, I’m hoping to be able to take some initial steps in playing with everything and trying to figure out how it applies to my unusual background.

Posted by Rebecca as Uncategorized at 7:43 AM EDT

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