Each has unique personal attributes comprising different behaviors, traits, skills, and qualities. These attributes help make us who we are and influence the things we enjoy and what we are good at (and not so good) at.
The difference between skills and qualities is that one is acquired, and the other we are born with.
A skill requires learning, often acquired through specialist training and knowledge. It can be loosely defined as the ‘what’ we can do well. Quality, however, is more about ‘who’ we are.
We will talk more about the definitions of skills and qualities below.
What are your skills and qualities?
According to dictionary.com, the (singular) words ‘skill’ and ‘quality’ can be defined as follows:
‘Skill’ defined:
noun
the ability to do something well; expertise.
e.g., “difficult work, taking great skill.”
‘Quality’ defined:
noun
a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.
e.g., “he shows strong leadership qualities.”
Who we are significant influences what we do and how we do things. Our qualities are the inherent parts of our character that naturally determine our social behaviors, working and learning styles, the things we are most interested in, and those we are good at. And because skills are learned and developed over time, our qualities will naturally impact how we build our skillset; skills and qualities are therefore inextricably linked.
What are examples of qualities?
Some examples of positive qualities are:
- kindness
- maturity
- passion
- honesty
- determination
- sensitivity
- patience
- creativity
What are examples of skills?
Skills vary considerably and can be acquired in every aspect of life – covering everything from critical skills like cooking and washing to the highly specialized skillsets of a forensic psychologist or an astronaut.
Some examples of the most commonly talked about transferable skills are:
- Communication skills
Including speaking skills and conversation skills.
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Social skills
- Key skills
- Life skills
- Skills for learning
The skills required for learning include remembering, understanding, analyzing, evaluating, applying, and creating. The majority of children acquire these skills very early on in life.
Thinking skills can also come under this umbrella.
- Subject-based skills
Which includes skills in school subjects or areas of interest such as Art, History, or IT, as well as skills in a particular sport like Netball or Cricket or being able to play a musical instrument.
- Leadership skills
Which also includes teamwork and assertiveness skills.
