12 Universal Skills: The Beginner’s Guide to a Successful Work Life

Price: $13.32
(as of Dec 02, 2025 12:40:41 UTC – Details)

The most valuable skills at work are often untaught and unspoken. Yet they are key to a successful career.

Also known as job skills or soft skills, they’re rarely taught in school or by employers. When they are, it’s usually only through exclusive leadership programs —an opportunity most people never get.

But there is no reason why anyone should build their career without these skills.

Written with career starters in mind—but relevant to anyone—12 Universal Skills demystifies the twelve most important soft skills with practical, real-world advice. In a unique, easy-to-follow framework, you will find all the essential tips and do’s and don’ts you need to succeed.

Based on the authors’ extensive experience and backed by detailed research and conversations with leadership experts, this is your ultimate guide to work life.

With straightforward explanations and action steps, you’ll learn how to:
Create a career path that fits your strengths and backgroundBuild confidence in yourself, your skills, and your ideasMeet expectations and earn trustManage your time effectively and avoid stressHandle mistakes and conflicts with professionalism… and much more
This clear and structured approach is so effective that 12 Universal Skills is now used in training programs at top global companies across tech, health care, finance, and beyond.

From the Publisher

Who is this book for?

Career starters: If you’re in the first years of your career, accelerate your learning and growth.

Soon-to-be graduates: Get a head start by learning the essential employability and career management skills.

Intern/apprentice: Be informed and confident as you explore and then successfully complete your internship (or apprenticeship).

First-time leaders: Make sure you have your basics right when leading others!

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Used by leading organizations to train young employees

12 Universal Skills is used by leading organizations like Novo Nordisk (pharma), GN (tech), Ramboll (engineering), Radiometer (medical), Aarsleff (construction) to train new employees in the essential soft skills.

It’s the right choice for them, what about you?

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12 Universal Skills – what’s inside:

Building Self-Awareness How to identify your natural strengths. How to stop self-limiting ‘iceberg beliefs’ from holding you back. How to receive feedback productively—including negative feedback. And how to ask for feedback in ways that help you continually improve. Setting Goals How to focus on your strengths instead of your weaknesses. How to discover your deepest motivation for working—and use it to guide your choices. How to find the career path that suits you best. How to pick the right workplace—and know when it’s time to move on. Building Confidence The proven techniques to build confidence in yourself, your skills, and your ideas. How to manage yourself and the situation when you make mistakes. And how to persevere when things get tough. Building Resilience Science-backed strategies to bounce back from frustration, disappointment, or failure at work. How to challenge the unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that often arise during setbacks. Professional Behavior The (often unspoken) workplace behaviors and etiquette rules that can set you apart. The dysfunctional behaviors people tend to resent—and why they should be avoided. Communication The eight fundamental communication principles. Best practices for emails, conversations, and meetings. When to write, when to speak—and how to handle tricky situations like difficult people and giving feedback. Teamwork How to earn trust using four key trust-building behaviors. How to manage disagreement constructively. How to hold others accountable in a mutually respectful, non-confrontational way. Working with Your Manager How to build a constructive relationship with your manager. Best practices for upward communication—including when you disagree. How to align expectations, get your results noticed, shape your job, and excel in performance reviews. Time Management Powerful techniques to manage your time, including how to say yes, how to say no, how to prioritize, and how to work smarter, not harder. And how much to work – to find a work-life balance that fits you (hint: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution). Decision-Making Understanding the frame conditions shaping your decision-making authority. Decision-making best practices – and traps to avoid. How to use people’s differences to improve outcomes. Networking What networking really is—and why it matters. How to prioritize your efforts for maximum effect. How to use LinkedIn. And how to overcome discomfort or fear of rejection when meeting new people. Getting and Applying Influence How to build a well-earned reputation that gives you influence. Techniques to become more influential. How to develop your influencing skills to boost your chances of success. Appendix: Job Search A clear 24-step process that covers everything: research, networking, CV/resume writing, interviewing, negotiating, and more. Includes tips for those with little or no relevant job experience.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Peter Scheele
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 23, 2022
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8409432870
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8409432875
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.14 x 0.55 x 9.21 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #156,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #20 in Career Development Counseling #25 in Vocational Guidance (Books) #1,141 in Education Workbooks (Books)
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