Developing Competence at Work

Even when the direction and specific content of their paths were uncertain, these women commonly expressed a desire to learn more and more. Their motivation seemed to come from within, as enjoyment of work produced eagerness for more knowledge and responsibility. When the work itself was not stimulating, women sought new avenues and assignments for fulfillment. Some describe how different kinds of learning worked to their advantage and advancement. With learning and accomplishment comes an increased sense of competence. Willing to take the risk of accepting assignments and positions for which they might have felt unqualified, they rediscover their abilities again and again. Those discoveries spawn motivation for further achievement. The process of overcoming initial doubt through accomplishment and thereby successfully taking on more affirms and extends confidence and competence. A sense of competence can serve as both a consequence and a prerequisite for this process.
Competence fuels confidence and an optimism that can turn problems into challenges. Nina, one of several women who began without degreed credentials, discovered her interest and strengths on the job. If you need custom written papers, order professional custom paper writing help online! Proving ability to herself and actively demonstrating it to others put a woman in a position to learn and do even more. Turning difficulties into a challenge and mistakes into opportunity can result in something bigger and better.
The most significant learnings for women have less to do with the job itself than with their own capabilities. Certainly, they are proving themselves to their employers, but much more importantly, they are discovering heretofore unknown aspects of themselves. This is especially the case for those who have come to work in circuitous ways. Unlike other women and men who have had the rites of passage afforded by specialized education or training, these women learn on the job that they are up to the task and that they enjoy it to an extent that makes work an essential part of life. Not only is their competence great enough to stretch over errors, but they can begin thinking about an actual career path.