Areas of Improvement for Employees: Tips & Examples
There’s always room for improvement. Regardless of how confident or self-assured you are, there will always be areas of improvement in your career. And there’s no shame in that.
Recognising opportunities for improvement is the first step to growing your areas of development. Instead of viewing your weaknesses negatively, view them as growth opportunities to better yourself as an employee.
According to JobStreet Singapore’s Future of Recruitment report, 26% of respondents “would like to try different careers by reselling to new professions throughout my life.” Meanwhile, the Decoding the Digital Talent Challenge report found that learning and skills training is still among the top 10 priorities for local workers. Around 68% said they make significant investments in learning and commit a few weeks per year to develop their skills.
Some examples of areas to improve are time management, problem-solving skills, and leadership skills. Addressing areas of improvement for employees comes with plenty of advantages, such as increased productivity, greater satisfaction, and career advancement opportunities. You could quickly transform these weaknesses into strengths with the right amount of time and attention. Here’s how to get started.
- Understanding your strengths and weaknesses
- Setting goals for improvement
- Developing new skills
- 10 examples of areas of improvement
- Summary
- FAQs
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses
To address your professional development areas, you’ll have to identify them first. This requires taking a long look at yourself and opening yourself up for an honest self-inspection. Here are several self-assessment tools that you can use to speed things along.
SWOT analysis
The most popular way to take stock of yourself is through the standard Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis. You’ve probably encountered the SWOT analysis in the workplace, but here’s a quick recap: A SWOT analysis lists all of your (good and bad) traits and then organises them into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It gives you a bird’s eye view of yourself to determine your areas of improvement.
Here’s an example of a SWOT analysis of a manager:
Strengths Ask yourself: What are your most developed traits and abilities? What can you do well? Leadership Communication Motivation | Weaknesses Ask yourself: What are your least developed traits and abilities? What can you not do well?
Management Data analytics Multi-tasking |
Opportunities Ask yourself: What areas of improvement do I possess? Where do I have the most potential?
Organisational skills Data analytics Task delegation | Threats Ask yourself: What could threaten my skills and abilities, strengths and weaknesses? Redundancy Lack of upskilling Replacement by AI |
The advantage of the SWOT analysis is that you can do it on your own. But if you have extra time, try the following tools.
360-degree feedback
The 360-degree appraisal is another tool that job seekers can use. The appraisal is perhaps the most holistic way to assess an employee’s professional skills and progress, and as such, it also presents a deep dive into an employee’s development areas. Unlike a regular appraisal, the 360-degree appraisal gathers anonymous feedback from bosses, colleagues, and subordinates. Through their eyes, you’ll be able to determine the key areas in your performance that need improvement from organizational skills to personal development, just to name a few.
Clifton Strengths
Gallup’s strengths assessment, CliftonStrengths, analyses how you think, feel, and behave. Created by Don Clifton, the comprehensive evaluation was designed to empower people to be their best selves. As its name suggests, the assessment focuses on a person’s strengths, not weaknesses. Users need to answer a few questions on CliftonStrengths to determine the results; then, you can identify the strengths that need more attention from the results.
Personality tests
Our personalities play a huge role in our professional life, so it should not be surprising that personality tests are also a good way to find your areas of improvement. Some of the most popular personality tests used in the professional setting are:
- HIGH5 TEST
- The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator
- Interpersonal Leadership Styles Test
- Holland Code Evaluation
- Big Five Personality Assessment
Setting goals for improvement
The next step is action. Once you’ve identified your strengths and weaknesses, you can determine what actions you’ll need to take to improve your areas of improvement. And the best way to do this is by setting goals, prioritising areas of improvement, and creating an action plan.
Creating a SMART goal-setting framework
When creating goals, use the SMART goal-setting framework to ensure that your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals are designed to keep you motivated and focused so your intentions have direction. In addition, they provide structure for your objectives. But how exactly do you know if your goals are SMART?
Here’s a model you can follow to create your own SMART goals. As an example, let’s use leadership as our area of improvement.
Elements of SMART goals | Questions to ask yourself | Example of a goal becoming SMART |
S - Specific | What exactly do you want to accomplish? | Develop leadership skills. |
M - Measurable | How can you quantitatively measure this goal? | Develop leadership skills by completing at least five leadership workshops. |
A - Achievable | Is this goal achievable? | Develop leadership skills by completing at least three leadership workshops. |
R - Relevant | What is the context of your goal and why is it relevant? | Develop leadership skills by completing at least three leadership workshops. Improved leadership benefits teamwork, communication, and decision-making in the workplace. |
T - Time-bound | What is the time horizon for this goal? | Develop leadership skills by completing at least three leadership workshops within 12 months. Improved leadership benefits teamwork, communication, and decision-making in the workplace. |
Prioritising areas of improvement
Once you’ve determined your areas of improvement and SMART goals, the next step is figuring out which areas to prioritise first. You’re not superhuman—so recognise that you can’t work on all your areas of improvement at once. Think of it like constructive criticism or constructive feedback, that way it's less pressure and you can remain calm. The best course of action is to prioritise the ones that carry the most weight and impact, but how exactly do you choose which ones to prioritise? That’s where the ABCDE method comes in.
There are plenty of tools for task prioritisation, but for the case of self-improvement, the grading system of the ABCDE method will work best. The technique essentially grades which items or areas of improvement are most important to least important, giving you a bird’s eye view of which areas need your attention first.
Here’s a template of the ABCDE method and areas of improvement examples.
Grade | Meaning | Example |
A | Areas of improvement that are most important. These areas have the most consequences if you don’t work on them now. | Financial literacy - The longer you put this off, the more your financial health will be affected. |
B | Areas of improvement that will have minor consequences if you don’t address them now. | Critical thinking skills - If you work in a STEM field like tech, you will need critical thinking skills in the long run. Emotional intelligence Problem-solving skills Critical thinking skills Teamwork |
C | Areas of improvement that will have no consequences if you don’t work on them immediately. | Growth mindset - Developing a growth mindset is important, but it doesn’t need to be addressed first if you have more important skills to work on. |
D | Areas of improvement that you don’t need to work on at the moment. | Leadership - If you’re a freelancer who works independently, there would be no need to build leadership skills for now. |
Note that we’ve excluded the “E” segment of the ABCDE method. This is because the “E” segment would recommend certain areas be eliminated altogether, but we assume that all areas of improvement are important enough to address.
Creating an action plan
With your SMART goals now prioritised, the next step is accomplishing them. This is where you’ll need to establish your action plan. You can break down your SMART goal to help you carry out your action plan by following Asana’s six-step action plan format.
Here’s an example of how to carry out your action plans using the SMART goal we created earlier.
1) Set SMART goals | Develop leadership skills by completing at least three leadership workshops within 12 months. Improved leadership benefits teamwork, communication, and decision-making in the workplace. |
2) Identify tasks | Research three leadership workshops. Make time to attend workshops.Attend and complete workshops. Journal learnings and apply them in the workplace. |
3) Allocate resources | Set aside a budget to participate in workshops, if required. Determine if you have the time to attend workshops face-to-face or online. |
4) Prioritise tasks | Determine the budget and schedule for workshops first. |
5) Set deadlines and milestones | Complete workshops within 12 months. |
6) Monitor and revise plan | Revise and adjust action plans if there are schedule delays, budget deficiencies, etc. |
Developing new skills
In Singapore’s increasingly competitive job market, job seekers must pursue continuous learning to keep up with the competition. Here’s why it’s essential to develop new skills regardless of age.
Importance of continuous learning
With AI developing rapidly, job seekers must learn and enhance their skills to not become redundant.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, half of employees will need to reskill by 2025 if they want to stay in the workforce. Meanwhile, McKinsey & Company reports that many leaders believe skill building—and not just hiring—is the solution to the skills gaps in the workplace.
On a personal note, there are several reasons why job seekers should pursue continuous learning. For one, it can increase your employability and improve your job performance. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to adapt to the changing technological landscape in the workplace. So, on many fronts, continuous learning will benefit your personal growth and professional development.
Identifying skills to develop
An excellent way to identify skills to learn and develop is by researching the top must-have skills in each industry. For example, according to SkillsFuture Singapore’s Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report, in-demand skills in the digital economy include software testing, user experience design, and software design. Meanwhile, in the care economy, some skills in high demand are change management, customer service skills, and human resource advisory.
On a larger scale, the World Economic Forum predicts that the following skills will be the most valued in 2025:
- Analytical thinking and innovation
- Active learning and learning strategies
- Complex problem-solving
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Creativity, originality, and initiative
- Leadership and social influence
- Technology use, monitoring, and control
- Technology design and programming
- Resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility
- Reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation
Resources for skill development
In 2023, there will be infinite resources for skill development. You just have to look for them. Here are 7 top resources for skill development.
Books and articles. Books, journals, and articles are great resources for in-depth knowledge building.
Podcasts. Podcasts are the most underrated resource for continuous learning. There are countless podcasts out there that are dedicated to career growth.
YouTube. Productivity has become a popular niche on YouTube, and you’ll find countless videos to help you upskill and reskill.
Internal training programs. Let your company know your intention to upskill or work on your improvement areas. They might be able to offer internal training programs.
Workshops and conferences. Growth and learning are contagious. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded people with the same intentions.
Mentorship programs. Mentors offer invaluable insights and can actively guide you and support your career growth.
Online courses. The most popular resource would have to be online courses. There is a wide range of online courses, and many combine learning materials with video lectures and assignments.
Popular online course platforms:
10 examples of areas of improvement
If you’re ready for the next phase of your career advancement, here are ten examples of areas of development or improvement.
Communication skills
Communication comes in many forms: written, verbal, and nonverbal. Communication is about everything we say with our words and with our actions. In the workplace, excellent communication skills are essential to being an effective team player and leader.
Improve your communication skills with the following actions:
- Think about what you want to say before you say it. Watch what you say so you learn how to demonstrate honesty eloquently.
- Practise active listening. Don’t just hear what’s being said to you—process it, understand it, and provide feedback.
- Pay attention to body language. Take note of gestures, facial expressions, and hand movements, and learn what each gesture could mean.
- Adjust your communication styles depending on who you’re talking to. Balancing positive feedback is a strong tool.
- Make an effort to engage in group discussions, and if you’re up for it, try public speaking to build your communication skills.
- Consult others on your communication skills and listen to their feedback. It's a team performance.
Time management skills
Time management is the key to a healthy lifestyle and work-life balance. But without the right amount of discipline, it can take a lifetime to become adept at time management. Time management abilities are essentially habits you will need to cultivate. Relying on time-tracking apps could work but instead, here are some everyday actions you can take to work on this area of improvement.
Enhance your time management skills through the following actions:
- Learn how to prioritise your tasks. Follow the ABCDE method above and apply it to your daily tasks so you know how to prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency.
- Break down large tasks into smaller tasks to make progress more achievable.
- Adopt productivity tools like Google Calendar, to-do lists, note apps, and task reminders. Find a system that works for you and stick to it.
- Time-block your tasks. Instead of just having a list of things to do, you can schedule each task within assigned time blocks to give yourself a deadline.
- Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can be the source of delays and poor time management.
- Delegate tasks to teammates. If you’re overloaded at work, consider delegating tasks to teammates or subordinates so you have better use of your time.
- Shut off your phone, tablets, and other sources of distraction. Make an effort to reduce avenues of procrastination to help improve your time management abilities.
Emotional intelligence and Interpersonal skills
Emotional intelligence is a criminally underrated asset. Your EQ can sometimes benefit you more than your IQ. In the workplace, emotional intelligence can enable you to work on self-awareness, self-control, empathy, social skills, and drive.
Build your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills with the following actions:
- Analyse your own emotions and reactions. This is the first step toward self-awareness.
- Listen to others’ concerns and see things from their perspectives. Doing so will help you build empathy.
- Learn how to control your emotions and reactions. Take the time to process your feelings at work to respond constructively.
- Enhance your communication skills alongside your emotional intelligence. Communicating with others is the best way to learn how to listen and build connections actively.
Leadership skills
Leadership is the foundation of any company or team. The leader provides direction, intention, and purpose, making employees more motivated, driven, and committed. Everyone wins when there’s a strong leader on the team.
Improve your leadership skills with the following actions:
- Observe leaders around you. Take notes of their leadership styles and analyse which ones work best for you.
- Observe teammates and subordinates. Determine what leadership styles might work best for the existing work culture.
- Seek leadership roles. You’ll never know if you can be an effective leader if you never try, so practise your skills, if possible.
- Develop strong interpersonal skills. Leadership differs from management—leaders should know how to communicate, inspire, and motivate.
- Seek feedback. Ask colleagues and friends to reflect on your leadership abilities and suggest improvement areas.
Critical thinking skills
Critical thinking is about more than just thinking logically. A critical thinker sees connections, proposes creative solutions, and makes informed decisions. In the workplace, critical thinking is vital in diagnosing and solving problems.
Develop your critical thinking skills with the following actions:
- Challenge yourself to think outside of the box. Explore creative solutions instead of apparent solutions.
- Engage yourself in problem-solving activities. Your brain is a muscle—exercise it with games and knowledge.
- See all sides of a problem. Question preconceived notions and biases so you can evaluate situations objectively.
- Actively participate in brainstorming sessions. Flex your creative muscles by engaging in meetings to develop innovative solutions.
- Synthesise information critically and objectively. When faced with information or data, learn how to find patterns and connections.
Problem-solving skills
As the name suggests, problem-solving skills are the ability to solve problems and develop solutions. It’s a crucial skill in the workplace if you want to experience career growth. How we solve issues tells us a lot about our work ethic and effectiveness, and it’s often a sign of a good leader.
Improve your problem-solving skills with the following actions:
- Create SWOT analysis of problematic situations. Identify every angle of the problem so you can find a way out.
- Break down big problems into smaller, manageable components. If a situation seems too big, address its smaller pieces one at a time.
- Identify the root causes of a problem. Learn how to distinguish root causes from symptoms and tackle the root causes.
- Generate multiple possible solutions. Multiple solutions can solve problems, but a true problem-solver knows which solution is best.
- Carry out solutions effectively. Ideas are great, but solutions should be implemented to create value.
Decision-making skills
Decision-making skills are defined by the ability to make informed decisions. Anyone can decide, but only some know how to make the right ones. Decision-making is crucial to every company—a business will go nowhere if its leaders don’t know how to take decisive actions.
Enhance your decision-making skills with the following actions:
- Gather as much information as you can regarding a certain issue. This way, you’ll make informed decisions.
- Consider different perspectives of a situation. There’s more than one side to a story. By seeing every perspective, you’ll know the best course of action for everyone involved.
- Weigh the pros and cons. Identify potential risks and opportunities that will come with the decision.
- Be firm in your decisions. A decision-maker can call the shots, even when they’re hard.
- Make decisions promptly. Late decisions can be just as bad as no decisions at all. Always address issues immediately so the result of your decision-making will make an impact.
Teamwork skills
No man is an island. In the workplace, everyone should be able to get along and work together. You don’t need to be friends but have a professional relationship to ensure things get done. Without teamwork, a company could lose productivity, operational inefficiency, and poor decision-making.
Improve your teamwork skills with the following actions:
- Communicate efficiently with teammates and leaders. Teamwork requires the involvement of everyone in the team. Everyone should have a voice.
- Collaborate over projects instead of compromising. The best ideas come from collaborative efforts where everyone’s contributions are valued.
- Respect each member of the team and their opinions. Listen to everyone’s voice. Diversity often yields the most innovative solutions.
- Foster a positive and inclusive environment. No one wants to be part of a team that plays favourites. Treat everyone equally and respectfully.
- Accept constructive criticism and feedback. Listen to what others say, even if you disagree with them, and take action to improve your contributions to the team.
Financial literacy
Understanding financial components is crucial to everyone on a personal and professional level. Financial planning is a sign of your level of responsibility and accountability. Knowing how to budget, invest, and manage finances will ensure you obtain financial literacy, which is an essential skill in and out of the workplace.
Improve your financial literacy with the following actions:
- Take courses to improve your finances. You can also apply these learnings in the workplace regarding procurement or reimbursements.
- Read books and articles on financial concepts, such as budgeting and investing.
- Track your expenses. Create a budget sheet or journal, and jot down every cost and stream of income.
- Reach out to financial advisors. Get professional advice on the state of your finances.
- Read up on financial news and economic trends. What happens in the market will affect your finances, so staying abreast of what’s happening around you is best.
Growth mindset
Another invaluable area of improvement is the growth mindset. It’s a way of thinking that believes hard work and persistence can get you anywhere. A person with a growth mindset in the workplace has a positive attitude and knows how to adapt to the times. Unsurprisingly, employees with a growth mindset are the best equipped to manifest career growth.
Develop a growth mindset with the following actions:
- View challenges as opportunities. People with a growth mindset see opportunities for growth and learning everywhere.
- Adopt a positive attitude toward work. See setbacks as stepping stones, and look at a glass of water as half full instead of half empty.
- Accept failures as part of the process. Instead of taking failures personally, see it as a learning opportunity.
- Surround yourself with like-minded individuals with a growth mindset. Positivity, as well as negativity, is contagious.
- Learn from criticism. Actively request feedback and take each nugget of criticism as a smaller area of improvement.
Summary
In this increasingly competitive job market, job seekers must keep up with the times by constantly upskilling and reskilling. You can do this by identifying your areas of improvement and taking the necessary actions to address your weaknesses. After identifying your areas of improvement, set SMART goals and create an achievable action plan. Then, with the right amount of effort and discipline, you can turn your weaknesses into strengths and level up on your career advancement journey.
FAQs
- What are some common areas of improvement?
Ten common areas of improvement are communication, time management, emotional intelligence, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, financial literacy, and the growth mindset.
- How do I know which areas of improvement to focus on?
Take honest and thorough stock of yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. View your weaknesses as areas of improvement instead of failures. Then, research the skills that will be in demand in the future. To thrive in a competitive job market, you must pursue continuous learning.
- How long does it take to see improvement in my areas of improvement?
Skills aren’t learned overnight—they’re hard-won. It will take weeks, months, or even years to see progress, but patience is essential. Then, when the time is right, your growth will speak for itself.
- What resources are available for improving my areas of improvement?
There are an infinite number of resources available nowadays for skills improvement. You can take online courses and workshops, find mentors and organisations, watch videos and online lessons, and more. There’s no longer an excuse to avoid upskilling when the internet has made it so accessible.
- How do I stay motivated to continue improving?
There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your professional growth skyrocket. And that’s exactly what addressing your areas of improvement is—growth. Find motivation in the knowledge that continuous learning will improve you professionally and personally.
For more career insights, visit JobStreet’s Career Advice page. Continue your job search journey by signing up to JobStreet or updating your profile. Download the JobStreet app now on the App Store or Google Play.
