EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 4 | Page 47
4. Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
During his presentation, Dr Wagner referenced a conversation with
the Vice-President and General Counsel of Cisco, Mr Mark Chandler,
in which he compared two different types of employees: one who
sets five goals for him or herself and meets all of them with no
problems, and another who sets ten goals for him or herself and
reaches only eight of them. Dr Wagner notes that the second type
of employee is the ideal one because he or she is aware that he/
she is setting bigger goals for himself and the company. Although
the second employee accomplishes less as a percentage of the
total, in absolute terms the second employee is more productive
(which makes Cisco very competitive). Corporations need employees
who are always pushing the envelope to risking failure in their
quest for the next innovation – which indicates the relevance of
entrepreneurialism in today’s world where many governments and
businesses are trying to nurture start-ups.
3. Agility and Adaptability
Most individuals will change jobs at
least ten times during their working
lives. Thus, it is rare for an individual in
this economy to have the same job for
his or her entire career. Even in cases
where a person finds himself working
for the same company for quite
some time, the corporation is likely to
change its role or structure from time
to time. The person who can adapt
to a new role and environment as
things change proves to be the most
productive staff of the company.
5. Effective Written and Oral Communication
The number one criticism of college professors and employers is that
young adults graduating from both high school and college cannot
communicate effectively. Dr Wagner quotes