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