Framework · Working definition
Value Skills
Definition
Value Skills describes decision making, problem solving, and collaboration as forms of work in which critical, creative, and systems thinking can be applied. Performance depends on relevant knowledge, context, and support as well as thinking practice.
Observe the work
Decision making: What evidence did the person use, which trade-off did they accept, and when would they reconsider?
Problem solving: How did they distinguish the stated symptom from a plausible cause? How did they test the explanation?
Collaboration: What did they do with a different perspective, and how did the group reach or revise a choice?
Give the observation a purpose
For the individual, turn an observation into a next practice. For an organization, state the responsibility it may inform and the conditions not yet examined.
No single behavior establishes a stable capability across roles. Use repeated, relevant opportunities and consider alternative explanations.
This remains a working definition pending Mike's review of the framework wording.
Related concepts
- Core Abilities · Three ways of working through a decision: test the explanation, consider alternatives, and trace consequences.
- The Value Worker · How learning and adaptation contribute to useful work as responsibilities change.
- The knowing-doing gap · The distance between explaining an approach and using it when the task becomes difficult.
Bring a real problem
What does your learning need to change?
A role people are struggling with. A decision that keeps going wrong. A capability you need to see before giving someone more responsibility. Start there.