Durable Skills

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Pathsmith Framework

The competencies that endure beyond any single role, technology, or industry. These are the skills that define long-term employability and distinguish exceptional professionals.

Proficiency Levels

1

Emerging

Just beginning to learn and/or acquire the given skill

2

Developing

Moving in a positive direction in a professional career. Still learning with room for growth around the skill.

3

Applying

Functional knowledge of the skill. Can apply the skills properly in specific on-the-job settings.

4

Exceeding

Can apply the skill naturally, without thinking about it. Can apply the skill under stressful and/or challenging circumstances.

Communication

Conveys ideas effectively through written, verbal, and digital channels while adapting style and tone for diverse audiences. Strong communication builds understanding, drives alignment, and enables effective collaboration.

Communications (hybrid/remote)PresentationWritten Communication+4 more

Leadership

Guides, influences, and inspires others toward shared goals through vision, integrity, and effective decision-making. Leadership encompasses the ability to manage projects, mentor others, advocate for change, and drive organizational success.

ManagementLeadershipMentorship+5 more

Metacognition

Applies self-awareness about one's own thinking and learning processes to plan, monitor, and evaluate performance. Metacognition empowers individuals to adapt strategies, manage time effectively, and continuously improve.

Detail OrientedPlanningTeaching+5 more

Critical Thinking

Analyzes information objectively, evaluates evidence, and applies logical reasoning to solve complex problems. Critical thinking empowers individuals to make sound decisions, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.

Problem-SolvingResearchPrioritization+4 more

Collaboration

Works effectively with others toward shared goals, leveraging diverse strengths and perspectives. Collaboration encompasses teamwork, coordination, relationship building, and the ability to contribute to collective success.

Interpersonal RelationshipsCoordinatingTeamwork/Team Orientation+4 more

Character

Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions. Character is the foundation upon which all other durable skills are built, reflecting an individual's values, ethics, and commitment to doing what is right.

AccountabilitySelf-MotivationTrustworthy+3 more

Creativity

Generates original ideas, approaches problems from new angles, and transforms imagination into innovation. Creativity drives the ability to envision possibilities, challenge conventions, and create value through novel thinking.

InnovationCreative ThinkingVisionary+3 more

Growth Mindset

Embraces challenges, persists through setbacks, and views effort as a path to mastery. A growth mindset fuels continuous learning, entrepreneurial thinking, and the drive to achieve ambitious goals.

Self-StarterProactivityCuriosity+5 more

Mindfulness

Practices awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence in interactions with others. Mindfulness enables individuals to be present, understand diverse perspectives, and build meaningful relationships in personal and professional settings.

HospitalityCompassionEmpathy+5 more

Fortitude

Demonstrates resilience, self-discipline, and the emotional strength to persevere through adversity. Fortitude enables individuals to stay motivated, maintain optimism, and sustain effort when facing challenges.

ResilienceMotivational SkillsOptimism+5 more