VERSATILITY: THE ENGINE OF SUCCESS

By Alabi Ayomide

I went for a job interview sometimes ago and the interviewer after looking at me for a long time asked me to talk about sport; football precisely. I was shocked but I kept a smiling face.

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Then I asked him what aspect of football he would like me to talk about, he asked “do you know Messi?” I answered yes. He then asked what his fans call him. “GOAT” I answered quickly. At this point, he was smiling obviously impressed with my unwavering answers.

He asked if I watch football, I told him no but I’ve been around people who do and I get a few things from them. He asked of His club, I told him. He went further and asked me to tell him a latest new about Messi.

Meanwhile, Earlier that week I had heard on the news that Messi wanted to leave Barca to another club and I also heard some guys discuss about it while I was waiting outside the interview venue, so I quickly told him this. At this point it was no more an interview but a gist and I was also enjoying myself.

To cut the story short, he was impressed and concluded that I’m an intelligent person.

Sincerely, the things I said that day were not stuffs I thought of. I didn’t even know I know about them. I was just talking from a residual part of my brain (according to me, that’s a part of our brain that store information unconsciously)

I was also impressed with myself. Whereas, all I know abt sport is what I read from news or what people around me say.

Meaning
Competent in many things; able to turn easily from one subject or occupation to another; many-sided. Another word for it is flexibility.

There is a kind of beauty you have when people come to you for advice knowing fully well that you won’t disappoint them or they know you as an intelligent person. Most times it pays and it is good to be versatile. I’m not saying you should dabble into everything or be an ” I too know” kind of person but have a little knowledge about other aspects of life apart from your chosen career or line of work.

Our Nigerian primary and secondary school curriculum speaks volume on versatility. You could recall that you were not limited to a particular subject, you learnt calculation in different ways, Language according to your geographical location, Physical and Health Education, Basic Science, Home Economics, Agriculture, Civic Education etc.

All these gave us a basic knowledge on different aspects of life and even though we don’t end up choosing a particular field, you have basic knowledge about the field. Don’t just be a one way person. If you are into fashion, learn how to communicate well in good English, and Vice versa.

There are lots of teachers that doesn’t dress well and don’t tell me they are not being paid well, that’s where economics comes in, if you have a little knowledge in economics, you will know how to manage your finances so your fashion life won’t suffer.

Are you an entrepreneur? then you you need to know how to use technology don’t just buy and sell alone, the world is going digital, learn, so you won’t be left behind! Are you a farmer, learn how to manage your health through physical and health education.

Are you a banker or an accountant? learn social and customer management skills, Don’t limit yourself to a particular field. Travel and read as much as you can. Don’t underestimate anybody, you’ll be shocked what you will learn from that roadside mechanic if only you are humble enough.

What does the Bible say?
Even the bible directs us to learn from the ants. Prov.6:6
That means no one or nothing is too small to learn from.

Importance of versatility
1) It boosts your self confidence
2) It make others respect you
3) You are not easily scammed
4) It saves your money and time
5) Increases your level of exposure, just to mention few.

How to be versatile?
1) Readiness and willingness to learn
2) Ask question
3) Sorround yourself with intelligent people
4) Don’t stop reading

Do this!
Is there something you like or wish you can do but you don’t know how to?
Write down and take practical steps in achieving it. If you know someone that can do it, approach the person for help. Do you need to learn with money but you don’t have? Go to the internet.

Take a step to learn something new today and you’ll be glad you did!

© Ama’Grace