A list of attributes and skills to help become a top peer in your organization.

1. 7 ways to become “Cutting Edge”
The 21
st
century business scene is all about rapid change and adaptation. One has to almost be like a decathlete. Growing up
my favorite number was seven. The initial letter of my first name is the 7
th
letter of the alphabet of my ethnic heritage. I feel
that seven criteria will be adequate to confirm my opinion on how to thrive in an ever changing business landscape and
ultimately becoming “Cutting Edge”.
With the amount of collateral that is available all over the media today, I have attempted to be as cohesive as possible. The
following criteria will help assemble a satisfactory “Cutting Edge” skill set list. FYI when looking at this list, whether from a
descending or ascending perspective, it is not crucial to shuffle items 1-7 in terms of the hierarchy but to systematically compile
these seven properties:
1. Collaborative.
In a complex business landscape that has co-workers in multiple locations, domestically or internationally, having
collaboration skills is a must have. In many occasions you almost have to act as providing a pleasant customer service
experience with everyone involved in your day to day activities or project assignments.
2. Multi-Domain knowledge.
Competition is fierce and changes happen faster than ever. Having developed a process to acquire Multi-domain
subject knowledge will be an essential component. Keeping up to date with the competition and new trends in your
role is another skill that needs to be embraced along with the awareness of successful business topics and operational
departmental processes.
3. Cultural Awareness.
We’re part of a Global business landscape. Most likely we will have co-workers from various cultural backgrounds and
various parts of the world. Being able to associate in that fashion will be a hallmark skill with which to be equipped.
4. Agility.
Agile is a term that is used frequently in software development. A 21
st
century executive needs to be able to be
adaptive, manage tight deadlines and finally do as much as possible with the least resources available.
5. Socially & demographically savvy.
In addition to working with cross cultural peers we also integrate on a day to day basis with various generations.
Being able to associate and discuss common topics is another key attribute. Social media can provide that bridge.
Closing the generational gap since the workforce will have longer tenures before retirement is another trait on the
road to success.
6. Subject matter expertise.
Develop your niche and if you have a couple, add a couple more. Adopt your style in order to connect with both
technical and non-technical personnel. Evolution is a symbol of business quality and your profession is your craft.
7. Crowdsource.
Although this term is used a lot lately, I’m recommending an alternate view of this word, mostly from an analytics
perspective. Utilize and collect the information at hand to be able to make the best decisions possible. In addition to
data, also encourage participation of/from your peers to achieve your goal or decision and welcome the feedback.
This is my observation of what I believe is a list of skills that will contribute in compiling a symbolic emblem that you can
proudly exhibit. In this exponential 21
st
century of instant gratification the above attributes will help leave a positive fingerprint
and receive a token of appreciation that will mark the quality of your excellence. Go be “Cutting Edge”.