Indispensable Skill all Academic Virtual Assistants Must Have

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One couple bought a little trumpet and decided that when one of them failed to manifest this skill, whoever did it must blow the trumpet - that would remind them that they got out of line! The arrangement went for a while and they both worked quite well on that until one of their friends visited: “Hey, I’ve heard of that trumpet thing, how is it going?

“All good,” the husband said. “The truth is, I haven’t blown the trumpet for a month now!”

And his wife said: “Here, dear.”

Yes, that’s how fast it can go.

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So what’s that “skill” we are referring to?

Humility.

It is not a weakness but a state of mind; freedom from pride or arrogance.

Call it a skill because it’s something not inborn to us but needs to be learned, developed, and cultivated. We all probably heard of this topic lots of time, we even have this saying: “Keep your feet on the ground,” which is true since the Latin root word for humility is “humus,” meaning “ground.”

But, just because we define the word humility doesn't mean we have it. Humility is allusive. When you think you have it, you lost it. Pride grows like weeds, humility needs to be sowed.

We will agree that all Academic Virtual Assistants need to constantly work on it. In what particular circumstances?

A. When you are not the choice

B. When accepting constructive criticism

C. When your work assignment changed

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A. HUMILITY WHEN YOU ARE NOT THE CHOICE

You are a highly driven Academic Virtual Assistant, you're perfect in all you do. But what if you never got accepted for a long-desired project? Then here's your friend and immediately got hired!

Yes, you're good, you're talented, you're well-equipped, but you're just not the choice.

KEY? Humility.

There was a brave and courageous man named Jonathan. He was skillfully good in all he did. Everything was lining up perfectly for Jonathan to be the nation's next king except the fact that he was not the choice. His friend, David became the king. Did he harbor a grudge because of the lost opportunity? No.

The "skill" that helped him? You're right, humility.

"I know I have more experience than the others on my team. I am more deserving of that job."

Fine. But will you, with all humility, support your team and your colleagues? Or will you hold the knowledge you have hostage?

"Do a peer’s successes delight or deflate you? If fellow worker fails in some way, are you sad or gleeful?"

BOTTOM LINE: A modest Academic Virtual Assistant humbly accepts the fact that he is not ALWAYS the choice.

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B. HUMILITY WHEN ACCEPTING CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Your client tells you that he was not satisfied with your last project. "You need to put more effort into details," he says. How do you react to constructive criticism?

A. Reject it

(I have done a good job, he's never satisfied.)

B. Accept it

(I'll take his advice for my next project.)

Because of our improper inclinations, we have this tendency to think of ourselves more than what is necessary, we become legends in our minds and too sensitive, so it can be challenging to accept criticism from others.

KEY? Humility.

Note what Shae said: “Many people today are thin-skinned, and they expect others to cater to their sensitivities. That attitude can make them self-absorbed and resistant to any kind of feedback. I’ve found that the quicker you accept constructive criticism, the better things go for you—and those around you.”

Surely, we don't want to be called "teacups" - so fragile that can shatter at the slightest amount of criticism.

According to a reliable reference, there are four areas humility can help:

1. Listen. Don’t react impulsively

2. Focus on the message, not the messenger. Feedback can help you improve.

3. Keep a balanced view of yourself. Receiving criticism doesn’t make you a failure.

4. Set a goal to improve. Create an action plan, and monitor your progress.

BOTTOM LINE: One Proverb says: "People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron."

Constructive criticism is a tool that can sharpen all Academic Virtual Assistants today.

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C. HUMILITY WHEN YOUR WORK ASSIGNMENT CHANGED

We will agree that the "only permanent thing in life is change."

We live in a time of significant changes even the scene of this world is changing, so do our virtual works, projects, and clients.

Are you facing changes in your work? Are you finding it hard to accept those changes? Of course, these events produce a certain kind of difficulty and may cause us some worry and apprehension.

Let's say you are very much accustomed to the nature of your job. Suddenly, your client asks you for a change of work assignment. How will you respond?

KEY? Humility.

Many things are beyond our control. Not because we truly want our work means we can cling to it forever. As Academic Virtual Assistants, humility and meekness are indispensable to our individual growth.

All are temporary; it may be for a short time or a long run - everything can change.

"Find positive aspects of the circumstance you are in.”

BOTTOM LINE: Embrace changes.

It is not our position but our humble disposition that will bring long-lasting satisfaction.

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We are convinced that humility is an indispensable "skill" all Academic Virtual Assistants must have.

Humble expression, attitude, and outlook on life do not come by accident, it must be learned, developed, and cultivated.

A reliable piece of advice from an inspired writer:

"The result of humility is riches, and glory and life."

But be grounded! Once you think you have it, you lost it.