Opinion By Ron Sturgeon You Simply Must Have Modern Computer Skills I


am always amazed at the low caliber of computer skills in those who are looking for work. We use Excel a lot and test for it when hiring. While most appli- cants admit their skills are a bit rusty, it is baffling that they can’t even create a simple nine- cell spreadsheet. Even more astounding are the business owners lacking computer skills whom I encounter. Granted, many owners are older and have never learned, but they aren’t interested in learning. They don’t even do email.


I believe solid computer skills are absolutely required of anyone who wants to have a career in business or management.


I recently changed banks because they assigned me to a new loan officer who didn’t do email. Really? How is that even possible today? No matter your age, you simply must have solid computer skills and keep them current to be effective. As employers, we continue to struggle to find employees that have all the skills they need. If you can’t use PowerPoint and Excel, you will likely never be a manager who reports to a boss with responsibility for marketing, finance or budgeting. Computer skills training classes are abundant in most areas, and even offered online. I suggest that you attend as many as possible until you are proficient. You should also send your employees who need better computer skills. Not only will they learn, but the training makes them feel better about themselves and about you as a boss for investing in them. Here are some common issues: Apple vs PC dilemna. Those of you that know me know that I am not afraid of innovation. But the reality is (however sad


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You should send your employees to training. Not only will they learn, but it makes them feel better about themselves and about you as a boss for investing in them.


you might think it is) that the world still prefers PC. I personally think Apple’s tools are much more intuitive and powerful, especially for audio, video and graphic/ photo work. But, the world favors Excel and Word, and you have to be able to use them. Yes, these programs are available on Apple, but I routinely get files created on a Mac computer that aren’t compatible. Working on an Apple system will slow the workflow down. Keep your Apple for cre- ative, but make a PC your workhorse. Email client mis-use. You must have an email client, such as the pop- ular Outlook, for saving and organizing


attachments. You can’t manage email on a web-based platform if you are going to be effective. There are options, but it’s going to be Outlook on a PC that is best suited for workplace efficiency. Inability to use the internet effec-


tively. This is so basic, yet is a skill that many lack. I could go on and on as to how, but such simple lapses in knowledge indi- cate a need for training. If you rely on the internet to do business, you should be an expert at all the functionality it offers. Poor file/folder document struc-


ture. When creating file/folder organiza- tional structures, most just use the ones furnished by their computer system or they create a folder for every topic with no rhyme or reason. Also, they save every folder and document onto their desktop. Creating a structure should reflect the work being accomplished. It could even be replicated system-wide for each team, such as sales or management, so that each has sim- ilar folders that pertain to their business deal- ings. This can help onboard new employees so information can be easily be found. A


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