While having many years of experience in a job is valuable, the worth of that experience isn’t just about how long someone has been doing it. Just like driving for 20 minutes doesn’t mean you’re getting closer to your destination, having 20 years of work experience doesn’t guarantee the same value for everyone. Time matters, but the skills, type, and quality of that experience are what really count.
For example, managing a team of delivery drivers in a small town with one traffic light for ten years is not the same as leading a crew in a busy city like Los Angeles for the same amount of time. The challenges with traffic, logistics, and customer expectations are very different in each case. This shows that while there is a link between time and the value of experience, it doesn’t mean the experiences are equally valuable or that the skills needed are the same.
Also, valuable work experience is about doing things right and efficiently, not just doing the same tasks for a long time. For instance, five years of managing delivery routes well in a busy city is more valuable than ten years of always making late deliveries. Good experience sharpens skills, while poor work habits waste time and resources.
Furthermore, for work experience to be helpful, it should have a positive impact on the organization. Unfortunately, many people don’t use their skills to help others; instead, they may undermine their coworkers because they see them as threats to their own interests. Supervisors need to ensure that their experience, as well as that of each team member, adds value to the organization.
When it comes to work experience, having specialists in every area might sound good, but it’s not always practical. Employees shouldn’t spend years in jobs that could be learned in a few months. In these cases, developing generalists who can handle different tasks across functions is better for both career growth and the organization’s success.
In the end, the importance of gaining work experience should not be overlooked. It means learning specific skills, making a positive contribution, and sharing knowledge. Managers should ensure that work experience benefits the organization, not just individual goals. They need to focus on continually improving this experience for all employees so that it is rewarding and prevents them from spending years repeating the same tasks.
By Miguel Gonzalez
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