Anybody can cut hair – and other similar myths

I have been with the same hairdresser for more than 25 years. I feel we have grown up together!  When I was having a recent cut I mentioned that I was in awe of how she and her team “read” their customers’ hair  - knowing what condition it was in, what kind of product suited the type of hair, what styles would work and – crucially – what wouldn’t. She said that she really appreciated that comment . It seems that it  is rare to get positive feedback but it’s not that customers are unhappy – otherwise they just would not come back.

What she said really got me thinking. There are some jobs – or aspects of jobs – that are so valuable but not really visible. I know from the work I do with people during their jobsearch that the “professional” does not even notice themselves. So I started to think and here are some initial thoughts . I would really like you to add to them.

Anybody can cut hair  - scissors, hair, chop – but not everybody can create a style that suits

Anybody can tap letters on a keyboard to write words – but not everybody can write content that others want to read

Anybody can answer a phone – but not everybody can make the caller feel listened to or important

Anybody can add up numbers – but not everybody can make those numbers fit with into a big picture

Anybody can speak – but not everybody can make what they say compelling, interesting or persuasive

Anybody can fry an egg – but not everybody can make it taste wonderful

Anybody can draw a line with a ruler – but not everybody can put that into a plan

Anybody can pull a pencil across some paper  - but not everybody can create a sketch that could be hung in a frame

Anybody can listen  - but not everybody can understand and use what they have heard ( I have worked with people with hearing difficulties – they listened in different ways!)

Can I ask 2 things?

1 Think about the skills you have that you might say ” ah but anybody could do that…” – and ask yourself if that is true

2 Add to this list with your own ideas!