My Most Valued Skill

“I have a very particular set of skills…” This is what first came to my mind when we spoke in class on Friday. I imagined myself in the movie Taken about to kick some ass. But in reality my set of skills are rather the opposite of what I might need to take down a human trafficking ring. In fact so much so that when I looked at my list I thought to myself: “Wow, I really need to expand my interests.” However, there was one skill that jumped off the page at me. A skill that at first seemed ridiculous and frankly silly. But the more I thought about it the more I realized how useful it really is. This skill is the ability to bullshit.

Growing up I had the privilege of learning this skill at an early age. I was able to watch my parents pretend everything was OK until they thought I was able to understand. I learned that this wasn’t just lying or putting on a façade but instead it was a tool. A tool to protect someone (in my case) but also a skill that could be used to do a job effectively. I learned the second use for this skill from my father when I first showed interest in the military. Since then I’ve observed just how to use it in a professional setting.

My father is a rather average man in terms of height and size however he is unmatched din his morals. From the age of 6 I have been his pupil in the studies of life. A position I hold with pride, I’ve learned many things but one will always remain important. This is the ability to bullshit for the sake of duty. My father served 23 years in the USAF and in his time he has lead and followed. He utilized this skill to push policy and follow others orders. As an intensely moral man I always knew who wasn’t lying for personal gain but always for a collective good. He would bullshit not for selfish reasons but selflessly for his service to others as well as to protect those he led. I learned not only the use of following orders you don’t agree with but, following them gracefully. This I believe will be a skill I will need for many years not only in my career but in life itself.