Working Life > Competences > Methodology

Methodology

Definition, Explanation

Elements pertaining to methodology are as varied as their definitions. Included in this spectrum are Marc Pilloud, who defines methodology as the ability to be familiar with and to apply methods to tackle problems and to structurally solve them, and Margarete Grimus who defines it as: "Methodology means making use of working techniques, approaches and learning strategies appropriately, situation-related and target-orientated" Among these are the autonomous

• Acquisition, structuring, processing, filing and re-utilisation of information
• Interpretation, illustration and presentation of the results of mental processing procedures
• Implementation and development of problem solving techniques
• Creating of problem solving processes like project management

Methodology sometimes belongs to the less regarded abilities but wrongfully. It forms the basis for acquiring specialist knowledge is the prerequisite for lifetime learning and for the personal and occupational constant process of improvement. The following, in particluar, are part of it

• All kinds of verbal and non-verbal communication like making telephone calls, emails, small talk, rhetoric, argumentation, discussion, negotiations, body language
• Project management and delegation
• Moderation and presentation
• Behaviour towards superiors, colleagues, employees and business partners
• Conflict management with feedback and criticism
• Preparing, leading and following-up working methods like brainstorming, mindmapping, coaching and mentoring, discussions
• Self-management with modules like knowledge management, workplace and time management

Tips, Checklist

• Besides your expert competence, do not neglect the training of methodology. The better you master each individual component, the more successful you will be in your job
• Study further now and again and try to get some feedback about how good you are and what you can improve. Especially when it comes to methods, there are always further developments

Last update: 11/29/2010