What makes an individual strive in today’s workforce? Is it an intellectual, an extrovert, or is it someone who is none of the above? A recent survey conducted by Burning Glass Technologies listed that the majority of employers in the US are looking for people that excel in communication. That’s right, something that you and I both have been doing the majority of our life. Being able to clearly explain and articulate your ideas could land you a job with your future employer. Today I’m speaking with the Arizona State OHV Coordinator at Arizona State Parks and Trails Matthew Eberhart Overseas the development of over 1,126 individual trails in Arizona ranging from 0.7 to 129.1 miles in length; this includes the Arizona National Scenic Trail that stretches 800 miles across the entire length of the state.

I was able to reach out to Mr. Eberhart who oversees the development of over 1,126 individual trails in Arizona ranging from 0.7 to 129.1 miles in length; this includes the Arizona National Scenic Trail that stretches 800 miles across the entire length of the state. recently to discuss how he got to be where he is today and what key skills he thought should be incorporated into today’s job seekers.

What is your professional history (include your timeline and roles)

• 2012-2013 Community Relations Administrator at Arizona Department of Transportation
• 2013-2016 OHV Safety Education Coordinator at Arizona Game and Fish Department
• 2016-2017 Assistant OHV Coordinator at Arizona State Parks and Trails
• 2017-Present State OHV Coordinator at Arizona State Parks and Trails

What writing advice do you have for professional communicators?

“If you have questions always ask for clarification. Always say the shortest truest thing when communicating to save time and get to the point. Sometimes less is more. Documentation is a helpful tool.”

What is your one pet peeve when it comes to professional writing?

“Having too many reviewers with different views on how something should look or be presented.”

What kind of business reports do you read and/or compose regularly?

“Typically the reports I’m primarily involved in are for our legislators, the director or our boards and commissions. “

What are your writing suggestions to make that type of report successful?

“Create templates so that information can be quickly changed in and out based on need.”

What speaking advice do you have for professional communicators?

“Dress to fit your audience. Don’t read your powerpoint slide to your audience… they are adults and can read just fine. Instead, create bulleted talking points that supplement what is on the screen… not what is already there. Speak slowly and clearly. If you don’t know the answer to a question say that you will look into it and get back to them. It’s more professional than saying “I don’t know”.”

Name one thing you wish you had known about business communication prior to your professional career?

“If it’s written it can either save you or burn you so make sure that you stay organized and communicate clearly as often as possible.”

After assessing the Burning Glass list of Baseline Skills (2016), which skills not in the top 5 would you move into the top 5…and why?

“These are what I’d move to the top 5 in no particular order.”

• Creativity – all too often in business things are done one way “Because that’s how they’ve always been done”. Change things up. Bring new ideas. Share your weird with the world.
• Multi–Tasking – Simply because it’s needed way more than I ever anticipated. You need to be able to roll with the punches as new tasks come up.
• Presentation Skills – Some day you’ll need to present your idea and having the skills to effectively communicate what you’re passionate about can make all the difference in whether or not it’s chosen.
• Listener – Being able to listen makes a significant difference in how people are able to collaborate with you. If they feel you listen to their ideas they’ll be more inclined to help you accomplish yours.
• Building effective relationships – Some people in professional settings still behave like children it’s up to you to be the bigger person and work to build positive relationships… even with the complainers.

What team skills do you feel young professionals need the most?

“Flexibility, Patience, and Confidence.”

Credit: Burning Glass Technologies

My Key Takeaways

On more than one occasion I completely agree with Mr. Eberhart’s responses to my questions. On a personal level while being in an active management position for the past five years a majority of these questions hit home. He explains that one must be creative to stand out in today’s business world. He states that just because something has been done a certain way for so many years doesn’t mean it’s the right way. his really comes out when; like myself have very limited resources to complete projects or reports, a lot of the time one must use what’s available in order to reach their goals.

Mr. Eberhart also claimed that listening is also one of his top five baseline skills. I was intrigued by his answer though, as he stated “If they feel you listen to their ideas they’ll be more inclined to help you accomplish yours.” Personally it has never crossed my mind that there is an actual rate of return you get by just listening. Being a good listener is also a nice seaway into Mr. Eberhart’s other baseline skill building effective relationships. As he explained, ever so lightly there are people active in the work force today that will complain if they don’t get their way. Anyone who works in any job field can vouch for this, there tends to always be that one person that will either complain or never forget that one time they didn’t get their way. This is a terrible trend to have along the lines of being a professional communicator, its one thing to be vocal about your opinions but plain unprofessional to sulk.

Personally as a reader seeing that Mr. Eberhart listed multitasking as one of his top five was a sigh of relief. Surprisingly multi-tasking didn’t even make the top ten base line skills in the burning glass report. As a state employee being able to do several things at once is almost the most important skill a person can have, especially in a management position. There isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not bombarded by employees while at the same time corresponding to emails. Understanding that my employees may not feel that they are getting my undivided attention you must make it know that they in fact are.

Biography:

Mr. Eberhart received his bachelor’s degree in 2011 from Arizona State University. While going to school Mr. Eberhart was also a full time recreation supervisor for the city of Peoria, AZ. In 2013 Mr. Eberhart began his journey with state government with the Arizona Department of Transportation and hasn’t looked back. Soon after working with ADT Mr. Eberhart  joined the Arizona Dept. of Fish and Game where he is still is employed to this day.

Mr. Eberhart’s LinkedIn.

About the Author: Jude Hays is a sophomore at the University of Southern Indiana (USI), and actively pursuing his degree in management. He is currently the Assistant Property Manager at Interlake State Recreation Area and aspires to one day become the Off-Road Vehicle Program Manger for the state of Indiana.