The Skills-Based Model and Its Impact on Positive Attitudes in Small Business​

I consider myself a positive person. I’ve had plenty of negativity in my life to know that being positive is a choice and one I make every day as a female, as a mom, as a mimi and as a small business founder. In the ever-evolving landscape of small business ownership, fostering a positive attitude is crucial. One effective approach to nurturing this positivity is the skills-based model, which emphasizes the development and application of specific competencies to achieve goals. By focusing on skills rather than rigid roles, business owners can cultivate an environment that not only promotes individual growth but also fosters a collective sense of optimism and purpose.​

The Skills-Based Model Defined​

A skills-based model prioritizes the identification and enhancement of essential skills that contribute to a business’s success. Instead of adhering to traditional job descriptions, this approach encourages flexibility and collaboration, allowing team members to take on various roles based on their strengths and interests. This adaptability fosters a sense of ownership among employees, as they are empowered to contribute in ways that resonate with their individual capabilities.​

Promoting a Positive Attitude​

The relationship between the skills-based model and a positive attitude is multifaceted. Firstly, when employees recognize that their skills are valued, it boosts their self-esteem and confidence. This validation can lead to a more engaged workforce, where team members are motivated to innovate and take initiative. As employees feel more competent in their roles, their enthusiasm tends to translate into a positive workplace atmosphere. Additionally, the skills-based model encourages continuous learning and development. When small business owners invest in training and upskilling their employees, it signals a commitment to growth. This culture of learning not only equips employees with new tools and knowledge but also instills a sense of progress and optimism about the future. Employees are likely to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, viewing obstacles as opportunities for learning rather than setbacks.​

Importance of a Positive Attitude for Small Business Owners​

For small business owners, maintaining a positive attitude is essential for several reasons. Firstly, optimism is contagious. When business owners exhibit a positive mindset, it influences their employees, creating a work environment that is energetic and enthusiastic. This positive atmosphere can enhance teamwork, improve communication, and increase overall productivity. Moreover, a positive attitude enables small business owners to navigate challenges more effectively. Entrepreneurship is often fraught with uncertainties and setbacks. Those with a positive outlook are better equipped to approach problems creatively and resiliently. Instead of succumbing to frustration, they are likely to seek solutions, inspiring their teams to do the same.​

Furthermore, a positive attitude enhances relationships with customers and clients. Business owners who approach interactions with optimism and enthusiasm are more likely to build rapport and trust. Satisfied customers are not only more likely to return but also to recommend the business to others, creating a ripple effect that can lead to increased sales and growth.​

Conclusion​

In conclusion, we know through our daily work that the skills-based model is a powerful framework. It not only facilitates skill development but also nurtures a positive attitude among employees and business owners alike. For small business owners, maintaining a positive outlook is vital for personal resilience, team morale, and customer satisfaction. By embracing a skills-based approach, small business owners can create a dynamic and supportive environment that fosters both individual and collective success, ultimately leading to a thriving business. When you need to hire. You need CATE®. Matching . People . Instantly​

Join us for an enlightening Small Business Owner Roundtable 30 for 30 Strategy Session on Thursday, October 17th at 2PM ET, where we tackle the vital topics for small business growth: “Why Small Businesses Need People Operations?” and “Skills-Based Hiring vs. Tasks.” Learn from the expertise of Tobey Wyatt, founder of Motherlode, and Robyn Grable, Founder and CEO of Talents ASCEND, as they unravel the transformative power of effective people operations.
Discover how skills-based hiring can elevate your team beyond traditional task-oriented approaches, leading to enhanced productivity and innovation. 30 for 30 Strategy Session on Thursday, October 17th at 2PM ET, where we tackle the vital topics for small business growth: “Why Small Businesses Need People Operations?” and “Skills-Based Hiring vs. Tasks.” Learn from the expertise of Tobey Wyatt, founder of Motherlode, and Robyn Grable, Founder and CEO of Talents ASCEND, as they unravel the transformative power of effective people operations. Discover how skills-based hiring can elevate your team beyond traditional task-oriented approaches, leading to enhanced productivity and innovation.

 

The success of our candidates is just as important as the success of our members.

Thank you, Rachelle, for being a rockstar and a fine example of what Talents ASCEND stands for.

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and highlight the importance of creating inclusive workplaces. At The ASCEND Collective, we are proud to celebrate this month and reaffirm our commitment to empowering individuals of all abilities—especially through our Ability ASCEND program, which focuses on breaking down barriers and opening doors to meaningful employment.

This year’s NDEAM theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” aligns perfectly with our mission. At The ASCEND Collective, we don’t just talk about inclusion; we work every day to make it a reality. Through Ability ASCEND, we support individuals with diverse-abilities in finding career paths that align with their strengths, skills, and aspirations. Whether it is providing customized job search support, helping clients build personal brands, or connecting them with inclusive employers, our goal is to open the door to opportunities that allow every person to shine.

Why is this so important? The numbers speak for themselves. According to recent statistics, the employment rate for individuals with disabilities is still significantly lower than the national average. This gap isn’t due to a lack of talent or capability—it’s about access. When employers embrace diverse-abilities, they not only tap into an underutilized talent pool but also foster a workplace culture of innovation, creativity, and empathy.

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we encourage employers and community members alike to join us in advancing access and equity in the workplace. It’s time to create a world where diverse-abilities are recognized for the strengths they bring and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s work together to build a more inclusive future. Ready to support our mission? Visit www.theascendcollective.org to get involved or donate to further our efforts.

Together, we ASCEND.

Donate now at www.theascendcollective.org/donate or text FundTAC to 53-555.

Unlock the potential of your #workforce during this interactive webinar, designed to transform your #hiring practices and fuel business success. Learn practical methods for identifying and hiring candidates based on their skills and potential rather than traditional qualifications, ensuring a better fit for your company’s needs and fostering long-term employee satisfaction.

#BusinessSuccess 

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