Today, more than ever before, a good work ethic and good skill sets are vital. The days of clock watching and doing just enough to get by are gone in today's workplace. In fact, many people are now doing the jobs two and three people used to do.

Someone told me that on a cable news show, Warren Buffet was asked if it would be a good idea to move their investments into gold and silver considering the current state and possible future of the economy. Certainly hearing an answer to a question like that from Buffett would cause one to stop and listen carefully. But his answer may surprise you.

I was told that Mr. Buffett answered by saying that the best asset during any recession or any troubled times is your personal abilities. If you are the best doctor, carpenter, teacher; whatever, you are still going to get paid regardless of the economy.

That sound advice leads to two questions. What do you have to offer today? What will you have to offer tomorrow?

In today's economy, many in the workplace are angry and complaining about current conditions. Some people come to work each day afraid that they may become the next victim of the massive layoffs going on nationwide. But, there are a few wise people who are sharpening their tools.

Making time and putting forth an effort to improve your skill set is vital in today's job market. Learning how to do your job more efficiently is very valuable. Discovering how to get your tasks done faster without sacrificing quality is very beneficial.

For today's employee there are really two sets of "tools" to sharpen. First, sharpen the skills and abilities that you already have. What is it that you can do to develop them even further?

It's just like a baseball player with a batting average at .207. There are things that he can do to improve his batting skill and perhaps bring his average up to .267, which would make him much more valuable to the team.

Do whatever you can to improve the skills you already have and use on a daily basis. Read books, ask others, and search out new ways to do the tasks that you already do; in other words, put real time and effort into it.

What do you have to offer today? What will you have to offer tomorrow?

The second set of tools that you need to sharpen is the set of tools which most people overlook. By that I mean these are new skills that are somewhat related to skills you already have that you could develop very quickly.

To discover these skills, take the time to write down all of your skills and abilities. You can even add to this list things that you like to do. And don't be shy; write down everything that you know about and everything that you know how to do. It may take you a little time to do this list.

Next, go through the list and add some related skills to those you have written down. For example, let's say that you are a house painter. Since you are familiar with interior walls including the skill of preparing those walls to be painted, you could easily learn the skill of putting up drywall. You could read about it, and then spend some time with a drywall installer, in order to pick up a new skill.

Perhaps there are things on that list that you would like to learn how to do. Put in the time and the effort to learn them. Remember, the best asset during any recession or any troubled times is your personal abilities.

There are people who go to work each day stressed out and full of fear of loosing their job. Others are angry and bitter. Many are complaining and blaming. And there are some who are hoping to win the lottery thinking that money will solve all their problems.

But there are some who have decided to take charge of their own lives. These are people who are in control of their lives rather than feeling controlled by the circumstances. These are people who sharpen their tools.

What do you have to offer today? What will you have to offer tomorrow? When the going gets tough, the tough sharpen their tools.