SOFT SKILLS VACUUM

July 1, 2019

Bill Blalock

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SOFT SKILLS VACUUM

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader!” …John Quincy Adams

 

Professional development is essential in order to train and develop the necessary soft skills needed for leaders within an organization. All to often companies give employees assessment tests and never act on the results to address strengths and weaknesses of the individual. It is essential that companies invest in human capital to truly have a successful and leading-edge company!

Individually, you can seek to develop and refine these skills through workshops, seminars, company specific leadership programs [ if they exist], and on your own through researching the web and reading books on soft skill topics. Successful leaders possess and continually refine their soft skills coupled with increased knowledge in technical skills as well

Think of soft skills as your personal skills. There are too many soft skills to list them all, but here are some examples of soft skills that employers most appreciate.

  1. Strong Work Ethic.

It’s either a part of your DNA or your parents taught it to you. These examples of soft skills are seemingly simple things like being punctual, getting things done on time, and understanding that a job might be more than punching in and punching out. Take your career seriously and do what it takes to get the job done. 

  1. Communication.

This is a broad category. It can mean anything from how you converse with a client to how well you get your point across within your company. The ability to communicate with clients and team members is essential. It’s not just when you are trying to get a point across, either. A good employee is also a good listener. The ability to listen to others and display empathy is an excellent quality.

Think logically, utilize your tools in your tool kit and come up with solutions. The more creative, the better. Also, challenge your thinking to see if it is truly applicable to the problem or process at hand. That kind of thinking leads to innovation and improvements within the company.

  1. Time Management.

Time management means making the most of each day and getting the most important things done first. If necessary, the ability to delegate assignments to others when needed is a part of it.  Work smart! Scheduling your day will help Plan your day! Write it down as a reference. Learning how to manage your time to create maximum efficiency is a money saver for the company and leaves a lasting positive impression of purposeful accomplishment.

  1. Teamwork.

Teamwork means you can work with others in a professional environment. It can be harder than it seems. Make those on your team a part of the process – value their input, trust their insight, learn from them and together find the best solution. It’s always best to have a team member or two that has more skills that you do. Don’t be intimidated, remember, they are a part of your team. Success together elevates your perception as a leader in your organization.

  1. Leadership.

Good work ethic, problem solving, time management, communication skills, and teamwork ability are all skills that can make you a great employee. Leadership skills make you a candidate to be more than that. Leadership is the combination of all the other soft skills. When you put them together, you have a person who can not only work well with the team but can lead the team to be more effective.

[I provide effective programs that address the development of soft skills. If I can help you individually or within your company, please contact me]