How can you use soft skills assessments to improve your team's performance?

2 How to choose a soft skills assessment tool?

When selecting a soft skills assessment tool, it is important to consider the purpose and scope of the assessment, the quality and credibility of the tool, the cost and accessibility of the tool, as well as the format and feedback of the tool. Think about what soft skills you want to measure and why, who developed the tool, how it is validated and updated, reviews and feedback from other users, how much it costs and how long it takes to complete, how secure and confidential the data is, how it is delivered and scored, what kind of report and recommendations it provides, and how user-friendly and engaging it is.

3 How to prepare your team for a soft skills assessment?

Prior to administering a soft skills assessment to your team, it's important to explain the purpose and benefits of the assessment, as well as address any concerns or questions they might have. Set clear and realistic expectations by telling your team what the assessment will cover, how long it will take, and how the results will be used. Additionally, emphasize the positive and constructive nature of the assessment; remind them that it is not a test or a judgment but rather a tool to help them grow and improve their soft skills. Encourage honesty and openness while asking them to answer the assessment questions honestly and objectively, while respecting the confidentiality and privacy of others. Lastly, provide support and resources for your team by offering any technical or logistical support they might need, and giving them access to relevant resources or training that can help them prepare or improve their soft skills.

4 How to use the results of a soft skills assessment?

After you receive the results of a soft skills assessment, you should review them carefully and analyze them for insights and trends. It is important to then share the results with your team, providing a summary and feedback of their collective and individual results, and acknowledging their strengths and areas of improvement. Involve your team in the action plan by asking for their input and suggestions on how to use the results to set goals, prioritize actions, and implement changes. Additionally, monitor and evaluate the progress by tracking the impact of the actions and changes on your team's performance, while providing regular feedback and recognition. Finally, repeat the assessment periodically to compare results over time and see the changes and improvements.

5 How to avoid common pitfalls of soft skills assessments?

Soft skills assessments can be a valuable tool for improving your team's performance, but they can also have some drawbacks and limitations. To avoid common pitfalls, the assessment should be part of a continuous and integrated process of learning and development, aligned with your team's vision, mission, and values. It should also complement and enhance your regular feedback and communication with your team. Additionally, the assessment should not be used to compare or compete with other teams or individuals or to penalize or reward your team based on their results. Lastly, the assessment should reflect your team's current situation and potential, not their past performance or future destiny. With practice and support, your team's soft skills can always be developed and improved.