SUCCESS MANTRA OF NEW GEN CORPORATE - SOFT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

72% of CEOs believe that soft skills are more important to the success of their business than hard skills. Getting the position that you want is about more than just having the right hard or technical skills. You must also possess the key soft skills employers look for.

Knowing which soft skills to include could be the differentiator that gets you the job offer over someone with a similar set of hard skills. Your education, degree, and certifications might get your foot in

1. What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills can be defined as character traits or interpersonal aptitudes that affect your ability to work and interact with others.

They are natural abilities that usually can’t be taught in a classroom or managed quantitatively. They are often, but not always, “people” skills.

They also usually aren’t the type of skills that can be included in a resume skills section. Instead, you should showcase your soft skills by creating an achievement-oriented professional experience section.

2. The Difference Between Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Soft skills relate more to emotional intelligence and are natural abilities that help us interact well with others. They are useful across all industries and job types. Hard skills, on the other hand, are usually job-specific skills that are learned through education or training.

3. Top 10 Soft Skills List

As soft skills become more important, it’s good to know that although you can’t sit down in a classroom and learn a one, you can hone and develop these talents. As with any skill, practice makes perfect.

1 – Communication

Communication skills can be oral or written and allow you to express yourself effectively in the workplace. These skills are helpful in almost any position but are critical for careers in sales, human resources, and management. Some examples include:

-Clarity         -Confidence             -Respect                    -Empathy                  -Listening

-Verbal communication                 -Non-verbal communication                     - Friendliness

2 – Teamwork

Teamwork skills allow you to operate well in a group setting in the workplace to quickly and effectively accomplish tasks. Teamwork is crucial for careers in market research, event coordination, and software engineering. Some examples of teamwork-related skills include:

-Conflict management        -Delegation              -Listening                 -Active listening

-Collaboration                     -Cooperation            -Coordination          -Idea exchange

3 – Adaptability

Adaptability and flexibility are related skills and are about embracing and rolling with change. They are particularly important when working in fast-pace or constantly changing work environments such as public relations, event management, nursing, and advertising. Some examples include:

-Curiosity                -Self-management              -Decision-making              -Calmness     

-Optimism                -Open-mindedness              -Analysis                             -Organization

4 – Problem-Solving

Problem-solving abilities are a blend of using analytical and creative thinking to find solutions. Careers where problem-solving is vital include law enforcement, information technology, and medical-related fields. Types of problem-solving skills include:

-Analysis                  -Lateral thinking                  -Logical reasoning              -Initiative

-Persistence              -Observation                        -Persuasion                          -Negotiation

5 – Creativity

Creativity is a broad type of soft skill that can help you develop innovative solutions to problems at work. Instructional designers, architects, and artists are examples of jobs where creativity is crucial to success. Types of creative skills include:

-Divergent thinking             -Inspiration              -Imagination             -Reframing

-Mind mapping                    -Insight                      -Innovation              -Experimenting

6 – Work Ethic

Work ethic is a soft skill that proves your belief in the importance of work and its ability to strengthen your character. Demonstrating work ethic should be important in every career, but is vital for first responders, teachers, and nurses. Soft skills examples related to work ethic include:

-Integrity                   -Responsibility                    -Discipline               -Initiative

-Dependability        -Commitment                       -Self-motivated       -Professionalism

7 – Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are those that you use near-constantly as you interact and communicate with co-workers and management. They are vital for people who work in customer service, realty, or financial planning. Examples include:

-Empathy                  -Humor                     -Mentoring               -Networking             

-Sensitivity               -Patience                   -Tolerance                -Public speaking

8 – Time Management

Time management skills demonstrate your ability to work efficiently and productively by using your time wisely. Most every employer appreciates this soft skill, but it’s crucial if you’re an IT project manager, or work in loss prevention or legal fields. Some time management skills are:

-Goal setting             -Prioritizing              -Self-starter              -Planning                  

-Decision making    -Focus                       -Delegation              -Stress management

9 – Leadership

Leadership is a soft skill that enables you to guide others while you fulfill the goals and mission of your organization. Leadership is critical for entrepreneurs, all types of management, and careers in teaching. Leadership skills include:

-Empathy                  -Selflessness                        -Agility                     -Listening

-Humility                  -Cultural intelligence          -Authenticity           -Versatility

10 – Attention to Detail

Attention to detail allows you to be both thorough and accurate in your work. Careers suited to detail-oriented people include accounting, pharmacology, and engineering. Some skills related to attention to detail are:

-Critical observation           -Listening                 -Organization           -Scheduling

-Analysis                              -Introspection          -Memory                   -Acuity

You’ll notice that among the list of soft skills by category there is some overlap – this is natural. They are useful in many situations and job functions and are an essential addition to the perfect resume.

4. Conclusion – Why You Need Soft Skills

According to Forbes, 94% of recruiters believe that top-notch soft skills outweigh experience when it comes to promotion to leadership positions. They are fundamental to getting the job you want now and essential for career growth. As automation expands, soft skills will become an even more significant differentiator to employers.

“Hard skills might get your resume looked at” but soft skills “help you stand out and get you hired.” You must still possess the requisite technical skills to get the job you want, but without soft skills, you can’t compete.