FILL IN YOUR SOFT SKILLS GAP !!

A couple of months back I wrote a blog on workplace communication. Today I would like to mention the important soft skills each individual should have, who plan to job the corporate work force.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills are the interpersonal, communication, behavioral, and organizational skills that cross all types of jobs and industries. Employers are looking whether you can get along with others, deal with conflict and handle yourself professionally.

Soft skills encompass a wide spectrum of traits, including being self-aware, trustworthy, conscientious, adaptable. They are also made up of abilities like critical thinking, attitude, initiative, empathy, confidence, integrity, likeability, risk-taking, influence, problem-solving, conflict resolution, handling criticism, time management, leadership, organizational awareness and so on.

The ability to communicate is an essential life skill and one that can be continually developed. Even if you are a naturally good communicator, there are always opportunities and ways to enhance your communication skills.

• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• Listening
• Body language

Presentations skills

Presentations skills and public speaking skills are very useful in many aspects of work and life. Effective presentations and public speaking skills are important in business, sales and selling, training, teaching, lecturing, and generally feeling comfortable speaking to a group of people.

Small Talk

An informal / friendly communication at the work place or a casual way of networking and getting to know your co- workers

Leadership and Initiative

Taking the initiative is a crucial element of leadership and an important asset for many jobs.Beyond initiative, what else makes a good leader?

According to a leadership survey, good leaders have, in order of priority:

• Great communication skills
• Ability to deal with change
• Skill in managing people
• Good goal-setting
• Problem-solving
• Project management

Conflict Resolution and Negotiation

Teamwork comes into play when we talk about conflict resolution and negotiation.  People with different backgrounds and ideas, will eventually end up with some disagreements

Negotiation is about being open to different ideas and coming up with a solution together

Accepting Constructive Criticism

Perhaps one of the simplest strategies for avoiding conflict is knowing when to stop fighting back and realizing there is something we can learn, bringing us to the soft skill: accepting constructive criticism.

Flexibility

Show that you’re willing to be flexible, open to change, willing to evolve and go with the flow.

Business Etiquette

First impressions count to employers, and appropriate business etiquette can make or break that first impression. Often, behavior is seen differently across various cultures, so it’s important to understand what are seen as positive and negative behaviors

• Handshaking: Shake hands firmly
• Eye contact: Make eye contact at the same time as you shake somebody’s hand
• Manners: Whether it’s eating using the right fork and not slurping your food, or holding a door open for a colleague, or learning not to interrupt others while speaking
• Magic words: Children here are taught about so-called magic words — please, thank-you and I’m sorry
• Physical appearance: Etiquette extends to your physical appearance as well
• Smiling: And don’t forget to smile. It’s a sign that you’re a positive person, even in times of difficulty.