As stated in the introductory post, soft skills fall into six broad categories, which are briefly described below.As future blog posts explore these categories in depth, you will learn the attributes and behaviors that characterize each one and how they apply to the workplace.
- Communication
This skill includes both verbal and written skills. Verbal communication includes both listening and speaking.
It starts with being able to listen. We all think we listen – we do it every day when we speak with someone, but are we really hearing what the person is saying? Listening is so important because you need to understand what the speaker is saying, interpret what the speaker said, and succinctly restate what you heard. It means being able to clarify information if you didn’t understand something the speaker said by asking relevant questions.
Speaking is something else we do daily. How we say something is often more important than what we say.
Written communications is being able to convey thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in memos, emails, or even texts.
As this blog is focused on workplace success, posts will highlight how to communicate effectively on-the-job, which might be very different from personal communication.
- Teamwork
This skill involves building collaborative relationships and working well with other people, typically to achieve a common goal. Teams are common in a work environment, and it's important to use your communication skills to add value to the group.
Even if you're not part of a formal work group, you will often find that you can achieve better results working in partnership with co-workers than on your own.
- Networking
This skill has two sides. First, it is really important to use your existing contacts and build new ones when looking for a job. A CareerXroads survey showed that only 15 percent of positions were filled through job boards, and an ABC News report stated that 80% of jobs are found through networking. In other words, most jobs are found by making connections with people who know of opportunities that you might not be able to find on your own. Second, networking doesn’t stop once you find a job; you should also build a network of co-workers to help you do the best job possible.
- Enthusiasm
This skill demonstrates a person’s interest in doing the job and doing it right. It’s not about being rah-rah, but doing simple things like mastering the assigned tasks, showing a desire to learn, being motivated, having a positive attitude, taking initiative, and so many other behaviors that demonstrate liking the job and the company.
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Although these skills sound difficult, they’re really not. They involve using knowledge, gathered facts, and data to identify workplace problems or discrepancies. Taking it a step further by developing a solution is a great way to make a good impression and a positive contribution to your job.
- Professionalism
This skill is all about personal behavior and business etiquette (manners), but goes further than that. It means treating your supervisor, co-workers, and customers with respect; dressing appropriately and being well groomed; arriving on time all the time; being dependable; taking responsibility and initiative; speaking and acting with honesty and integrity; following directions and accepting feedback; managing your time; using company time and resources appropriately (including limiting or avoiding the use of cell phones and texting at work); and many other behaviors that make a person professional.
While not every soft skill is required for every job, it’s safe to say that mastering all six categories will increase your career options and make you a far more valuable and versatile employee. In addition, even though this blog is focused on employment, soft skills also play an important role in one’s personal life and relationships.
Continue to check this site regularly -- or subscribe to receive automatic updates -- for useful tips and techniques to improve your soft skills, and actionable resources to help you get a job and flourish once hired.
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