Soft Skills Noon Knowledge Session

C I N D Y H A G E M A N N

M A R K E T I N G C O N S U L T A N T

C R H A G E M A N N @ G M A I L . C O M

SOFT SKILL OR HARD SKILL?

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Computer Skills

Accounting Skills

Team Player

Time Management

Leadership

Problem-solving Skills

Organized

Flexible

Strong Work Ethic

Writing Skills

Conflict Resolution

Mathematics

Foreign Language

Sense of Humor

Public Speaking

Software Development

Self-Motivated

Positive Attitude

Graphic Design

Dependable

Physics

Multi-tasking

Web Developer

Confidence

Human Resources

Networking

Critical Thinking

Friendliness

HARD SKILLS VS. SOFT SKILLS

Hard Skills Specific knowledge and abilities required to success on the job.

Soft Skills Include interpersonal/people skills and personal attributes

needed for success on the job.

Employers prefer both soft skills and hard skills.

SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

“Soft skills come down to how people interact with

each other, from a verbal and/or non-verbal

perspective; they are non-technical in nature.

When we think of people skills, words such as

personality, empathy, and tonality come to mind.”

-Teri Hockett, CEO, What’s for Work


Team Player • Ability to work/play well with others


Sense of Humor | Friendliness

• When appropriate use humor – it can diffuse tension

• Smile in the hallway

• Say “Good Morning”


Keep an Open Mind:

• Creates trust and respect

• Makes you more approachable

• Makes you easier to work with


Active Listening Skills:

• Listen without interruptions

• Take time to think before responding

• Remain sensitive to their needs



Effective Communication Skills:

• Give or send clear and concise messages

• Tailor messages to certain audiences

• Use appropriate communication channels at

the right time

• Learn public speaking skills




Conflict Resolution Skills:

• If conflict is not handled efficiently and

effectively – the results can be damaging

• When the conflict is resolved effectively – it

can lead to personal growth and team

development


Tips to resolve conflict between co-workers:

• Meet together with both parties

• Allow each to “tell their side of the story”

• Listen to each without interruption

• Don’t choose sides and inform them you will not do so

• Identify what the other employee could do more or less of

• Discuss necessary changes, going forward

• Tell them you expect “as adults” for them to be proactive in resolving the issues as discussed so that disciplinary action will not take place


“Leadership is a full-contact sport, if you

cannot address conflict in a healthy,

productive way, you should not be in a

leadership role”.

--Mike Myatt, Leadership Writer


Honesty:

• Builds trust among colleagues

• Once you lose trust, it is nearly impossible to

regain


Leadership Skills:

• Motiving others

• Show support & encouragement

• Take responsibility when necessary

• Be proactive not just reactive



Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving Skills:

• Situational analysis

• Develop creative solutions

• Follow through on action plans

• Don’t just bring up problems, bring up

solutions


Most Popular Soft Skill Traits:

• Problem solving/analytical thinking

• Team player

• Initiative/being proactive

• Effective communication skills

Execu-Search Employer Study


Other necessary Soft Skills:

• Time management

• Organizational skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Good judgment (make good decisions)

• Flexibility (bend your own rules)

• Assertiveness

• Respectful

• Stress management skills



How to improve your Soft Skills in 5 Easy Steps:

1. Develop communication skills

2. Practice active listening

3. Build relationships

4. Practice leading

5. Take initiative


Books:

• The Hard Truth About Soft Skills | Peggy Klaus

• People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to

Others and Resolve Conflicts | Robert Bolton

• The 12 Bad Habits That Hold Good People Back |

James Waldroop Ph.D

• 10 Things Employers Expect Their Employees to

Know | Frederick H. Wentz


Business

Soft Skills Noon Knowledge Session