What are Soft Skills? Soft Skills refer to a cluster of
personal qualities, habits, attitudes and social graces that make
someone a good employee and compatible to work with.
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DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? 1.Strong Work Ethic Are you
motivated and dedicated to getting the job done, no matter what?
Will you be conscientious and do your best work? 2. Positive
Attitude Are you optimistic and upbeat? Will you generate good
energy and good will?
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3. Good Communication Skills Are you both verbally articulate
and a good listener? Can you make your case and express your needs
in a way that builds bridges with colleagues, customers and
vendors? 4. Time Management Abilities Do you know how to prioritize
tasks and work on a number of different projects at once? Will you
use your time on the job wisely?
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5. Problem-Solving Skills Are you resourceful and able to
creatively solve problems that will inevitably arise? Will you take
ownership of problems or leave them for someone else? 6. Acting as
a Team Player Will you work well in groups and teams? Will you be
cooperative and take a leadership role when appropriate?
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7. Self-Confidence Will you project a sense of calm and inspire
confidence in others? Will you have the courage to ask questions
that need to be asked and to freely contribute your ideas? 8.
Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism Will you be able to
handle criticism? Are you coachable and open to learning and
growing as a person and as a professional?
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9. Flexibility/Adaptability Are you able to adapt to new
situations and challenges? Will you embrace change and be open to
new ideas? 10. Working Well Under Pressure Can you handle the
stress that accompanies deadlines and crises? Will you be able to
do your best work and come through in a pinch?
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How can you improve your soft skills? Develop Communication
Skills Your goal should be to communicate clearly through written,
oral, and nonverbal communication.
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Make eye contact. Practice speaking. Develop your writing
skills. Monitor your body language.
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PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS Listening requires focus and
self-discipline. We listen for many different reasons: to
understand instructions, to empathize with another individual, or
to judge whether a plan is good or not.
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Take notes when appropriate. Do not interrupt other people. Pay
attention to the other person's body language. Paraphrase and ask
questions to learn more about what someone is telling you.
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BUILD RELATIONSHIPS Interpersonal skills are important in the
workplace because so many organizations are designed around teams
and departments.
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Establish professional relationships. Learn to manage conflict
in a healthy way. Network with people inside and outside your
organization.
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PRACTICE LEADING Leadership is simply influencing other people.
As such, leadership skills can be used by any employee at any level
in the organization.
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Observe your own supervisor. Practice leading in small group
discussions. Set the example for others by displaying a positive
attitude in difficult situations.
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TAKE INITIATIVE Demonstrate responsibility and enthusiasm for
your job by striving to go the extra mile. This starts by finishing
work without constant reminders from your supervisor.
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Seek more challenging work. Do tasks without being asked by
someone else.
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IN ADDITION.. Soft skills are increasingly sought out by
employers in addition to standard qualifications. It has been
suggested that in a number of professions soft skills are equally
important to occupational skills.