“Talent wins games, but Teamwork and Intelligence wins

Championships” – Michael Jordan

In today’s workplace, competition is defined by

limited spaces – internally, and externally by high

unemployment, having the technical skills and

knowledge is no longer enough for employees to

excel in the workplace.

Soft skills are the personal attributes that allows us to effectively relate to others. These skills enhance our personal interactions and lead to greater job performance and satisfaction. Like all other skill sets, soft skills can be learned.

What are Soft Skills?

Soft Skill #1: Emotional Intelligence

The ability to recognize and manage our feelings so that they are expressed appropriately. Four components of EI

Self – Awareness

Self – Management

Social Awareness

Relationship Management

Soft Skill #2: Professionalism

Professionalism is the ability to conduct yourself with integrity, responsibility, accountability, and excellence

Always reporting to work on time and returning

promptly from breaks

Dressing appropriately

Being clean and neat

Speaking clearly and politely to colleagues,

customers, and clients

Striving to meet high standards for one’s own

work

Soft Skill #3: Communication

Ways We Communicate Nonverbal communication

Verbal communication

Body language

Artistic communication

Musical communication

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said -

Peter Drucker

Improve non-verbal communication

Improve listening ability

Improve honest and openness in communication

Soft Skill #4: Team WorkWorking alone is a no-brainer, Learn to work with teams to gain achievements more than your capacity

Identify your capabilities

Settle down in your role

Learn the whole process

Flow with the team

Soft Skill #5: Problem Solving

It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer -

Albert Einstein

Define the Problem

Generate alternative solutions

Evaluate the plans

Implementation and Re-evaluation

Soft Skills #6: Time Management

The ability to effectively manage your time is key to productivity.

You can’t create more time in your day, but applying time management skills can

help you make the most of the time you do have!

Scheduling

Prioritizing

Managing distractions

The Myth of Multitasking

Soft Skills #7: Attitude and Work EthicCreating a positive attitude for increased productivity and workplace happiness.

What are your goals

Caring for others versus caring

for yourselves

Build Trust

Work is its own reward

Soft Skill #8: Adaptability/FlexibilityAbility to compromise and change in response to changing

situations and changing needs, and thrive are key to success in the

new fast-pace workplaces.

Get Over the Good Old Days

Syndrome

Change to manage Process

Change to manage People

Show that you are worth your

weight in adaptability

Soft Skills #9: Self-Confidence

Confident Traits

Self-Questionnaire

Sure-fire self-confidence

building tactics

Build others up

Self-confidence is simply the belief that you know what to do and how to do it, that you are good at what you do, and that you can handle whatever comes your way.

Soft Skills #10: Ability to Learn

Wow, you mean I’m not

perfect?

Listen with an Open Mind

Analyze and Learn

Clear the Air, and Don’t hold

any grudges

Soft Skills #11: Networking

Networking is an essential part of building wealth - Armstrong Williams

Redefine your Need for

Networking

Identify the others’ interests

Reach out

Know when to back off

Wrap Up

This is by no means the end of your education about soft skills.

But it is expected that it will provide you with a key tool in your

journey to improving your soft skills set.

Take a moment to review and update your action plan

Got questions, reach the author on +234 803 712 6699 or Email questions or comments to support@f2aresources.com.ng

Visit us at www.rainmaker.com.ng