soft skills & the future of work
TRANSCRIPT
SOFT SKILLS ARE HARDYet critical for performance, culture & the future of work.
SOFT V HARD (TECHNICAL) SKILLSSoft Skills
Reflect unique strengths Knowledge; character; social skills, and a sense of agency
Identify and solve problems Ask interesting questions Work collaboratively Work with purpose
Hard (Technical) Skills
Degree/qualification Training & experience in particular software
Quantitative research & reporting
Languages Follow specifications, directions
WHAT ARE SOFT SKILLS?Combinations of:
• People skills• Social skills• Communication skills• Character traits• Attitudes• Emotional
intelligence
TOP 10 SOFT SKILLS1. Communication2. Courtesy3. Flexibility (adaptability)4. Integrity5. Interpersonal6. Positive attitude7. Professionalism8. Responsibility9. Team Work10. Work ethic
IMPACT ON PERFORMANCETop 10 Soft Skills1. Communication2. Courtesy3. Flexibility 4. Integrity5. Interpersonal6. Positive attitude7. Professionalism8. Responsibility9. Team Work10. Work ethic
Completing high quality work Collaborating with x-functional groups Making presentations, representing the
Org. Persuading and negotiating Taking direction and feedback Handling rapidly-changing environments Working with diverse people &
management
SOFT SKILLS FOR THE FUTUREWhen technical skills can be automated, the future of work will shift from following instructions to critical thinking: recognising, analysing and solving problems.
HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR SOFT SKILLS?
Reflection Journal - what areas do you need to
improve in? Be mindful of actions and interactions.
Awareness Ask friends and family for feedback. Start noticing how others act & react.
Practice These are not technical skills which can be
learned in a set time period. Find ways to leave your comfort zone to
practice and then reflect (journal) on what you felt & learned
(This is the hard bit)
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? Read, read, read!
Not business articles – read fiction, histories, philosophy & comics
If you’re a job seeker, highlight your soft skills in applications If you’re recruiting, make sure you consider soft skills in applicants
Watch Brene Brown’s TED talk on the Power of Vulnerability Watch Ken Robinson’s TED talk on Education Killing Creativity Read some more!
AND ENJOY BEING HUMAN
Want to connect?https://au.linkedin.com/in/edoxey