I often hear people talk about new classes or courses they want to take. Everyone wants to be an all-rounder.
“I’m a UI Designer but I want to add Front End Development to the bag”
“I need to brush up my Microsoft Office skills”
“I heard Tayo earns a lot as a Data Scientist, I’d love to learn that”
We want to fit into all the boxes of the job requirements and still have a million more things to offer. Designing, coding and other technical skills are really good to have but it becomes great when you infuse soft skills in them.
“Soft skills get little respect but they will make or break your career” — Peggy Klaus, author
Picture this scenario: there are two major ongoing projects led by experts at work and you are given the free will to choose whichever one you’d like to work with.
Project A is led by a gentle manager who relates well with his team. He uses the strength of each team member, carefully listens to their suggestions, needs and difficulties, he buys them lunch when they meet up to time, and he ensures everyone’s mind is in the game.
Project B is led by a stern manager — ever strict with his instructions. He doesn’t care if the team is stressed or not. All he wants is fast results. He expects everyone to be 100% efficient and if any team member slacks off a bit or makes mistakes; he queries them and makes them pay dearly.
Note that regardless of which team you choose, excellent results would be attained because the team leads are experts. Which of the two teams would you belong to? I would definitely join Project A with my eyes closed!
This applies not only to a Boss or Team lead — for healthy, productive and peaceful coexistence of people in gatherings individuals have to effectively use their soft skills. We all know that one particular person who no one wants to talk to because they are rude, disrespectful, stiff or lack team spirit. We know those who are too shy to present their beautiful works. We also know those who always belittle themselves in public but do outstanding things in private.
Soft skills make your hard skills more beautiful!
“Having well developed soft skills will help you have better conversations, enjoy your work environment, and create a closer relationship with your team.” — Marisa Morby, author.
Categories of Soft Skills
“Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.” — Jim Rohn, entrepreneur
Soft skills can either be internal or external (By Muse-Marisa Morby).
Internal Soft skills are targeted to oneself, i.e. how you relate and interact with yourself. They are skills that help you become a better version of yourself for your own good. Some of these skills are
- Perseverance
- Personal Accountability
- Resilience
- Self awareness
- Self Confidence
- Self Compassion
- Critical thinking
External Soft Skills are targeted to others- how you talk, handle and relate with them. These skills help you become a better person for the good of others and the workspace. They include:
- Collaborative teamwork
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication and listening skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Public Speaking
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation
Final Note
Soft skills are essential and they take conscious effort to build. Since they are similar to emotions and intuition, they are a lot harder to learn and imbibe. Learn from others, practice, attend soft skill seminars, ask for help, volunteer if need be and reflect on the skills you have developed and the skills you want to develop.
