Soft Skills - Can they Be Learned?

What people call "soft skills" are a combination of people skills, social skills, communication skills, character or personality traits, attitudes, mindsets, and career attributes. So-called "soft skills" are in essence human skills: connecting, engaging, influencing, opening minds and motivating the actions of others. These skills are critical to success, so they are not optional!

Here are some examples:

Adaptability: This has to be ‘the skill’ of the 21st century. It is very important to stay on top of innovative technologies rather than wait until they've become commonplace.

Persuasion: Consider the wisdom of Aristotle who said, "Character can be called the most effective means of persuasion.”

Collaboration: Collaboration takes teamwork to a whole new level. It brings together people with different skill sets and perspectives to complete a project.

Emotional Intelligence: Defined as “the capacity to be aware of, control and express one’s emotions, and to manage interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.” Those with high EQ are better able to manage high-pressure situations, conflict resolution, and more.

Resilience: Resilience is the courage to overcome challenges. Learn to manage risk in order to understand the opportunities that best suit your talents.

Time Management: High performance is linked to time. Develop the ability to implement the 3Ps: plan, prioritization, and performance.

Self-Motivation: The drive to achieve is linked to our mindset. People with a growth mindset are far more likely to succeed because they believe they can improve.

If you have a growth mindset and put this mindset into deliberate practice, just as you would if you were learning a new technical skill such as playing an instrument, you will see results. But you need to commit to a process of honest self-reflection. Identify what areas of yourself you need to work on - and put your attention there. By doing so, you will develop soft skills quickly.

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