Recent studies have shown that our soft skills are as important as our technical skills. That is, we need emotional intelligence as well as technical competence. Often, soft skills are referred to as people skills or emotional intelligence and usually include the following:

Leadership skills
Team-building skills
Ability to flex management styles
Ability to communicate with clarity
Working with teams
Problem-solving skills
Listening skills
Diplomacy and ability to resolve conflict
Ability to change
Power thinking and decision-making

Importance of Soft Skills

In my own experience teaching the many participants that have come to our seminars, I noticed that, after technical training, one of most requested trainings is for communication skills. Following this is the need for interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work under pressure.

This means that many of our participants realize that one of their main challenges is the ability to communicate effectively with their bosses, their peers and their subordinates. Indeed, today’s work environment has increased reliance on, and demand for, soft skills. This is probably due to technology, customer-driven markets, and our information-based economy together with the drive towards globalization.

When you and I deal with our existing clients, as well as impressing them with our technical competence, we still need to project the correct corporate image. We need to answer the phone in a professional and efficient manner. We need to understand and answer email correctly and so on. These are all soft skills.

With new clients, we will probably get only one shot at giving a good first impression. This means we have to dress right, greet them right, talk right and act right. We need to have the ability to carry on interesting conversations with people about the wide variety of topics and current events. Again, these are all soft skills.

Soft skills are the final ingredient that we need to succeed in business. It is not a replacement for hard or technical-skills. They are complementary and we need to be expert at both skills. Soft skills can serve to unlock the potential for success.

At RMP Consultancy, we have several training events designed specially to improve your soft skills. Do take the opportunity to attend one of these and I look forward to seeing you there. Send me an email at seminars@rmpconsultancy.com or call us at 372-4563 and let us help you get your career on track.