How do we define soft skills?
They’re intangible skills that aren’t easy to measure.
Soft skills can be learned over time, and they’re the backbone of building relationships in the workplace. Here are 6 critical soft skills that will help you accelerate your career.
- Knowing How to Connect
Jobs are much more social now than they ever have been. Whether through digital technology, or in-person (well – not so much these last couple of years) our connections often extend beyond our 9 to 5. It’s essential that you know how to connect with others and build relationships within an organization. This includes having great written and verbal communication skills and being able to empathize with both co-workers, management, customers or clients.
- Research and Problem-Solving Skills
Managers really appreciate people who can figure out a problem without having to ask a million questions. Taking a problem and researching a solution seems like a straightforward task, but knowing how to effectively research and approach problems with an open mind isn’t as easy as it sounds, and it’s a skill highly sought after by employers.
Soft skills can be learned, and are a critical foundation to how you lead your life – which will also translate into a successful career.
3. Time Management
This one may sound easy enough. But knowing how to manage time is a classic soft skill for a reason, and it’s more critical than ever with the surge of technological advances that blend our work and social lives. Time management will not only be critical to help you navigate masses of emails or work your way through projects, it will also help you learn to step away from work (both at the office and on your laptop or phone) and recharge.
4. Flexibility
Dynamic work environments have become the norm in most jobs, and it’s unlikely your days are ever going to be exactly the same. While the last couple of years have been a crash course in the unexpected, adapting smoothly to unexpected change is a key element to remaining flexible in any situation. Projects won’t always go smoothly, you won’t always have the best co-workers, and you won’t always be able to put work away at 5pm. You need to learn to be flexible in these situations and seek out alternate solutions when possible.
5. Accountability
Taking responsibility for mistakes can be scary. Who wants to be blamed when something goes off the rails? Admitting to mistakes and allowing yourself to learn will take you much farther in the working world than avoiding criticism. It will also prove to managers that you’re honest, a trait that goes a long way in the workplace.
6. Authenticity
If there’s one soft skill you should learn, it’s this one. Being our true selves is often overlooked in the face of pleasing others. Being authentic will make you enjoy your job more, meaning you’ll likely put forth a better effort and be more respected by co-workers and managers. I know it sounds cliché, but always be yourself when you’re looking for a job. Trying to exude another character than your own true self is exhausting and eventually, the façade will slip.
The best part about soft skills is they can be learned. If you want to up your job hunting game, take the time to build some of the skills above to help you stand out at your next interview.
