What are Soft Skills?

Soft Skills are also known as Social Skills, People Skills, Interpersonal Skills, and Employability Skills.

Soft Skills are skills and behaviors that are necessary for every job. They are the key to success in the workplace.

Hard Skills vs Soft Skills

Hard skills include abilities to perform a task or job.

Hard skills are usually taught and learned at school.

Soft Skills are personal qualities and people skills.

Soft skills are not usually directly taught at school.

Hard skills will get you an interview

but you need soft skills to get (and keep) the job!

Important Soft Skills

  1. Communication Skills
    • Verbal
    • Non Verbal
  2. Team Work
  3. Time Management
  4. Flexibility
  5. Self-Discipline
  6. Showing Commitment
  7. Problem Solving Skills

Communication Skills

* Most important!

* What you say, and how you say it



2 Types of Communication Skills

a) Verbal - words

 
b) Nonverbal - no words

 

What forms of communication do you observe here?

Verbal Communication Skills


1.Word Choice
  • Slang
  • Proper English


2. Tone/Inflection/Speed
  • Loud vs. Soft
  • Fast vs. Slow
  • Sarcastic tone/Monotone


3. Manners/Etiquette

Nonverbal Communication Skills


1. Word Choice


2. Tone/Inflection/Speed


3. Manners/Etiquette
  • Posture
  • Open Positions – leaning forward, head nodding – viewed more positively
  • Closed Positions – arms folded, hands on hips – viewed more negatively


4. Eye contact
  • The right amount shows confidence


5. Personal Appearance


Sends messages about your background, personality, and financial status

  • Hair – well groomed; neatly styled
  • Clothing – dress code - color and style
  • Cleanliness
  • Tattoos and piercings
  • Make up

Describe the communication style you would you expect in each of these situations.

Teamwork


1. Working Well with Others
  • Putting the group above yourself
  • Cooperation
  • Manners/courtesy/etiquette


2. Acceptance/Tolerance
  • Accepting others who are different from yRace, religion, politics, sexual orientation, clothing, appearance, etc. Cooperation
  • Race, religion, politics, sexual orientation, clothing, appearance, etc.

How are teamwork and acceptance important in each photo?

Time Management se


1. Working Well with Others
  • Develop a plan or routine
  • Know yourself – when do you work best?


2. Acceptance/Tolerance
  • Accepting others who are different from yRace, religion, politics, sexual orientation, clothing, appearance, etc. Cooperation
  • Race, religion, politics, sexual orientation, clothing, appearance, etc.


3. Organize
  • Avoid interruptions – cell phone OFF!
  • Keep a schedule

How must these workers show flexibility, adaptability or problem solving skills?

Flexibilitysection


1. Adaptability 
  • Willing to learn
  • Willing to change
  • Willing to accept more and different responsibilities
  • Accepting changes and situations maturely and professionally


2. Problem Solving 
  • Accepting others who are different from yRace, religion, politics, sexual orientation, clothing, appearance, etc. Cooperation
  • Able to see the big picture
  • Solving conflicts maturely
  • Willing to compromise with others

Discuss how soft skills are important to these professionals.

Self-Discipline


1. Self - Control
  • Control your actions and words
  • Accept constructive criticism
  • Remain professional at all times


2. Responsibility 
  • Do what is expected
  • Accountability


3. Motivation 
  • Take initiative – go above and beyond
  • Personal development

How are these workers showing self-control, responsibility, and motivation?

Showing Commitment


1. Loyalty
  • To company and boss
  • Listen and take direction from manager
  • Keep comments positive outside of work


2. Hard Work 
  • Perform your best work at all times
  • Stay focused and committed to a task


3. Professionalism
  • Attending to job details

How would these workers use soft skills in their jobs?

Problem Solving Skills

1. Critical Thinking

  • Recognize current & future problems
  • See the big picture
  • Consider workable options
  • Think long term


2. Decisiveness 
  • Consider and choose options wisely
  • Confidence & commitment


3. Cooperate with Others
  • Listen and communicate

Discuss how soft skills are important to these professions.

Soft Skills

Don’t Leave Home Without Them

Soft Skills


“Soft Skills get little respect, but will make or break your career.”