The Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace

What makes someone a good employee and easy to work with? The answer is something known as "soft" skills.

Our personal qualities, habits, and attitudes influence how we interact and work with others. Companies value soft skills because they are often linked to job performance and career success. Soft skills may mean the difference between who can do the job and who actually gets the job. Learn how to succeed at work.

A recent 21st Century Skills report (3.5MB, .pdf) listed the top four soft skills that employers want to see in all new employees as:

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Communication (oral and written)
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Professionalism and work ethic

According to the Perkins States' Career Cluster Initiative (40K, .pdf), essential knowledge and skills include:

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1. Communications

   The ability to communicate to others respectfully is probably the most important soft skill. It's not unusual to need help with reading, writing, language, or spelling skills. These skills are essential for effective communication. If you need help, consider developmental training in these subjects. Read different types of materials to help increase your vocabulary. It will help you understand more words and write better. It will also help you learn how to evaluate and interpret information.

   Communication is used in almost every task from setting business goals to customer service. Join organizations (like Toastmasters), clubs, or sports teams to improve your communications skills. Or serve on committees. Learn to listen to other people. Be willing to accept direction and constructive criticism. This will help you get along with all types of people.

2. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

   Solving problems and critical thinking are learned hands-on as you deal with issues in life or at school or work. They are used to solve conflicts, set goals, and make decisions. Learn how to identify the source of a problem. Then decide what you need to do to reach the desired outcome. See everyday problems as a way to perfect these skills. Serving on committees will help develop these skills too.

3. Systems Analysis

   Understand your role in how a company operates. This involves looking beyond your work unit. Learn about other departments and the industry as a whole. Read about the company, serve on its committees, and explore mentoring opportunities. Build partnerships and teams with your coworkers. Figure out how to simplify processes, functions, and products. Try to come up with ways to save time or money. It's also helpful to work outside your assigned job duties or within other departments.

   Students can develop system analysis skills too. School committees, team projects, and sports are good places to start. Community involvement, part-time work, and job clubs are also activities to consider.

4. Leadership and Teamwork

   Good leaders exhibit many soft skills. Leaders often act as role models by coaching and mentoring others. They are sensitive to other people's needs, responsible, and enthusiastic about their work. They also take risks, develop teams, problem solve, focus on goals, negotiate, and adapt to change. Involvement in sports, clubs, or professional associations can help you to gain these skills.

5. Ethics and Legal Responsibilities

   The workplace needs to function ethically and be legally responsible. Employees need to be honest and trustworthy. Take your work seriously, be ethical in all your dealings, and follow the rules. Employers want self-disciplined people who follow company policies. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary or legal action. Always act professionally and with maturity while at work.

6. Employability and Career Development

   Employers want people who are flexible. This means you must be able to adapt to change and think on your feet. Employers also expect workers to keep their skills up to date and be willing to learn new ones. A good attitude and computer skills are also a must.