Top Three Soft Skills For Career Advancement
Updated: May 13
How To Become An Outstanding Employee
You've been at your new job for two weeks and have already begun to recognize the personalities of your coworkers.
There was Dexter, an incredibly smart software engineer who was perpetually cranky and challenging to work with.
And then Sandra who has quickly made her way to the top of the list of coworkers you like best; in fact, everyone likes her for her endearing behaviour. She is courteous, understanding, and open-minded. These pleasant traits Sandra embodies are soft skills.
You could be the best computer programmer or data analyst ever, or you could have incredible hard talents, nothing except soft skills make you stand out, be attractive to employers and open up additional job prospects for you. While hard skills may help you secure a job, soft skills will decide your success and help you advance
What are soft skills?
Soft skills are personality attributes that make it simple to get along with and work with others. They include social, communication, and people skills. The top soft skills you should develop include:
Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a soft skill that involves the ability to identify, understand and manage your emotions as well as the emotions of others. It encompasses a range of qualities and behaviours that includes empathy, self-awareness and regulation. People with strong emotional intelligence regulate their emotions constructively and healthily.
In the workplace, emotional intelligence encompasses
Recognizing and managing your emotions and behaviours at work
Developing positive relationships and rapport with people
Giving and receiving constructive feedback
Emotionally intelligent employees provide meaningful feedback and criticism conveyed in kindness, but what's more, they are open to input. They are not scared of criticism, nor do they take it personally, or respond defensively to it. They are accountable for their mistakes and take steps to correct them. They are also willing to learn and grow, seeking out feedback, and continuously improving their skills.
Most importantly, emotionally intelligent workers are valued because they are good at managing conflicts and making resolutions.
Emotionally aware employees also understand that their job will not be as easy as apple pie. So they respond to setbacks appropriately. They keep going beyond the emotions of their failure even when they fail to reach work objectives. They evaluate their strengths and limitations and strive to do better with the next task. While an employee with a fixed mindset will remain negative and think poorly of themselves.
Team Work
You might have “team player" resting pretty on your resume without even having a grasp of what that is. To be a good team player, you must be able to have good communication skills which entails actively listening, and respecting others' opinions and thoughts.
It is essential to be adaptable and flexible, eager to compromise and make changes for the interest of the team. Empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence are also important interpersonal skills teamwork requires.
Successful teamwork entails not only attaining a common goal but also establishing meaningful relationships with team members. This entails building harmony, fostering camaraderie, and embracing difference. Team members who feel valued and supported are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and dedicated to the success of the team.
Work Ethics
Work ethics are an essential soft skill that can greatly impact an individual's success in their career. Work ethics refer to the principles and values that guide one's behaviour in the workplace, such as reliability, integrity, responsibility, and professionalism.
Having a strong work ethic means being committed to work which involves being punctual, dependable, and giving your best to your duties. It also means being honest and ethical in your work, even when faced with difficult situations.
Professionalism is another important aspect of work ethics. This includes dressing properly for the workplace, using professional language, treating others with respect and courtesy and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
Employers value individuals with strong work ethics because they know that these individuals are reliable and responsible. They are more likely to produce high-quality work and meet deadlines consistently.
Additionally, individuals with good work ethics are more likely to be promoted and respected in their workplace. By embodying principles such as reliability, integrity, responsibility, and professionalism, individuals can build a reputation as a reliable and valuable asset to their organisation. An important soft skill to possess is,
Leadership
This set of employees has all three skills aforementioned coupled with a strong ability to make informed decisions which drive the success of the organisation. They build strong relationships and also inspire and motivate their team members.
Conclusively, having genuine care for others and an interest in the future of your company is the first necessary step in developing your soft skills. Edcent also has personal development courses that help hone these skills. Ready to explore these courses?