Most likely, you have heard that in the modern world, soft skills are increasingly valued – interpersonal communication skills. They determine how we communicate with others, solve problems, manage ourselves and our work. We explain why this is so important.
Our ability to do our job purely technically – write code or text, cook or organize something, purchase or draw – is determined by our hard skills, professional skills. We acquire them while studying at the institute and in courses, and then we work them out in practice.
They help us to be productive and efficient, to achieve career success. And if so, why do we need something else? Why waste time acquiring and honing social skills? But why.
As US President Theodore Roosevelt said, “The key ingredient in the formula for success is knowing how to get along with people.” Note that we are talking about any formula for success – not only in work and career, but also in other areas of life. Moreover, it is not easy to master social competencies – much more difficult than some professions.
Our soft skills determine not only how well we do our job, but also what we are in general, how we manage our own reality, whether we are able to establish and maintain connections with others. These skills are not just required, they are required. It is thanks to them that the most significant changes occur in our lives.
What are these skills and how can they be useful to us?
1. Ability to get along with others
And with everyone, and not just with those who are initially attractive to us. It is extremely important to be able to communicate easily and naturally with a variety of people. This will help you look at different situations from their point of view. To get along with others, whether they are family members, colleagues, or casual travel companions, one must learn to listen. And, most likely, if you have mastered this skill, then you own the other six.
2. The ability to unobtrusively convey your opinion
In this equation, the key words are “to inform” and “unobtrusively.” And the ability to communicate your point of view to others, verbally or in writing, talking face-to-face or speaking in public, blogging or recording a podcast or videos for YouTube. And the lack of expectations that the interlocutor will be impressed by your speech and immediately go over to your side. It is important to say what you think without trying to impose your position on others.
3. Ability to control yourself
Anyone who has been in a relationship with a hot-tempered, unpredictable and aggressive partner, or worked with such an employee, will confirm to you: this is a living hell. The ability to manage your emotions does not mean that you have to stifle them in the bud or hold them back to the last – on the contrary, it is important to feel them, to define and be able to express, to be able to both cheer up and calm yourself. It is important not to be shy or afraid to ask for help when you need it, but not to rely on it alone. This skill can be pumped endlessly.
4. Ability to quickly adapt
For many of us, the state of uncertainty drives us into severe stress and makes us react impulsively. In these moments, we sometimes do not care about how it will affect others. We are required to be flexible. Not all changes will be to our liking, but we need to understand why we need to change. And first of all, we need this in order to remain steadfast.
5. The ability to motivate yourself …
If you want to achieve something in life and get what you want, it’s foolish to hope that someone will stand over your soul, push you, hurry and cheer you up. You need to learn how to do it yourself. And yes, easier said than done.
6. … and others
To do this, it is not necessary to be a “positive person” around the clock. The main thing is to remember that it is absolutely impossible to motivate others if you are not able to get yourself off the ground.
7. Good manners
It sounds obvious, but, alas, many of us remember politeness only when we ourselves need something from others or when we encounter people at the top of the social ladder. Communicate equally respectfully and affably with everyone – you will see, this will greatly help you in life in general and in your career in particular.