Why soft skills matter- career development

“The most important thing is communication is to hear what is not being said”- Peter Drucker

The phrase ‘soft skills’ is often used to describe the skills which characterize relationships with other people, or which are about how you approach life and work. The skills we use to develop, transform, restructure or augment our personality, behavior, attitudes and mindset.  A lot of people are looking for soft skill training to improve their overall image.

Hard skills, describe a person's ability to perform specific tasks, soft skills apply across all job titles and industries. Hard skills are imperative to get the job but to keep the job you need soft skills. Soft skills constitute pleasant and charming personality traits as self-confidence, positive attitude, emotional intelligence, social grace, adaptability, sociability and effective communication skills.

Problem solving, delegating, inspiring and team building are effectively carried out with the help of soft skills. A positive frame of mind is crucial for success. This is where soft skill training comes in handy. It helps us visualize ourselves and work to improve our efficiency not only as workers but as people.

If there is some dissonance in our thoughts, if we come across as crass, if we can’t find a middle ground, there will be no relationship formed.  We need to introspect and understand who we are and how we come across to others. How can we improve ourselves to facilitate smoother relations with others? Awareness is essential when it comes to answering our own questions about ourselves. What's most important, however, is that those people who lack well-developed soft skills become aware of their lack otherwise they can do nothing about them.

Why soft skill training? Why does it matter?

The first reason for soft skill training has to do with a threatening shortage of skilled workforce. India has a high rate of aging population. High illiteracy only exacerbates the problem of unskilled labor. The youth need training to enhance their skills, polish their work ethic to then match up to the competition from the global market.
A second reason why soft skill training is so important has to do with the generation gap in our workforce. According to most researchers there are at least four distinct generations in our workforce today. Communication between such wide generational gaps is currently and will continue to be a challenge.

The most industrially proficient person in the world will remain unemployed unless they can advertise themselves better. In time, , someone who is less technically assured but has better people skills will always get promoted over someone who can't. There is a positive correlation between your ability to interact with co-workers and your task performance.

Finally, soft skill training has even more relevance in the workplace. Researchers have spent the past decade looking at the effect of employee engagement on our businesses and economy.  Higher engagement means higher productivity and profitability of your business. And engagement is achieved not only with technical skill, benefits plans or increased pay. Engagement is achieved by companies that engage in soft skill training for a more efficient workforce.

A good image goes a long way- personal image makeover

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”- Eleanor Roosevelt.

How you look, your attitude and style say a lot about you. From the first impression to the last, your image, the perception that people have about you, affects your success in every aspect of life - your life on the job, your social life, even your love life! This is why personal image makeover is the need of the hour.

Your image is essentially a reflection of how other people view you. We tend to see ourselves the way other people see us and thus, we have this need to make an impression. Somewhere we do want others to look up to us. In a corporate setting this applies even more so. If you want to get to the top you need not just your hard skills but soft skills. How you carry yourself, how you communicate, and your attitude can affect others and your own view of you, either negatively or positively.

Your personal image has a number of elements. The way you dress, the colors you choose, the way you talk and the way you relate to others are some of the more important ones. They say “don’t judge a book by its cover”, but at the end of the day, people do measure you in the first 15 seconds of seeing you, even if unconsciously. Ask yourself why is it that you stress so much over what to wear before a job interview? Neat hair, tidy clothes, confident voice and an assured look in your eye can affect whether you get the job or not, despite your skill set.
It’s all a façade, a show, but notwithstanding the superficiality, our body language actually does communicate a lot about our character, social status, intelligence et cetera. To elicit that favorable response from our peers and seniors we do look for that personal image makeover.
To get that personal image makeover to create that professional look one needs to concentrate on:

·         hair

·         makeup

·          style

·         body type

·          wardrobe building

·          Communication skills and attitude.

Hair: Your hair is a really important accessory.  In a corporate setting, hair should be styled in a neat and tidy manner. If your hairstyle is modern and cut in a sleek but smart fashion, it can make a statement. If you need an updated look find a hairstylist who knows the latest hair fashions. Make sure it is in line with the rules and regulations of your workplace.

Makeup: should light and conservative. A bit of foundation, or a BB cream, light lipstick and eye-liner can really help define your look. For men, apply some light sunscreen, some balm so your lips don’t appear chapped. A clean shaven look is best suited for the workplace. If you look good you feel good, others will naturally display positive attitude towards you.

Style: Everyone has their own personal style statement. If you find styling yourself difficult then seek the help of a professional. Learning how to pair outfits, matching colors, finding the best fit for your clothes, speaks volumes about your personality. The extra effort to dress properly is always a bonus and will be appreciate by your co-workers.

Body Type: The same outfit will look different depending on one’s body size. Body size is nothing to be ashamed of. Even if you are big boned, find clothes that suit your body. This will ensure you are not only comfortable but feel good in what you wear. Understanding what clothes work for you and don’t can be quite tricky. The length of your trousers, to the fit of your blazer, even the size of your heel, can either boost your confidence or make you really self-conscious.

Building a Wardrobe: it’s about knowing what you need and not over spending. Build it according to your work, your social life and your everyday wear. If you are in a corporate setting your wardrobe cannot be filled with crop tops and converse or sparkly heels.

Your personal Image makeover is incomplete without-

Communication Skills: We communicate using our body language, intonation of the voice and our listening skills. Good communication skills can help improve your company's profits, and in turn increase your income. It can increase your chances at a promotion and your job satisfaction.

Attitude: Research has shown that the number one reason people lose their jobs is because of their inability to get along with others, in short - a poor attitude. Your attitude is how you engage with your peers, Listen to others, your reactions to others opinions, how you manage stress to how you solve disputes. A positive attitude is vital to survival at the workplace.

These are some of the elements to incorporate when considering a personal image makeover. It’s just polishing the rough edges so we can look and be the best we can be. 

Communication skills- How to be an effective communicator

“People may hear your words but they feel your attitude”. More than what you have to say it’s about how you say it

Effective communication helps you connect to with others and improves teamwork, decision making, and problem solving. It facilitates one to communicate even negative or difficult messages without disrespecting the other party. Want to know how to improve your communication skills?

Whether you’re trying to improve communication with your spouse, kids, boss, or coworkers, you can learn how to improve your communication skills that enable you to effectively connect with others, build trust and respect, and feel heard and understood.  Effective communication combines a set of skills including nonverbal communication, engaged listening, stress management, communicate in a self-assured manner, and the capacity to empathize with others.

Here is a rundown of how to improve your communication skills:

                  1)      Be an engaged listener-effective communication is less about talking and more about listening. It’s about focusing on the tone, the tiny intonations in someone’s voice. It encourages one to understand the emotions of another. If someone is agitated, you can help calm them by listening conscientiously so the person feels understood.    

·         Focus on the speaker-body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues.

·         Favor the right ear-The left side of the brain contains the primary processing centers for both speech comprehension and emotions.

·         Avoid interruptions or redirecting the focus of the conversation to you-by saying something like, “that’s nothing! What happened to me is worse”.

·         Show that you are interested-Nod occasionally, smile, and make sure your posture is open and inviting.

·         Set aside judgment and provide feedback-express what the speaker’s words mean to you.  Set aside your judgment and withhold blame and criticism in order to fully understand a person.

2)      Pay attention to nonverbal signals-Nonverbal communication, or body language, includes facial expressions, body language and gestures, eye contact, posture, the tone of your voice, and even your muscle tension and breathing.

·         Make note of individual differences- People from different countries and cultures use different nonverbal gestures.

·         Use nonverbal signals that match up with your words- Nonverbal communication should reinforce what is being said, not contradict it

·         Use body language to convey positive feelings-If you’re nervous about a situation, say a job interview, you can use affirmative body language to signal confidence. Try standing tall with your shoulders back, smiling and maintaining eye contact, and delivering a firm handshake.

3)      Keep stress in check-When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to misinterpret other people, send mixed or off-putting nonverbal signals. It’s only when you’re in a calm, relaxed state that you'll be able to know whether the situation requires a response, or whether the other person’s signals indicate it would be better to remain silent.In situations such as a job interview or any other high-pressure situation this is how to improve your communication skills.

·         Use stalling tactics -to give you time to think.

·         Pause to collect your thoughts-pausing can make you seem more in control than rushing your response.

·         Make one point - provide an example or supporting piece of information. If your point is too long you risk losing the listener’s interest.

·         Deliver your words clearly and wrap it up with a summary-Speak clearly, maintain an even tone, and make eye contact.

·          Be willing to compromise and agree to disagree- meet halfway so it reduces the stress levels for everyone concerned.

4)      Assert yourself- Direct, confident expression makes for lucid communication and can help your self-esteem and decision-making. It does NOT mean being hostile, aggressive, or demanding, but expressing one’s needs, thoughts and feelings in a manner that does not disrespect others

·         Value yourself and your opinions-They are as important as anyone else’s.

·         Know your needs and wants- Learn to express them without breaching the rights of others.

·          Express negative thoughts- It’s OK to be angry, but you must be respectful as well.

·         Receive feedback positively-Accept compliments humbly, learn from your mistakes and ask for help when needed.

·         Say “no”- don’t let others take advantage of you. Look for alternatives so everyone feels good about the outcome.

So the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation where your communication skills could come in handy, remember these steps. These simple pointers can help you answer the how in how to improve your communication skills.

How good soft skill training will give you impeccable group skills

Many organisations are realising the importance of soft skills in addition to the technical skills. You may possess technical knowledge to get selected in an interview however the real test begins when you have to start communicating with your clientele. It is at this stage, a mastery of soft skill training will help you in your career.

Soft skills are basically the personal character traits or qualities each of us has. They make up who we are, this includes our attitudes, habits and how we interact with other people. They are not formal or technical skills. If you possess these skills you can excel as a leader because then delegating, problem solving, team building and motivating will become easier, most important you will know how to interact with people. However many employers have realized that many candidates with technical skills lack soft skill. It is important to balance the traditional skills with soft skills training, 

Research has indicated that there is a soft skill gap; i.e. a difference between technical skill and the soft skill. For instance:

• If you are good at getting clients, but not at retaining them, it is due to the communication skills gap.

• When you have lots of managers but no leaders, it is due to gap in skills gap.

• When there is a lot of staff turnover and you have to retain people, it is a gap in skills which we term as soft.

To enhance professionalism among employees and their clientele soft skill training has been identified as the key factor. The training will focus on improving

·         Verbal communication – People with good verbal communication skills have the ability to convey information to others effectively.

·         Interpersonal skills – Good interpersonal skills means one has the ability to communicate well,  is willing to listen to people without being judgemental, share ideas and assist co-workers when they need help.

·         Writing – Good written communication helps get the message across clearly.

·         Problem solving and critical thinking – Problem solving is the ability to identify a problem and come up with possible solutions.  Critical thinking skills allow you to evaluate each possible solution, using logic and reasoning to determine which one is most likely to be successful.

·         Active listening and learning– an attribute essential to ensure one listens to what other are saying without interrupting and also the willingness to pick up new skills and apply it to their jobs.

·         Organisational skills – skills acquired to take a systematic approach to every task.

·         Time management – A very crucial skill required to manage time to ensure tasks are completed according to deadlines

·         Team player – those who are team players are co-operative and can be leaders.

·         Professionalism

·         Improving comprehension skills

·         Flexibility and adaptability

Soft skills training courses helps the employee perform better at work. They allow them to use their technical skills and knowledge effectively and efficiently.  It helps them to interact with their employers, colleagues and customers. It also ensures work is completed on time. It also inculcates an attitude that is required to represent the organisation to the global business world.

Get a personal image consultant and project the best impression on your clients

Your image is your visual resume and projecting a winning image to create a memorable first impression is the key to success in personal, professional and social life. Ultimately we all want to succeed and a good impression can lead to multiple opportunities from job openings, social standing and to simply improve one’s own image. A personal image consultant is trained to notice the minute yet important details, which we may have overlooked, as well as the important impression strategies and tricks of the trade that we need to create a lasting impression.

A Personal Image Consultant can help people project a winning image in all aspects in the following manner.

-Dressing as per roles and goals to create an appropriate clothing communication:

An image consultant takes the client through a process of lifestyle evaluation, identifying the roles and goals and then suggesting levels of dressing in different situations.

-Dressing as per your body shape, variations and personal colours:

 An image consultant is equipped to identify your body shape and suggest ways to counter negative variations and enhance positive ones to create an attractive image.

-Incorporating personal style in dressing:

They identify the personal style of an individual and then suggest a clothing solution to create an authentic image.

-Buying clothes in cluster and smart shopping:  

Most people can be impulsive buyers and then tend to regret their purchases.  Some buy excessively and still feel they have nothing to wear for an important occasion or meeting. An image consultant guides a client on how to build their wardrobe in a cluster to create variety in an affordable manner.  They evaluate their wardrobe and maintain cluster plan sheets whilst keeping in mind roles, goals, body shape and personal style, an image consultant may also accompany the client to buy clothes.

-Appropriate body language and etiquette:

Body language is one of the biggest factors in visual communication and A personal image consultant advises a client on appropriate body language based on roles and occasions. Etiquette is a big part of creating an image. Correct etiquette in business and social situations goes a long way to create a powerful image. An image consultant takes the client through appropriate etiquette, be it dining, corporate meetings or any other occasion.

A personal image consultant also works on hair care and styling, Body hygiene, conversation skills, improve on communication styles, and assist in helping the client to speak confidently whether giving a speech or public speaking.  Media training is also imparted.  Basically the Image consultant helps the client to build their own personal branding.

Here’s why you need a personal image makeover

It is said that the first impression is the last impression this is usually decided in the first 30 seconds of your appearance whether to make a presentation, sell a product or even to give an interview.  People form an instant opinion of you based on what you look like, and they use this appraisal to decide whether they would like to interact with you.  Hence, it is vital that you dress your best and leave a first great impression. 

A personal image makeover will not only help you give yourself a good corporate look but also help you project confidence, power and intelligence.  For instance when you go for an interview the first thought is, you want to show that you are confident, smart and likeable.  Your attitude and body language will present itself through the outfit that you wear.  Some may feel that clothes are inconsequential to their self-image, yet they fail to understand that it is a visual representation of the message they are trying to project.  One should reflect what their clothes should reveal about them, do they want to come across is sexy, showy, causal, uptight etc., or do they wish to portray a professional who is capable of handling tough situations at all times.

When doing a personal image makeover one should be aware of how to choose their outfits, men may necessarily think that a grey suit is sufficient, but they should not limit themselves.   Women should resist wearing very short skirts or dresses and very high heels.  In fact women should wear heels not higher than three inches and outfits that are comfortable yet in mode.  Men should avoid casual jeans and T-shirts.  Their outfits should be well matched and make them look smart and presentable. At work you want to showcase your professional skills so refrain from wearing clothes and accessories that are too distractive.

An Image Consultant helps their clients to transform them entire image persona, whether to attain a corporate look or enhance their personality for marriage.  Whatever the look desired one should follow a few tips to discover a brand new style of their own; Find a style icon – Notice how other successful people dress and behave, pay attention to what you like and get clear on what you want your makeover to achieve. Go big or go home: Don’t tip-toe around the look you want.  Own it and implement the style all the way.  Dress age appropriately: Let your wardrobe evolve with the times, with you age and what you do for a living. Pay attention to hygiene – Whether you’re a male or female body Odour is a big let-down.  Investing in a good cologne/perfume is a must.  Keep your body clean and take care of your skin.  Exfoliate, pluck and trim eyebrows, manicure and pedicure to keep your nails healthy and shinning.  Wear clean and ironed clothes. 

We live in a judgemental society and are critiqued about our looks whether we like it or not.  So it is important to think carefully about the physical and psychological image that we project when walking into a business meeting.  Giving yourself a personal image makeover is about looking and feeling your absolute best at the same time conveying confidence and success to everyone you meet.  

Want to make an effective sales pitch? You need good presentation skills training

Good sales pitch transpires when you have the ability to listen to the customer ask appropriate questions and offer them a solution to a challenge they are experiencing. To achieve this, a sales person has to make a good first impression. This impression should leave a memorable and positive impact that prompts the customer to want to know more or just buy. It all starts with your presentation skills and how good it is to hold your audience’s attention long enough to effect a positive reply.

An effective sales pitch requires a great presentation skills training, this can be challenging but also rewarding. Understanding this skill can transform an ordinary salesman into a successful one. Sales presentation training comprises of selling techniques or sales pitch to influence a customer to invest in or purchase a product. Sales strategies are planned to introduce a product and finalise a sale or service to a potential customer.

The first impression is initially explained; this is usually imparted in the first thirty seconds and is of utmost importance to leave a lasting impression on a customer. The training teaches you how to appeal to the potential customer.  It also instructs that main statement in your presentation should attract the attention of your customer and be effective and memorable. Good presentation skills training will teach various selling techniques to achieve a sale. It teaches you to be interactive with your customers, the sales person cannot be the person doing all the talking, and this could easily lead to boredom or loss of interest. It is important to ensure that the customer is interested and encouraged to ask questions, seek clarifications and clear all doubts.

Listening to your client’s needs is also tackled. The sales training teaches you the need to believe in your product or services before you sell it. Customers can sense when the salesman is genuine about the product. Based on their convincing statements customers usually decide whether to invest.  Some presentations require the need to make a PowerPoint, flip chart or advertisement, such demonstrations brings out the creativity of the salesperson, besides, graphics help engage your customers attention. This method may help sell your product convincingly. 

One can learn good presentation skills training on their own through trial and error methods or attend workshops or training institutes for a one on one training session or in a group setting.  Learning how to present a product or service does not take special skills, but getting training and following some successful techniques will help a salesperson to be successful and make a sale.

Ultimately it is also important to practice for every presentation you make. Your skills increase with every single presentation. Not everyone has the gift or an engaging personality. Honing on these skills can be learnt in a training session. The art of selling, body language involved and the different selling strategies learnt will exude self-confidence, positivity and success.