The document discusses soft skills versus hard skills. It defines soft skills as interpersonal skills and personal attributes needed for job success, including communication, teamwork, problem solving, and leadership. Hard skills are specific technical abilities. The document provides tips for developing soft skills like active listening, conflict resolution, honesty, and critical thinking. It recommends improving communication, building relationships, and taking initiative. Soft skills are highly desirable to employers.

1. C I N D Y H A G E M A N N
M A R K E T I N G C O N S U L T A N T
C R H A G E M A N N @ G M A I L . C O M

2. SOFT SKILL OR HARD SKILL?
Communication Skills
Data Analysis
Computer Skills
Accounting Skills
Team Player
Time Management
Leadership
Problem-solving Skills
Organized
Flexible
Strong Work Ethic
Writing Skills
Conflict Resolution
Mathematics
Foreign Language
Sense of Humor
Public Speaking
Software Development
Self-Motivated
Positive Attitude
Graphic Design
Dependable
Physics
Multi-tasking
Web Developer
Confidence
Human Resources
Networking
Critical Thinking
Friendliness

3. HARD SKILLS VS. SOFT SKILLS
Hard Skills
Specific knowledge and abilities required to success on the job.
Soft Skills
Include interpersonal/people skills and personal attributes
needed for success on the job.
Employers prefer both soft skills and hard skills.

4. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
“Soft skills come down to how people interact with
each other, from a verbal and/or non-verbal
perspective; they are non-technical in nature.
When we think of people skills, words such as
personality, empathy, and tonality come to mind.”
-Teri Hockett, CEO, What’s for Work

5. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Team Player
• Ability to work/play well with others

6. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Sense of Humor | Friendliness
• When appropriate use humor – it can diffuse tension
• Smile in the hallway
• Say “Good Morning”

7. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Keep an Open Mind:
• Creates trust and respect
• Makes you more approachable
• Makes you easier to work with

8. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Active Listening Skills:
• Listen without interruptions
• Take time to think before responding
• Remain sensitive to their needs

9. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

10. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Effective Communication Skills:
• Give or send clear and concise messages
• Tailor messages to certain audiences
• Use appropriate communication channels at
the right time
• Learn public speaking skills

11. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

12. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

13. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Conflict Resolution Skills:
• If conflict is not handled efficiently and
effectively – the results can be damaging
• When the conflict is resolved effectively – it
can lead to personal growth and team
development

14. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Tips to resolve conflict between co-workers:
• Meet together with both parties
• Allow each to “tell their side of the story”
• Listen to each without interruption
• Don’t choose sides and inform them you will not do so
• Identify what the other employee could do more or less of
• Discuss necessary changes, going forward
• Tell them you expect “as adults” for them to be proactive in resolving
the issues as discussed so that disciplinary action will not take
place

15. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
“Leadership is a full-contact sport, if you
cannot address conflict in a healthy,
productive way, you should not be in a
leadership role”.
--Mike Myatt, Leadership Writer

16. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Honesty:
• Builds trust among colleagues
• Once you lose trust, it is nearly impossible to
regain

17. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Leadership Skills:
• Motiving others
• Show support & encouragement
• Take responsibility when necessary
• Be proactive not just reactive

18. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

19. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving Skills:
• Situational analysis
• Develop creative solutions
• Follow through on action plans
• Don’t just bring up problems, bring up
solutions

20. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Most Popular Soft Skill Traits:
• Problem solving/analytical thinking
• Team player
• Initiative/being proactive
• Effective communication skills
Execu-Search Employer Study

21. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Other necessary Soft Skills:
• Time management
• Organizational skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Good judgment (make good decisions)
• Flexibility (bend your own rules)
• Assertiveness
• Respectful
• Stress management skills

22. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

23. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
How to improve your Soft Skills in 5 Easy Steps:
1. Develop communication skills
2. Practice active listening
3. Build relationships
4. Practice leading
5. Take initiative

24. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
Books:
• The Hard Truth About Soft Skills | Peggy Klaus
• People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to
Others and Resolve Conflicts | Robert Bolton
• The 12 Bad Habits That Hold Good People Back |
James Waldroop Ph.D
• 10 Things Employers Expect Their Employees to
Know | Frederick H. Wentz

25. SOFT SKILLS FOR SUCCESS