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Helping Employee Develop Soft Skills

Helping Employee Develop Soft Skills

Aug. 15, 2023
Understanding internal networks and power dynamics within the workplace is crucial.

We are probably at a point in the understanding of successful careers to be able to identify that an employee's soft skills are essential. According to an article from Korn Ferry, studies show that 85% of workplace success is a product of highly-developed emotional intelligence skills.

The article identifies some of these skills ( below is an excerpt from that article.). 

Self-Awareness

Studies show that only about 10% to 15% of people are aware of their personal strengths, weaknesses, and goals. This knowledge is an essential foundation for emotional intelligence and makes one stand out. It’s important to also be conscious of how emotions can impact work. A Korn Ferry study found that among leaders with high emotional self-awareness, 92% had teams with high energy and high performance. In contrast, leaders low in self-awareness created negative climates for their teams 78% of the time.

Organizational Awareness

Experts say understanding internal networks and power dynamics within the workplace is crucial. Organizational awareness promotes efficiency by knowing who’s going to get things done fast, and who is going to stall the process. Experts say employees should be conscious of overt and unspoken norms and procedures within their environment. Most anyone can improve their organizational awareness by asking—and getting answers to—some workplace-related questions, including:

·      Who talks to whom?

·       Who holds informal power?

·       Who does key information pass through?

·       To whom do people listen?

Adaptability

The person who adjusts to situational needs will stand out, but this skill requires great awareness of oneself and others. Facing change head-on keeps an organization running smoothly, whether it’s learning to use AI or covering for a coworker on holiday. Experts say staying attuned to organizational change and adapting accordingly is an invaluable skill. “The past few years have taught us that change truly is constant—flexibility is what will give you the edge,” says Korn Ferry Career Coach  Frances Weir.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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