Mastering the Art of Soft Skills for Young Professionals

So, what are soft skills?

Soft skills are the most important skills a young professional can have.

Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are just a few examples of what they are.

Basically, soft skills are the skills that a person needs to become a leader, manager, or to get promoted in their job and career.

Let’s get into it.

So, why exactly are having a high level of soft skills so important for young professionals?

1. They help you become a better team player.

We all know that if you want to get there fast, go alone – but if you want to go far, go as a team. This is simply not an option for the young professional who does not have a high level of soft skills.

It is important to be able to work effectively within a team, actively listen to different ideas and perspectives, and to contribute value.

Soft skills elevate your individual contributions help you unlock you part – in the collective potential of the team you are part of.

2. They enhance your professional image.

Whether you like to admit it or not, employers look to hire people that are professional, show respect, and have a positive attitude.

And in order to express these desired traits – you must have proficient skill.

Meaning, you must have self-restraint and self-control-and self-discipline.

Displaying strong interpersonal (including communication and empathy) skills create trust, build good rapport, and create a collaborative and productive work environment.

And this is what companies are looking for their employees.

So act accordingly and upgrade yourself.

3. They open the doors to promotions and pay raises.

If you want to advance in your career – technical skills may get you through the door, but it’s your soft skills that will take you to leadership / management positions.

Your ability to inspire, and influence others will be the main factor in you getting the promotion and pay raise you deserve.

If you want to show that you can take on larger responsibilities and making a significant impact within an organization – you must display your mastery of the associated soft skills to do so.

So we ask, how can young professionals like you grow and improve their soft skills?

Here are some practical tips you can use this week!:

Seek opportunities for inter-personal interactions and connections.
Proactively participate in team projects, and volunteer for special presentations.
Sharpen your communication skills at all costs – at all times.
Take writing courses, practice active listening, and ask for constructive feedback.
Accept and embrace (when you can) new challenges and new experiences.
Seek mentorship, coaching, guidance, and training.
Invest in yourself because this means, increased self-reflection and development.

Regularly examine and look at your own strengths and weaknesses, while actively seeking opportunities to improve your soft skills.

Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but how you interact, connect, and contribute value that will push you towards a successful career path.

Good luck! 🙂

If you have a minute, let me tell you a short story about how I began my Soft Skills Training Company…

You see, about 15 years ago, I had a realization: I was put on this planet to teach and to share the knowledge I have.

So with my 20+ years of experience in the field of sales + soft skills + customer service + management – and after looking closely into the Israeli marketplace, I decided to open a sales training company in Tel Aviv Israel. I knew what I had to do and whom I wanted to target, so I started cold calling companies in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ramat Gan, Holon, Haifa, and Jerusalem – doing everything in my power to try to generate momentum in my business. Great news! I was able to find my first few corporate clients! Now during my soft skills and sales training workshops, I included my own personal life stories throughout. Moreover, at the conclusion of my sales training workshops, via telling stories and teaching specific sales, communication and other soft skill techniques, two things would consistently happen: Firstly, I receive feedback from managers / management that the training workshop provided massive value.

Secondly, one or two of the students in the course privately approach me to share their own personal experience, what they learned, and to thank me. And here we are nearly 10 years later and I am happy to say that I have slowly but surely transitioned into a pure “Soft Skills Coach”. And in addition, that I have been lucky enough to say that I have helped thousands of people, from over 25 countries to improve their communication, leadership, and persuasive capabilities!