By Nancy Barry
While students, recent hires, and managers place different priorities on the skills needed to be successful, there is a common theme. Everyone is looking at “soft skills.”
In my book, When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent College Graduates to Know, business executives describe their dream employee this way:
“Their expectations start with a foundation of integrity, trust, ethical behavior, and honesty. Add a positive attitude, a smile on your face, a good work ethic, and a professional appearance, and you’re on your way to a successful career.
“They’ll expect you to meet deadlines, follow through on your commitments, pay attention to details, and do quality work. They want you to be able to think outside the box and have great organizational skills so you don’t lose the box.
“They’ll want you to go with the flow, and keep your cool when everything changes. Be confident, not cocky. Be curious, courteous, and competent. And be dedicated, dependable, and determined.
“They want you to understand that excellent communication skills are a must. And being a team player is not optional. They’ll want you to know it all, but not act as if you do. And this is just part of what employers want you to know.”
Success in life and business is based on our soft skills. No matter how smart you are, or how many degrees you have earned, you need a solid set of soft skills in order to be successful.