Download Soft Skills for Work Success

February 24, 2016
Ed Garcia, CTE Specialist
Region One Education Service Center
Soft Skills - Introduction
 Recent U.S. government & industry research says…….
 Large Percentage of HS/College graduates lack the soft/
applied skills such as:






Teamwork
Decision Making
Communication
Work Ethic
Initiative
Interpersonal skills
Students & Employment
by Eric Chester & WorkEthic.org
Soft Skills*
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Communication
Enthusiasm & Attitude
Teamwork
Networking
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
Professionalism
Review: Social Networking
* As identified by U.S. Dept of Labor –ODEP & group of U.S. Businesses in 2007 developed a curriculum on Mastering the
Skills for Workplace Success, “Skills to Pay the Bills”.
What is the Job Market like today?
Communication
 Communication comes in many forms:
 Verbal (sounds, language, and tone of voice)
 Aural (listening and hearing)
 Non-verbal (facial expressions, body language, and
posture)
 Written (journals, emails, blogs and text messages)
 Visual (signs, symbols and pictures)
Communication
 Communication skills are ranked FIRST among job
candidate’s “must have” skills and qualities.*
 During interview employers are impressed:
 how questions are answered,
 how candidate demonstrates listening skills,
 non-verbal communication,
 Good-eye contact, good posture & active listening
*According to 2010 Survey by National Association of Colleges and Employers
Communication - Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What’s your point? (Role Play)
Flipping the Switch (Discussion)
Oh, Puh-Leeeeeze! (Non-verbal)
Listen Hear!! (Two-way communication)
Quit Talkin’ I know what to do! (Directions)
Enthusiasm
 Enthusiasm can mean the difference in not just getting
a job, but succeeding in a job and even advancing in
your career.
 Employers look for…..
 Eagerness and positive attitude always wins
 Willing to train with PMA than skilled/no PMA
 PMA person –shows up on time, interest in job, willing
to learn, listen and try new things.
 PMA works well w/customers and proactive.
 PMA work well w/others and is team player
Enthusiasm & Attitude
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)
Life is Full of Hard Knocks
A Super Ball and a Raw Egg
Believe it or Not
Translating Features to Benefits
Teamwork
 Teamwork is an essential part of success
 The ability to work as part of a team is one of the most
important skills in today’s job market.
 Employers want employees who contribute, but also
who can work with others to create and develop
projects and plans
Teamwork
 Involves building relationships and working with
others using different skills and habits:
 Working cooperatively
 Contributing to groups, ideas, suggestions, effort
 Communication
 Sense of responsibility
 Respects others opinions, customs, differences
 Participate in group decision making
Teamwork - Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
There is no “I” in team.
I’ll give you Some of Mine if You Give Me Some of
Yours
The Good, The Bad and The Reasonable
How Many Shapes Does it Take?
Teamwork on the Job
Networking
 “It’s not what you know, it who you know”
 80% of available jobs are not advertised. These jobs are
often referred to as the “hidden job market” ( Cornell University’s
Career Center)
 Networking – a personal network is that group of
people with whom you interact every day – discuss and
share your goals, interest, and your dreams.
Networking
 Networking is an important skill that can be develop.
 How to take the initiative.
 Overcoming fear.
 Informational Interviewing
 Social network guidelines
 Texting and emailing
Networking - Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
An Introduction to Networking
You Expect Me to Do What? Talk to People?
Using Social Media to Network
Text vs. Email: Does it Really Matter?
It’s a Small World
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking (PSCT)
 Having the necessary skills to identify solutions to
problems is one of the skills that employers look for in
employees.
 PSCT – refers to the ability to use knowledge, facts,
and data to effectively solve problems. The ability to
think on your feet, assess problems and find solutions.
 PSCT – a skill that employers value greatly.
Problems Solving & Critical Thinking
 Employers want employees who:
 Work through problems on their own or as part of team.
 Think critically and creatively
 Share thoughts and opinions
 Use good judgment
 Make decisions
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking - Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Praise, Criticism, or Feedback?
Workplace Ethics
Problem Solving on a Team
Perception vs. Reality
Tell Me About a Time When
Professionalism
 Professionalism does not mean to wear suit or carry a
briefcase…….it means:
 Dressing appropriately for the job
 Being responsible, to work on time, manage time
 Responsible for own behavior & working with others
 Having integrity, honesty, high work standards
 Being accountable
 Providing excellence in your job
Best of all – communicating effectively and appropriately
and always finding ways to be productive.
Professionalism
 Professionalism is not one skill, but the blending and
integration of a variety of skills.
Professionalism - Activities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Professionalism in Today’s Workplace
Professional Work Attitudes
Teamwork: An Essential Element of Professionalism
Is it Considered “Professional” to Have Friends in the
Workplace?
Self-reflection: Professional Problem Solving at its
Best
Using Social Media
 Today’s youth have never known a world without the
internet.
 A recent survey:
 93% Teens & Young adult use the internet regularly.
 70% use social networking sites
 62% use internet for news, current events
 48% use internet to make purchases
 31% use for get info. on health, dieting, fitness
Using Social Media
 Advantages:
 Social Skills – can increase self esteem, feel less isolated.
 Independence/Self Expression- create websites/blogs,
discuss interests, join groups
 Digital Competence – better equipped technology
 Educational Development- discuss schoolwork
 Research- topics hard to discuss, drugs, sex ed.
 Person with disabilities – opens a lot opportunities
Using Social Media
 Risk of Using Social Media
 Sharing Personal Information – risk of victimization
 Bullying- harassment
 Permanent on-line profiles, it is out there forever.
 Disclosure easier, people tend to give out info. easier.
 Teens may feel isolated and become depressed or
isolated if dependent on internet for social reasons only.