5 Soft Skills To Master to Advance Your Career (Resume Skills)

It's evident to us all that the global workplace is changing. New technology is constantly being introduced, hybrid working environments are being more commonly established and never been seen before job types are emerging.

What hasn't changed, is the need for individuals to possess a strong skillset.

Forbes defines soft skills as behavioural and interpersonal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. Soft skills support situational awareness and enhances an individual's ability to get a job done.

Some examples can include communicating clearly, managing time effectively or the ability to work well with peers.

People are still what makes business happen, no matter how the working environment has changed.

Developing, refining and using soft skills is crucial to achieving key goals.

Soft skills are often considered less important because of the poor label they are associated with. However soft skills are becoming more critical as technology innovates the business world.

1) Self-Awareness

Having self awareness gives us the power to influence outcomes. It helps us become better decision-makers and allow us to communicate with clarity and intention. Self awareness helps people to review their skill sets to better contribute and build a company culture tat vales teamwork.

2) Feedback

Providing and delivering feedback, when done tactfully, can create a strong and more harmonious workplace. Both. positive and negative feedback is important because it breaks bad habits, reinforces positive behaviour, and contributes towards making meaningful performance improvements.

3) Emotional Intelligence

Important so you can perceive, reason with and understand (as well as manage) the emotions of yourself and others. It also has a direct influence on improving communication, management, problem-solving and building strong, collaborative working relationships.

4) Listening

Active listening in the workplace is important because it shows your team members that you value what they say. It's the foundation of successful communication, and creates feelings of trust and stimulates cohesion.

5) Inclusive Leadership

Inclusive leadership is a leadership approach that ensures the voice of everyone is truly heard, applied and protected in the workplace. Inclusive leaders unlock individual potential, they enhance the collective power of teams, and support an organisation's ability to meet key goals.

The great thing about soft skills is they can continuously be improved. Focusing on these 5 soft skills in different personal and business environments, putting energy into adapting your current behaviours and attitudes, will make it easier to develop these skills long-term. Not only is it important to ascertain and constantly develop one's soft skills for a professional edge in the workforce, but it is a vital piece of information in one's listed resume skills.

Put the effort in each and every day, and you'll notice the positive effects these will have on your performance, as well as that of your team.