Are these skills 'soft skills'?
The terms ‘soft skills’ or ‘soft skills training’ must be amongst the most misleading in the world of training. According to Wikipedia, the term soft skills is ‘a sociological term relating to a person's "EQ" (Emotional Intelligence Quotient); the cluster of personality traits, social graces, communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that characterize relationships with other people.’ In fact, the terms mean different things for different people. Certainly much of the management and personal skills training that we specialise in, would be considered by many people to fall into the category of soft skills.
However they are defined, there is little question that soft skills are essential for the success of individuals and the organisations they work for. Soft skills complement the so-called hard skills which are the occupational requirements of a job. In fact these skills really aren’t ‘soft’ at all; they are amongst the most difficult skills to develop - and the most rewarding. Since the skills are personal and individual, developing them involves experiential learning led by experienced trainers and ample opportunity to practice and put the skills into use.
So, using the term soft skills to differentiate them from job related skills is understandable but shouldn’t be confused with soft as in easy!
The unique portfolio of high quality, high impact training, builds skills in six inter-related areas:
- Management & Leadership Essentials - The essential skills required to be a successful manager and leader.
- Learn, Absorb & Understand – Learn more efficiently, take better notes, think and plan effectively and be well informed.
- Write, Speak & Influence – Make a positive impression, be remembered, build relationships and influence effectively - in every interaction.
- Creative Thinking & Innovation – Generate new perspectives and ideas, solve real problems and enhance decision making and team working.
- Meetings, Facilitation & Coaching – Enhance group participation, share knowledge and run productive meetings that make good use of everyone’s skills and experience.
- Engagement & Personal Balance – Enhance engagement and motivation, reduce stress levels and improve performance.
