One of the hardest skills I learned was using written communication to sound assertive while remaining polite.
According to MIT Sloan Management Review, oral and written communication skills are among the five most sought-after skills in new hires. Employers want individuals who can effectively convey ideas and information.
I especially find this important when communicating with people of different levels. I would share ideas with a close colleague very differently than with a C-level executive.
While strong communication is important in the workplace, it’s just as important outside. Communicating well with customers, external agencies, and partners shows an ability to read the room, bond with others, and convey information appropriately based on the audience.
A great way I practice improving my communication skills is by thinking of a piece of information I need to relay. Then, I rehearse sharing it with different audiences, both verbally and in writing. As always, confidence is key!
9. Problem-Solving
Problems arise, and my instinct is often to panic. Unfortunately, that’s not the best to handle those situations, so problem-solving is a skill I’ve nurtured over the years in my career.
This is an important soft skill as it shows an ability to make conclusions under duress. Analyzing a situation, identifying potential solutions, and selecting the best course of action show an ability to use logic and make informed decisions, whether or not the problem requires an urgent fix.
Problem-solving also exercises creativity and innovation. I’m a big ideas person, but as a lower-title individual in my workplace, I rarely have the chance to make big decisions. However, when problems arise in my environment, I get to step up and think of out-of-the-box, innovative solutions.
