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Inspire trust

Develop soft skills to create a harmonious workplace environment

by RACHEL WEINGARTEN

Soft skills can be hard to define but easy to recognize. Soft skills are abilities that go beyond technical expertise. They might include interpersonal skills that inspire trust from colleagues.

“Soft skills should be called essential skills, because they truly are essential traits one needs to succeed socially and professionally,” says etiquette expert Arden Clise.

While soft skills may not be instinctive for everyone, with practice they can improve. “Soft skills, like any skill, require deliberate practice and reinforcement,” says Gorick Ng, a Harvard career adviser and author.

Before you shrug off the need to improve your soft skills, realize that neglecting them could cost you your job or a promotion. “The common perception among managers is that hard skills may get you hired, but a lack of soft skills is what gets you fired,” Ng says. Even if you keep your job, if you lack necessary soft skills, it can be obvious to your boss, co-workers and clients.

But, I hear you ask, how can I improve my soft skills?

Be an active listener

Purvi Desai, founder of skin care brand Zaaina, relies on customer feedback to perfect products. “We take every review, question and concern very seriously and make necessary changes accordingly,” Desai says. By being accessible to customers, Desai reinforces their importance to her business.

Define shared goals

It can be frustrating to work within a team with differing ideas and approaches. Costco member Pat Roque, a career and leadership expert at coaching firm Rock On Success, aims for clarity in all interactions. To work well with others, Roque says, it’s crucial to “commit to shared goals that matter.” This common sense of purpose strengthens a group dynamic while allowing team members to improve their soft skills.

Reconnect

If you’re not quite ready to brush up on all of your soft skills, consider the deceptively simple act of reconnecting with others. Roque says that helps people stop feeling invisible, while instilling a sense of belonging.

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