So you’re smart, fast, a technical expert, but your career has stalled and you just can’t get ahead. In a world full of technical experts clamouring to get ahead what is it that’s going to get you noticed and take you to the next level?
Developing advanced soft skills may just be the key to open that door to career success.
Much to the surprise of the many technical experts I have worked with, people are not that predictable and do not always do what they are supposed too in a linear technical sort of way.
“But why won’t they do this?” “It doesn’t make sense,” and “Why do I have too?” are common themes I hear from the technical expert struggling with the irrational behaviour of staff and colleagues. Having outstanding technical skills and wanting to take the next step in their career just isn’t enough anymore.
It is common knowledge amongst elite leaders that technical expertise doesn’t mean much if you don’t have the soft skills to execute.
Most people want to be related to, involved and feel like they are valued. This means we must take the time to get to know them, talk through projects with them, listen to them, get their advice and allow them to contribute, even if we think we know better.
What colleagues and staff don’t want is to be told what to do, ordered about and sent on their way to deliver x, y and z in a matter of fact, just do it, cold, depersonalised, tick box kind of way. People are not like a computer program, they want to be noticed and appreciated.
Advanced soft skills and the ability to relate, inspire, build teams and bring people along are now the key components business requires a potential leader and employee to possess.
If you want to get ahead you need to consider soft skills as a cornerstone and must-have component of your toolbox.
Advanced soft skills, you can’t progress without them.
Comments