The Importance of Soft Skills in The Workplace

Introduction: Soft skills are known as combinations of social skills and personality characteristics. Soft skills influence how someone functions in a working environment with others (Doyle, 2019). The term 'soft skill” refers to various specific skills, including teamwork, self-motivation, and communication. Most soft skills are developed through an individual's personality, but can be acquired through practice as well.

Soft skills are key for success, especially in the workplace. Since soft skills are transferable, they could be used in multiple professions (Hill, Linda, Bruce, & Hill). Although soft skills are difficult to establish, they set an individual apart from other candidates with similar expertise or education. Having a solid range of skills promotes a workplace that is productive and interactive. The presence of soft skills shows an individual is knowledgeable, personable, and reliable. An absence of soft skills can reduce an individual's potential. Thesis statement: Thus a theme of the importance of soft skills is discussed in this essay.

Topic sentence: Many young employees have underdeveloped soft skills because of new advancements in technology. With the reliance of technology, often there are missed opportunities for interaction with others. Young employees have easy access to technology, which encourages them to search up an answer easily. They go to technology as a fix instead of taking a moment to think. Commentary: This produces a lack of soft skills in the workplace since younger employees overlook the need for thinking and self-reflection.

Topic sentence: Communication is a valuable soft skill to use while in the workplace. Evidence & citing: A strong communicator, depending on the circumstances or atmosphere, can adjust their tone. Conversing efficiently assures someone receives clear and understandable information.

Topic sentence: Teamwork promotes productive collaboration and cooperation with one another in a work place. An individual's leadership qualities influence how they engage when participating in a group. Teamwork encourages people to work effectively within a group. A strong leader of a team can easily adapt to the working styles of other members.

Problem solving as a soft skill acknowledges complications or concerns in the workplace. An individual who can resolve problems effortlessly often reach efficient solutions. Those with the ability to solve problems easily recognize an issue before it occurs. A problem solver is less likely to become flustered when a dilemma arises.

Topic sentence: Time management describes the ability to properly manage time. An individual manages their time productively by becoming organized and prioritizing task. They complete task before deadlines, allowing pressure to be taken of them. This allows them to take on new task and projects.

Being able to adapt helps someone to thrive in unfamiliar situations in a working environment. An individual who can adapt has the willingness to acquire new skills and develop an open mind to new task and challenges. Those who adapt comfortably are also flexible in the workplace.

Topic sentence: Having a strong work ethic is beneficial in the work place. Having a strong work ethic makes it possible for individuals to produce quality work and build their character. An individual with a strong work ethic is able to carry out tasks and follow expectations. They are punctual when arriving to work. Those with work ethics also complete task in a timely manner and meet deadlines to remain focused.

Taking on a leadership role in the workplace enables an individual to guide others, even if they are not directly overseeing the entire project or assignment ('Soft skill: Leadership skills | Milkround', 2019). Evidence & citing: Leaders are able to take charge of a situation and make sure everyone stays productive. Those with leadership skills, while doing as much as they can, encourage everyone to express their opinions.

Topic sentence: Self-motivation is a soft skill that improves a person’s productivity. Evidence & citing: Self-motivation allows an individual to tune out distractions and complete goals. Motivated people develop positive attitudes and behaviors. This soft skill is a drive used by individuals to be positive, focused, and dedicated to achieving goals.

Topic sentence: Creativity in the work place allows individuals to solve problems in innovated ways. Evidence & citing: Creative thinkers find new ways to preform task and problem solve. They bring different perspectives and flexible thinking to the workplace.

Topic sentence: Having the ability to pay attention to detail enables individuals to be accurate in the work they produce. Evidence & citing: Those who pay closely to detail have the ability to concentrate on specific task. They take pride and aspire for success in their work.

Conclusion paragraph: In all, soft skills are social skills and personality characteristics. The presence of soft skills shows an individual is knowledgeable, personable and reliable. Some valuable soft skills to use in the workplace are teamwork, communication, and time management.

References

1. Communication - Importance of Good Communication Skills. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/careers/soft-skills/communication/.
2. Doyle, A. (2019, August 24). What Are Soft Skills. Retrieved November 10, 2019, from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-are-soft-skills-2060852.
3. Hill, L. B., Linda, Bruce, & Hill. (n.d.). Chapter 6: Professional Skill Building. Retrieved from https://press.rebus.community/blueprint3/chapter/37-professional-skill-building/.
4. Soft skill: Leadership skills | Milkround. (2019). Retrieved 10 November 2019, from https://advice.milkround.com/soft-skill-leadership-skills
5. Why Employers Value Creative Thinking. (2019). Retrieved 10 November 2019, from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/creative-thinking-definition-with-examples-2063744