Soft Skills

Summary

In this training session, Jessica and Raiane, both psychologists, explore the concept of soft skills and their importance in the workplace. They differentiate between soft skills (personal traits like communication and emotional intelligence) and hard skills (technical knowledge and certifications). The session emphasizes self-awareness, continual development, and the impact of soft skills on professional and personal growth. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own abilities, identify areas for improvement, and create a development plan (PDI). The session also provides tips for enhancing these skills through training and real-world practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Soft skills, such as emotional intelligence and communication, are essential for personal and professional growth.
• 😀 Hard skills, like technical knowledge and certifications, are necessary to demonstrate job competence and professionalism.
• 😀 The CHÁ competency model emphasizes the importance of Knowledge (What to do), Skill (How to do it), and Attitude (Desire to do it).
• 😀 Developing both hard and soft skills requires consistent self-reflection, practice, and continuous learning.
• 😀 Apprentices should create a list of their current hard skills, assess which ones need further development, and actively seek out opportunities for improvement.
• 😀 Self-awareness is crucial for identifying strengths and weaknesses, especially in soft skills like emotional control and communication.
• 😀 Feedback from supervisors and mentors is invaluable for growth and should be used to guide the development of both hard and soft skills.
• 😀 An Individual Development Plan (PDI) can help map out the skills each apprentice needs to develop for future career progression.
• 😀 Apprentices are encouraged to seek training opportunities, whether offered by the company or through external resources like reputable online platforms.
• 😀 Emotional intelligence, including managing personal traits like timidity and shyness, is a key factor in workplace success and personal development.

Q & A

What are the two main categories of skills discussed in the transcript?

The two main categories of skills discussed are 'soft skills' and 'hard skills.' Soft skills are behavioral and emotional competencies, while hard skills are technical and knowledge-based abilities.

Why is emotional intelligence considered a critical soft skill in the workplace?

Emotional intelligence is crucial in the workplace because it helps individuals manage emotions, understand others' emotions, and communicate effectively, contributing to better teamwork and conflict resolution.

What is the CHÁ model and why is it important?

The CHÁ model stands for Knowledge (What to do), Skill (How to do it), and Attitude (Desire to do it). It is important because it helps assess the competencies needed for a role and ensures that employees develop a balance of technical knowledge, skills, and the right attitude for job success.

How should individuals approach the development of soft skills?

Individuals should approach the development of soft skills through continuous practice and self-reflection. These skills often improve over time as individuals gain more life experience and feedback from their environment.

What does the Personal Development Plan (PDI) entail?

The Personal Development Plan (PDI) is a personalized roadmap that helps individuals identify areas for improvement and set goals for developing both technical and behavioral competencies, typically through feedback and learning opportunities.

What role does self-reflection play in personal and professional development?

Self-reflection is essential for personal and professional growth because it helps individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and track progress toward their development goals.

How can apprentices use the PDI to assess their progress?

Apprentices can use the PDI to evaluate their development by periodically reviewing their goals, identifying which competencies they have successfully developed, and which ones they still need to improve. The PDI helps track progress and focus efforts on key skills.

What is the difference between soft skills and hard skills in the context of recruitment?

Soft skills are harder to assess in recruitment because they are behavioral traits like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, while hard skills are more easily measurable, such as technical knowledge, certifications, and specific competencies.

Why should apprentices identify both strengths and areas for improvement in their skill sets?

Identifying both strengths and areas for improvement allows apprentices to create a balanced development plan, capitalize on their existing skills, and focus on areas where they need growth, ultimately enhancing their employability and performance.

What role do external resources, such as online courses, play in skill development?

External resources, like online courses and corporate universities, provide valuable opportunities for apprentices and employees to enhance their knowledge and skills, especially when employers may not offer formal training programs. These resources also help individuals stay competitive in their careers.