I did read your Three A’s to Energize and I recommend it highly to all those visiting this site. You have a great vibe going on that post and even leaving a comment and reading the others — energizes the desire to move ahead.
Bravo and thanks,
Kate

Your first suggestion for improving soft-skills resonates with me. For years I spent most of my communication time focusing on improving processes/procedures. In the end I was negative.

I’m learning to “Speak positively not negatively and forward not back.” It’s changing me and the way others relate to me.

I keep saying to myself, “see the bad, say the good.” It’s my personal trigger to follow your advice.

Your readers might enjoy one of my posts that includes this idea:
http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2010/06/21/three-a%E2%80%99s-that-energize-others/

Love you work.

Dan

Excellent points! I’m a person who prides herself on her ‘customer service skills’ and soft skills. It was challenging to get to the point of having authentic interest and caring about my ‘clients’, which is what is need to have excellent soft skills. When I was able to learn about myself, how I communicate, learn and react and accept myself, then my customer service skills fell easily and effortlessly into place. I stopped worrying about how I was going to answer a question or how I was going to get my point across and just trust that the answer was ‘in there’ (my brain) and that it would come out in the conversation. At that point I was able to fully listen to what the ‘client’s’ challenge was and be fully engaged in resolving the challenge in a way that would benefit both the client and the company. Most ‘clients’ can tell that you’re really listening and paying attention and really appreciate it. Whatever the outcome.

I work daily on presenting everything in a positive manner to everyone, from the lady ringing up my groceries to the postman and everyone in between. I’ve just decided that I want to the world to be a positive place and that begins with me. It’s as basic as… switching from… “I can’t do that” to “this is what I can do…”

I do think that ‘soft skill’ are undervalued in the workplace. But it could be because they are so subjective.

Amy Hall
NetworkingEventFinders.com

It’s really terrific that you devote so much energy and time to this much needed topic. As a “forever” recruiter (now career consultant), I can’t stress enough how “soft skills” is what frequently lands someone a job.

When I presented candidates to a client, I couldn’t stress enough how someone who has strong “hard skills” (experience, tangibles) but weak soft skills might not be the best candidate. My mantra was, “dont just look at the person on paper, but consider their character, communication, presence and values” It would be a shame to overlook these qualities”.

Hopefully, more people “get it” and understand the value of soft skills. I think we tend to place more emphasis on someone’s professional experience and not enough on the person as a whole.

Wishing you continued success!
Laura

Keep up the excellent work!

While I don’t personally believe in making any new year’s resolutions, I am always working to improve my people skills.

One of my biggest challenges is the fear of public speaking. I plan to join Toastmasters to help me overcome my fear and improve my speaking skills.

I talk a lot, I mean a lot. I am now working on being a better listener and talk just a little bit less…a little.

Cheers

M

This post was mentioned on Twitter by EllKell: RT @KateNasser: Here’s a Professional #Soft Skills Resolution and How to Live Up to It! http://tinyurl.com/yeqebae #success…

You present a few really smart, no-nonsense tips for helping retain our people skills muscles. And, as teleconferencing becomes less cumbersome, while in the world would leaders NOT use them?