Nancy,
Good examples. I think that integrity is a big one as well.
Philip Campbell
Manuela,
Being polite can overcome many things.
Philip Campbell
Trina,
Very True. What kind of things do we do to prep for our emotions? Can we prep?
Philip Campbell
I still believe that the most important soft skill is integrity. Since the definition of integrity is "wholeness or a state of being unbroken", it seems to encompass many of the other very important soft skills. For example, if an employee is acting from a place of integrity, they will be punctual, dependable and reliable, as well as exhibit other important soft skills.
being able to relate to your students and being empathetic...not because you are being a "soft" teacher but if they feel you can relate to them in some way they are more at ease in class and if they are at ease in class then they can learn more effectively - most of the comments that i get on my teacher/student surveys are that i am relatable yet fair and stern at the same time, students, even as adults, like to have a set of rules that do not bend, even when it hasnt bent for the that particular student, i find they are ok with them if you have a soft delivery
To me, it's hard to choose which soft skills are most important when they all play a solid role in being a good instructor. If I had to pick, I'd say Conflict Resolution, dependability, integrity and common sense. But again, they all play an important role in the classroom so my "most important" soft skills would probably change on a daily basis!
Well, a combination of people skills and workplace behaviors, right? That's what we have learned here; personally I think having a positive attitude and respecting others / being polite to others are very important.
To be patient and listen. To apply yourself with more than 100%.
positive attitude is very important and being in control of our emotions.
Vanessa,
Communication can usually solve anything. It is also the one thing that we all struggle with and strive to do better.
Philip Campbell
I think that communication is one of the most important soft skills an individual can have. Being able to communicate using appropriate soft skills helps to make the workplace and/or school environment more enjoyable for all.
ibrahim,
Great List! This would be a good list to use in the classroom.
Philip Campbell
Jamie,
How much do we incorporate soft skills into our classes? We are so busy teaching them hard skills, do we forget about soft skills?
Philip Campbell
Here's a list of some of the most important soft skills
1- Have a "winner" attitude
2- Be a team player
3- Communicate effectively
4- Exude confidence
5- Hone your creative skills
6- Accept & learn from criticism
7- Motivate yourself & lead others
8- Multitask & prioritize your to-do list
(See the big picture;Looking at the larger picture in your work and being able to see the determining factors of successIt also means recognizing a risk that's worth taking, and knowing when to take it.)
I must agree Steven, this can be positive or leave a negative making them aware of the importance of active listening both instructor and student. When this soft skill is done on both ends the outcoume is effective.
Soft skills are very important in the classroom as well as on externships. Students need a balance of both soft and hard in work place to be able to communicate with others regardless of their settings. The balance and displaying empathy is important also.
steven,
Good point. That is a good angle to look at it. Understanding oneself is important and can be what helps them in the workplace.
Philip Campbell
I don't think common sense is really teachable. You may be able to guide a student towards understaning their own level common sense, but I don't think it's actually teachable.
Sue,
Very interesting. When that question about common sense is asked, people usually do not consider how broad/general it could be. It is extremely hard, if not impossible, to predict human interactions. With that being said, you are correct common sense can be interpreted in so many different ways that our heads would spin.
Philip Campbell
Nicholas,
All of these are great. The more like the real world we can make it the more the students will be prepared for what will be coming when they graduate.
Philip Campbell
