Soft Skills
As a trade school instructor, I find that most of my students are self motivated, and follow the general 'idea' of soft skills. (they are typically older and have life experience)
I am curious on dealing with students who do not have a positive mental attitude. What tactics work for you?
I sometimes feel these students have been the squeaky wheel that get's the oil, but how to make them self aware, that this behavior does not translate into successful employment.
Suzie,
I believe success on the job includes the soft skills as well as the technical skills. Better employees learn to apply soft skills as part of their daily routines.
Barry Westling
Barry,
You touched on a really important aspect of soft skills, letting students know what is in it for them. I start off each incoming freshman orientation letting them know that the college expects them to act as if they were at their job while on campus. They need to dress appropriately, show up on time, and be proactive in their studies.
Coaching them on these soft skills from day 1 in seat helps them to start building these skills that they can then take to their extern site near the end of the program. Our hope is to instill these skills early in order for our students to not only be successful in their education, but in their career as well.
THOMAS,
I've always been mystified by students who have little or no awareness of their lack of common courtesy, interpersonal interactions and professional behavior. I agree and experienced myself that more times than not, employees fail to sustain employment for the absence of soft skills, more so than their technical expertise and compliance.
Barry Westling
Generally, people with soft skills are the people that get the jobs, it is a combination of verbal, cognitive, and inflection combined with subtle problem-solving skills, it is a higher order of learning that should be developed, by encouraging classroom interaction, developing confidence, and trying to get across to students it is ok to fail , fear of failing destroys soft skill development
Robin,
When reinforcing soft skills, I try to emphasize the "what's in it for me" (WIIFM) tenet. When students have a good understanding of something that will help them personally, I think they are more likely to be compliant.
Barry Westling
When I decided to become a trade school instructor I held the same above mental image of the students I would be engaging. I have found that not to be the case. My first year was a struggle. I have found that many of these students have the attitude that they are the customer so they make the rules. I still continue to follow policy, however students quickly learn that administration will back them and not the instructor. I think our institution does these student a great disservice because the business sector will not tolerate poor behavior.
Sean,
These days, many students begin our classes with very poor behavioral practices. If we can coach them to with these important skills, they'll be better off getting, and keeping a job.
Barry Westling
Glenn,
I think students need to feel the "what's in it for me" principle. When it's personal they're more likely to respond favorably.
Barry Westling
Rick,
Yeah, I realized that when I can make learning important to them, as in a job, students will pay attention, follow the rules, and want to display their best behavior.
Barry Westling
Soft skills to me are very similar to manners. Those who were brought up respecting themselves and others, really don't have issues with soft skills. I have found that not all people were brought up with social graces and they are not apt to follow these rules.
There are some excellent DVDs showing employees in varying settings where soft skills are needed. Most of these role plays have a before and after presentation, which are both, at times, humorous and insightful. Students get the point very quickly.
I like to go back to why they are there in the first place. If they can make the connection from what they are learning to where they want to get to, sometimes that's all it takes to get them motivated again.
Jason,
Employers want workers that fit into flow -- skills, knowledge, communication, problem solving, productive and efficient. Individuals lacking soft skills often have more difficult job longevity successes.
Barry Westling
i think soft skills are very important to learn so you know how to deakl with people
Gretchen,
I think it's important all student know what is expected. If there are rules, all have to be treated the same, but inaction to deviations will be disastrous. Just as in work, repeated warning can have undesirable consequences.
Barry Westling
