You might have heard about “soft skills” recently. Unlike hard skills, which are technical in nature, soft skills are all those things that make work flow more smoothly. Things like teamwork, organization, and adaptability can translate to any industry, making them especially important for those who are changing careers. And best of all, you can practice them every day, even outside of work. Here are some ideas.
What Can You Do To Sharpen Your Soft Skills Every Day?
Organize Your Life
Organization is one of the most basic and most important soft skills because so many things depend on it. If you want to practice your organizational skills, start at home. Put yourself on a regular schedule. Clean out that junk drawer or closet you’ve been ignoring. Make a to do list and start working your way through. Like anything else, organization gets easier with practice.
Take a Leadership Role
Not only is leadership itself a soft skill, but it also requires a lot of other soft skills, including time management and delegation. Find a way to become a leader, whether by coaching your kid’s soccer team or organizing a beach cleanup day. Everything you learn about people management can easily translate to your work life.
Get Feedback
It can be tough to analyze your own strengths and weaknesses, so get someone you trust to help. Ask a friend to rate you on a few basic soft skills. Talk to your spouse about your strengths and weaknesses. Question your parents about what they noticed as you were growing up. All of this feedback can help you identify your best soft skills and those that need a bit of work.
Practice Self Reflection
Every evening, take a few minutes to reflect on your day. What went well? What challenges did you face? Which soft skills did you use, and how could you have used them more effectively? The goal isn’t to beat yourself up but simply to reflect with genuine curiosity on how to improve your skills.
Ready for a New Position?
If you’re ready to jumpstart your career, Pirate Staffing can help. Take a look at our open opportunities or simply submit your resume today!
