Though sometimes emphasis is placed on the hard technical skills, soft skills are also important and in high demand on the job market. Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work. They are basically how you relate with your colleagues, how you solve problems and how you manage your work. Examples include: people skills, listening skills, time management, empathy amongst others.
Hiring managers often look for people with soft skills because they are likely to be more successful in the workplace. Imagine someone who has all the technical hard skills but if they can’t get along with people or manage their time well, can they excel in the job role? No obviously.
In this COVID-19 period, here are the 3 top soft skills in demand:
1. Adaptability
The COVID-19 outbreak has altered our lifestyle and how we work. It has induced stress and anxiety among workers who are scared of losing their means of livelihood. As our work and daily dynamics change, adaptability has become an in-demand job requirement. Workers need to be flexible to be able to adapt to new routines and methods of work especially now that it has gone online. The key to outstanding performance is understanding how certain tasks can be performed differently well.
2. Time Management
This helps you to plan your time wisely. There are so many distractions but a good worker should be able to manage his/her time by following routines that deliver best results. The ability to manage yourself well can help you maintain healthy work relations with your boss and co-workers to achieve your organisational and personal goals. Do well to plan your time, organise your tasks, set goals and hold yourself accountable daily.
3. Communication
In this COVID-19 period, meetings have gone online. It can be difficult maintaining dialogue with people online, but with many digital tools options, communication can flow seamlessly. Workers should be familiar with communication tools such as Zoom, Slack , Whatsapp , Telegram and the likes to remain relevant in this era.
4. Problem solving
Every organisation requires problem solvers. People who are good problem solvers ask the right questions, analyse different dimensions of a problem and employ technology as part of their strategy. Problem solving can be learned through having a solution-finding than fault-finding mindset. Problem solvers understand elements that enhance teamwork that yields better results.