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Why IT Professionals Need Soft Skills

Define “soft skills”Compare with hard or occupational skillsList of soft skillsHow soft skills apply in different positionsWhy learn themBenefit

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Soft Skills Definition

Emotional Intelligence Quotient - Personality traits Social graces Communication, language Personal habits, responsibility, integrity Friendliness, optimism, sense of humor, common

sense

Characterize relationships with other peopleComplement hard skills

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Emotional Intelligence Quotient - Personality traits

Can translate to abilities that can be learned and practiced

Empathy Communication Sociability Negotiation Willingness to teach and help others Teamwork Leadership

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Hard Skills and Soft Skills Side-by-Side

Hard Skills Tangible Can be defined Can be measured Relate to an

occupation or job May be technical Learn in school or

from books Get the interview

Soft Skills Less tangible Harder to quantify Personal and

interpersonal attributes

Determine a person’s work performance

Require adaptability Land the job

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Expanded List of Soft Skills

Leadership Strategic thinkingCommunication Delegation and motivationConflict resolution and negotiation Influencing Creative problem solvingCoaching and mentoringTeam buildingPersonal effectiveness

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Soft Skills as an Individual Contributor

Individual contributor Work with others Communication Conflict resolution Problem solving Help and support Initiative

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Soft Skills as a Supervisor or Manager

Supervisor or Manager Now a leader, coach, mentor Direction, strategy Goals and objectives Working guidelines and processes Communication up, down, across for all Delegation and motivation Effective feedback Difficult people and interpersonal situations Remote and multicultural employees Appropriate style

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Why Learn Them

Use of strategic thinkingMore effective and appropriate communicationIncreased ability to discuss difficult issuesGreater inclination to see the other person’s

perspectiveLess conflict through discussion and negotiationDevelopment of leadership skills

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Why Learn Them (continued)

Opportunities Greater responsibility Learning, new skills Visibility Promotion Salary increase

© 2011 Global Knowledge Training LLC. All rights reserved.

So Why do IT Professionals Need Soft Skills?

To get the jobTo keep the jobTo advanceTo grow as a professional and as a human being!