Mastering soft skills is essential for career advancement. These skills not only improve your professional interactions but also enhance your personal growth and leadership capabilities.
Soft Skills to Fast-Track Your Career
Here we have given you information about nine key soft skills, by adopting which you can bring a big change in your career and reach a new height.
- Make People Feel Important (SHR Method)
- Hone Your Body Language (7-38-55 Rule)
- Master the 4-Bullet Update
- Record and Study Your Speaking
- Ask Rapport-Building Questions
- Send “Friday Highlights”
- Don’t Complain or Gossip. Ever.
- Remember ALL the Names
- Give Yourself a Personal MBA
Let’s understand each skill in detail with supportive information. Mastering these soft skills will significantly enhance your professional interactions and personal growth, making you a more effective and influential leader.
These skills not only help you build stronger relationships but also position you for career advancement and long-term success.
1. Make People Feel Important (SHR Method)
Creating a lasting impression involves making others feel valued. For that, you can use the SHR method. Let’s Understand SHR Method
- Seen: Maintain eye contact and offer specific compliments to show genuine appreciation.
- Heard: Engage in active listening by asking thoughtful questions and showing interest in the conversation.
- Remembered: Follow up on previous discussions, remember names, and recall details from past interactions to demonstrate that you value the person.
Dale Carnegie, in his book “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” highlights the story of Charles Schwab, a successful businessman.
Schwab attributed much of his success to making people feel important. He used to remember small details about his employees and would compliment them genuinely, which motivated them to work harder and feel valued.
2. Hone Your Body Language (7-38-55 Rule)
Most of us believe that Communication is only through words but only some know that Communication is more than just words. According to the 7-38-55 rule:
- Words: Only 7% of communication is based on the actual words used.
- Tonality and Face: 38% of communication is influenced by voice tone and facial expressions.
- Body Language: 55% of communication is through body language. Improve your non-verbal cues by standing up straight, pulling your shoulders back, making eye contact, and giving firm handshakes.
Research by Dr. Albert Mehrabian found that body language accounts for 55% of the effectiveness of our communication.
This means,
“Your gestures, posture, and facial expressions can significantly impact how your message is received.”
3. Master the 4-Bullet Update
Busy professionals appreciate concise updates. Structure your communication using the 4-bullet update:
- Tasks Requested: Outline what was asked of you.
- Actions Taken: Describe what you did.
- Risks/Blockers: Identify any challenges or risks.
- Additional Actions: Mention what you’d do if given more time.
Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, is known for his concise communication style. He encourages the use of brief, structured updates in meetings, which helps the team stay focused and efficient. This practice has been a key factor in Amazon’s operational efficiency.
4. Record and Study Your Speaking
“Enhance your speaking skills by recording your calls and reviewing them.”
This practice helps you identify areas for improvement, such as filler words (“ums” and “likes”), and refine your communication style.
According to a study by the University of California, Irvine, people who recorded and reviewed their speeches showed a 29% improvement in public speaking skills over time.
This self-reflection technique is widely used by athletes and performers to enhance their abilities.
5. Ask Rapport-Building Questions
Building strong relationships is crucial. Use these questions to deepen connections:
- Neighborhood: Where do you live?
- Family: Do you have any siblings or children?
- Personal: How did you meet your partner?
- Plans: Any upcoming trips? Remember, your network is your net worth.
Oprah Winfrey, known for her interviewing skills, often asks personal and empathetic questions that build rapport with her guests.
This approach has made her one of the most trusted and influential media personalities.
6. Send “Friday Highlights”
Boost your visibility and accountability with weekly updates. Every Friday, send a brief email to your supervisor(s) covering:
- Highlights from the Previous Week: Key tasks completed, people networked with, and extracurricular activities.
- Upcoming Activities: Major tasks and networking events for the next week. This practice helps build trust, promotes self-accountability, and prepares you for performance reviews.
A study by Gallup found that employees who send regular updates to their managers are 3 times more likely to be engaged at work.
“Regular communication fosters trust and clarity in the workplace.”
7. Don’t Complain or Gossip. Ever.
Maintain a positive and professional demeanor. Complaining and gossiping not only tarnish your reputation but also damage relationships.
Refrain from negative talk to foster a respectful and supportive work environment.
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, was known for her positive leadership style. She emphasized a no-gossip policy and encouraged her team to focus on solutions rather than problems, which helped in creating a positive and productive work culture.
8. Remember ALL the Names
A person’s favorite sound is their name. Make a conscious effort to remember names when first introduced.
Later, use the name in conversation and take note of their loved ones and pets. This small gesture makes a significant impact and helps you stand out.
According to a study by the Journal of Experimental Psychology, people feel more valued and respected when their names are remembered and used in conversation.
This practice enhances interpersonal connections and trust.
9. Give Yourself a Personal MBA
Commit to continuous learning. Spend at least 30 minutes daily on self-education.
Resources like SystemSunday.com offer structured plans to help you achieve a personal MBA in six months. This willingness to learn will keep you ahead in your career.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is known for his voracious reading habits. Despite his busy schedule, he dedicates time to self-education, which has been crucial in his success in various industries.