The movie, "Brittany Runs a Marathon" is about a young woman, ironically needs to make some large life changes for health reasons and decides to train for the NYC marathon. Much like in organizations, Brittany recognized that she needed to make improvements to her skills in order to be competitive.
It’s essential to recognize areas within our organization that need skill improvement. Recognizing these needs and having awareness are key steps to ensure success and adaptability of work teams.
Soft Skills: A Strategic Priority
Soft skills in the workplace cannot be underestimated. In fact, they are a cornerstone of a successful business. As an employer, it is critical to include soft skill development into the culture of every workforce. Let’s explore some strategies to enhance our team's soft skills.
Implement Regular Training and Workshops
A learning culture is a bedrock for innovation and growth. Organizations that embrace learning opportunities enhance their employees growth and the collective experience of the organization. Some methods to foster a learning culture include:
Encourage self-awareness initiatives, communication mastery, and leadership in complex situations.
Support informal mentoring and coaching, extending beyond the c-suite to employees at all levels.
Integrate practical applications for newly acquired skills, ensuring employees know how to apply them on a daily basis.
Develop professional growth plans, creating clear, attainable pathways for each team member's career development.
Foster a Culture of Open Communication and Feedback
To nurture a forward-thinking and inclusive workplace, we must promote transparency and open communication. It’s important for stakeholders to cultivate an environment where all employees are empowered to speak up and share their thoughts without being fearful.
Leaders should be a champion for transparency and strive to create a culture where all team members feel they have a seat at the table.
Set the Example by Modeling the Behavior You Want
We all know that actions speak louder than words, and as leaders within our organization, it is critical to lead by example. Leaders cannot expect their team to embrace new initiatives unless they show their team how to do so.
The demand for robust soft skills is only going to rise as our workforce and workplaces evolve. The question is not if we will adapt, but how swiftly and effectively we can do so.
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