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COURSE TITLE: STUDENTS DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE SKILLS
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Question
Identify five common soft skills organizations look for when hiring and
justify the importance of these soft skills in any work place environment .
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Identify five common soft skills organizations look for when hiring and justify the
importance of these soft skills in any work place environment.
It is of paramount importance to recognise that, Soft skills are essential qualities that go beyond
technical expertise and play a crucial role in the success of individuals in the workplace. Oxford
learners dictionary points that soft skills are personal qualities that enable one to communicate
well with other people When organizations hire new employees, they often look for specific
soft skills that are indicative of an individual's ability to work well with others, adapt to new
situations, and contribute positively to the overall work environment. These positive
relationships create a supportive and inclusive work environment, where individuals feel
comfortable sharing ideas, seeking help, and collaborating effectively. The skills that
Organisations often look for include Communication skills, Leadership skills, Team work,
Problem solving, Critical thinking and Time management among others. In this essay, we
will identify five common soft skills that organizations seek in potential candidates and discuss
the importance of these skills in any workplace environment.
Communication skills: It is imperative to note that, effective communication is crucial in any
workplace environment. It involves not only conveying information clearly but also actively
listening, asking questions, and providing feedback. Good communication skills foster
collaboration, prevent misunderstandings, and enhance productivity. Good communication
skills help in building strong and healthy relationships. It allows individuals to express
themselves clearly, listen actively, and understand others' perspectives. This fosters trust,
respect, and cooperation among team members or individuals. Effective communication skills
play a vital role in resolving conflicts. It enables individuals to express their concerns, actively
listen to others, and find mutually beneficial solutions. Emma-Sue Prince (2019) is of the view
that, clear and open communication helps in avoiding misunderstandings and promotes a
positive work or personal environment. Communication skills are essential for effective
collaboration and teamwork. It enables individuals to share ideas, provide feedback, and work
together towards a common goal. Effective communication fosters creativity, innovation, and
productivity within a team or organization. Clear and concise communication helps in
conveying instructions, expectations, and goals effectively. It reduces the chances of errors,
misunderstandings, and delays, leading to improved productivity and efficiency in the
workplace Strong communication skills are highly valued by employers. They are often
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considered a key factor in career advancement. Effective communication helps in presenting
ideas, influencing others, and building professional networks. It also enhances leadership
abilities and increases opportunities for growth and promotion.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Organizations seek individuals who can analyse
complex situations, identify problems, and propose creative solutions. Problem-solving skills
involve logical reasoning, data analysis, and the ability to think outside the box. Critical
thinking skills enable employees to make informed decisions, evaluate options, and adapt to
changing circumstances. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are highly valued by
organizations when hiring employees. These skills demonstrate an individual's ability to
analyse complex situations, think critically, and come up with effective solutions. Employers
seek candidates who can identify problems, evaluate different options, and make informed
decisions. In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, organizations need
employees who can adapt to new challenges and find innovative solutions. Fredrick H. Wentrz
2nd (2012) recognises that, problem-solving and critical thinking skills enable individuals to
navigate through uncertainties and make sound decisions (Adaptability). Effective problemsolving skills help organizations streamline processes, identify bottlenecks, and improve
efficiency. Employees who can analyse problems and propose practical solutions contribute to
the overall productivity of the organization. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are
essential for fostering innovation within an organization. Employees who can think critically
are more likely to come up with creative ideas and contribute to the development of new
products, services, or processes (Innovation)
Teamwork and Collaboration: The ability to work well with others is highly valued by
organizations. Teamwork involves cooperating, sharing responsibilities, and supporting
colleagues to achieve common goals. Collaboration skills promote a positive work
environment, encourage diverse perspectives, and lead to innovative solutions. Individuals
with strong critical thinking skills can effectively communicate their ideas, listen to others'
perspectives, and work collaboratively to solve complex problems. This promotes a positive
work environment and enhances team performance. Dr Ritu Soryan (2022) is of the view that,
when individuals work together as a team, they bring diverse perspectives, knowledge, and
skills to the table. This diversity allows for more creative and effective problem-solving.
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Collaborative teams can brainstorm ideas, analyse different viewpoints, and come up with
innovative solutions. Collaboration enables individuals to share the workload and divide tasks
based on each team member's strengths. By working together, teams can accomplish tasks more
efficiently and meet deadlines more effectively. This leads to increased productivity and overall
organizational success (Increased Efficiency). When employees work in a collaborative
environment, they feel valued and engaged. Collaboration allows individuals to contribute their
ideas, opinions, and expertise, making them feel like an integral part of the team. This sense of
involvement and ownership motivates employees to perform at their best and increases job
satisfaction. Henceforth, teamwork, adaptability, and flexibility create a positive work
environment. When employees work well together, support each other, and embrace change,
morale improves, stress levels decrease, and job satisfaction increases.
Time Management and Organization: Strong time management and organizational skills are
highly sought after by employers. These skills involve prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and
efficiently allocating resources. Effective time management ensures that deadlines are met,
projects are completed on time, and productivity is maximized. Time management and
organization are crucial skills in the working environment. They help individuals prioritize
tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain productivity. Having postulated the above one can argue
that, effective time management allows individuals to allocate their time wisely, ensuring that
tasks are completed efficiently. By organizing tasks and setting realistic deadlines, employees
can maximize their productivity and accomplish more in less time. Time management allows
individuals to allocate time for critical thinking and decision making. By having a clear
overview of tasks and deadlines, employees can make informed decisions without rushing or
feeling overwhelmed. Good time management and organization skills demonstrate
professionalism and reliability. Goodheart-Willcox (2020) notes that employers value
individuals who can manage their time effectively, as it reflects their ability to handle
responsibilities and meet expectations. Poor time management often leads to stress and anxiety.
By organizing tasks and creating a schedule, employees can reduce stress levels and maintain
a better work-life balance. This, in turn, improves job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Therefore, by developing strong time management and organization skills, individuals can
enhance their performance, reduce stress, and contribute to a more efficient and successful
working environment.
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In summation, soft skills are highly valued by organizations when hiring new employees. These
skills contribute to effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and overall
productivity in the workplace. Teamwork and collaboration are crucial skills in organizations
as noted above, they promote problem-solving, efficiency, communication, employee
engagement, learning, and relationship-building. By fostering a collaborative culture,
organizations can create a positive and productive working environment that leads to success
by possessing and demonstrating these soft skills, individuals can enhance their chances of
securing employment and thriving in any work environment. It is important for job seekers to
recognize the significance of these skills and continuously develop and refine them to succeed
in their careers. Employers should also prioritize the assessment and cultivation of soft skills
in their hiring processes and employee development programs to create a positive and
productive work environment. Soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and flexibility create a
positive work environment. When employees work well together, support each other, and
embrace change, morale improves, stress levels decrease, and job satisfaction increases.
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REFERENCES
Dr. Ritu Soryan: Soft Skills (The Employability Skills for 21st Century) 2nd Edition: Publisher
S.K. Kataria & Sons (2022)
Emma-Sue Prince: The Advantage: The 7 Soft Skills You Need to Stay One Step Ahead: 2016
Emma-Sue Prince: 7 Skills for the Future: Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Empathy, Integrity,
Optimism, Being Proactive, Resilience: 2019
Fredrick H. Wentrz: Soft Skills Training: A Workbook to Develop Skills for Employment
(Second Edition) 2012
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Soft Skills for the Workplace 2020
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