But Desperately Needs
According to research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation & Stanford Research Center concluded that 85% of job success comes from having well-developed soft skills.
Soft skills are personal & social attributes / behaviors that enable people to interact effectively with others in the workplace or in other social environments. This is an absolute necessity when working on team-driven projects or in high-stress environments.
Despite Gen Z being one of the most tech savvy generations, many are finding themselves (for various reasons) underprepared in the realm of having soft skills.
Here are six soft skills Gen Z can develop for Workplace Success:
- Effective Communication Skills
Having clarity and consistency in the way you communicate to others can do wonders in the workplace. Professionals must learn how to express their ideas both written, and verbally with clarity in order to reduce the amount of misunderstandings. Remember, communicating also includes adjusting tone for the audience, and to listen actively.
- Delivering & Receiving Feedback
Constructive feedback when delivered properly shouldn’t be an attack. Delivering feedback is an opportunity to pause, learn, reflect, and grow. Being able to both deliver and receive feedback with grace shows emotional intelligence, can increase your leadership potential, and help build trust with others.
- Time Management & Prioritization
We all get the same 24 hours in a day. It’s not as much about how much you can get done in a single day all the time, rather it’s about knowing how to prioritize tasks, avoid distractions, and meet deadlines in a way that makes you feel like you’re truly owning your time. Properly prioritizing your tasks over time can lead to a reputation of being reliable.
- Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution skills and knowing how to navigate workplace conflict is a huge asset to any team. Having occasional conflict in groups is normal (and even healthy!), so being able to take a step back and figure out how to resolve conflict in a way that leaves everyone feeling empowered or at least content is super valuable. Not only does it build respect, but it also helps contribute to a healthier team dynamic.
- Taking Initiative & Following Through
Learning what is expected of you, and taking the initiative without being asked can be what sets you apart from the rest. Trust is built when you’re able to stay consistent and follow through, even when it’s hard. Combine these two together and you’ll start to become dependable, engaged, and ready to grow in your career.
- Emotional Regulation & Self-Awareness
High pressure moments don’t always appear to be hectic. Sometimes they’re invisible, yet still bound to happen. Emotional regulation is the key to staying composed for your own peace of mind. It’s easier said than done sometimes to respond to high-stress situations with empathy, self awareness, and intention, but it’s never impossible.
Developing these soft skills won’t just set you up for success, but they’ll build confidence, leadership potential, and stronger relationships along the way. See you next week!
Peace,
Jodi Q.
Jodi Quemelen 
Leave a comment