Jodi Quemelen

Why Being a “Good Hang” at Work Matters More Than You Think:

It’s easy to assume that thriving at work is all about having the right degree, certification, or a well-connected mentor who can unlock doors for you. Sure, being qualified matters, but let’s be real: a lot of jobs out there are teachable if you’re willing to learn. So what truly sets you apart?

Soft skills.

This month, I asked a group of young Gen Z professionals what advice they wished they had for navigating the workplace, and I’m delivering. This week, we’re tackling the intangible abilities you can’t just earn by sitting in a classroom or taking an online course. The traits that make you not just good at your job, but someone others want to work with.

What are soft skills?
Soft skills are the personal traits and abilities that you possess to help you work effectively and harmoniously with others. Some examples are:

• Adaptability
• Communication
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Open mindedness
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving
• Empathy. 

These skills are essential for thriving in the workplace, and the good news is you can grow these over time.

In my own experience, especially in fields where turnover is high, I’ve worked with tons of young professionals over the past few years. The ones who stood out weren’t always the most impressive on paper. They were the ones who:

• Asked thoughtful questions and actually listened to our responses
• Showed curiosity and humility
• Brought a sense of humor to the team
• Took feedback with grace
• Made others feel heard and seen

Hard skills will get you in the door, it’s often the soft skills that earn you promotions and recognition. It’s not only about what you’re doing for the team but how you’re doing it. When you’re reliable, approachable, and easy to collaborate with, you’re likely to be seen as someone ready for more responsibility, trust, and new opportunities.

It’s really hard to build real relationships with anyone at work if the only thing you can talk about is the work. The best coworkers bring more than their resume to the team. They bring their authentic selves, empathy, and the ability to use their authenticity to strengthen the team.

Ask yourself

If you were a manager / leader on your team, would you rather work with someone who’s technically amazing on paper but cold and intense? Or someone who’s teachable, dependable, warm, and makes you feel at ease?

Exercising your soft skills can turn you into an allstar at work and give you that edge you need to propel forward.

See you next week, when we’ll dive into another super requested topic that just might help you speak up without second-guessing yourself.

Peace,

Jodi Q.