In a world where AI and technology are increasingly prevalent, the unique values that sets humans apart from programmed entities is our soft skills. These human aspects have yet to be successfully replicated en masse and employed across digital functions and programs, remaining elusive to technology, at least for now. This is some reassurance that, for now our professional future is secure as long as we continue to develop and enhance these skills.
And this is where people can stay one step ahead of the game, so to speak. While technology might be replacing many jobs and careers, and automation is proving to be more efficient than people, having something technology and AI don’t can give you the upper hand.
This post will look at some effective ways to boost your soft skills and how to use them so you can be a force to be reckoned with and not be replaced by AI anytime soon, at least!
Education
Going back to education to learn skills and knowledge is not only a great way to advance your career but also to pick up and develop your soft skills. From developing soft skills on an MBA course to taking up an art or dance class to help you connect with your creativity to boost thinking power and out-of-the-box decision-making, you can take courses in history, business, psychology, or anything you wish and learn that is valuable to people and interpersonal skills along the way while improving your knowledge and educational prowess.
Peers
A great way to develop your soft skills is to look at those around you and how they engage with others and the world around them. Are they a great listener? If so, what makes them a better listener than you or others in your workplace? Maybe you admire someone else’s timekeeping and project management skills. Can you ask them to help you with yours if you lack it in this area? These are vital skills employers these days need from their staff. Whatever you admire in someone else or notice they do well, look at how they do it and incorporate this into what you do.
Networking
Networking events are a great way to open you up to all the different ways people communicate and how they utilize their soft skills. You can likely get both great and poor examples, both of which can be valuable on this journey. Look at those who are skilled at working a room and crowds, greeting people, and pay attention to what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. Spend time talking to them and watch how they engage with you. Then, look at those who aren’t quite as successful and pinpoint what isn’t right or far off the mark. This will give you something to steer clear of or recognize in yourself so you can work on it.
When it comes to boosting your soft skills, you need to get as much practice as possible, learn how you engage with others, and get feedback from people on what is or isn’t working for you or areas you can work on. Once you develop your skills, you can position yourself in a great place to accelerate your career.