Soft Skills - 1

The Smyth County Industry Council, a governing body based in the US, conducted a survey recently. The results of the survey was called the Workforce Profile which found “an across-the-board unanimous profile of skills and characteristics needed to make a good employee.” The people most likely to be hired for available jobs have what employers call “soft skills”.

Here were some of the findings according to the workforce study:

The most common traits, mentioned by virtually every employer, were:

~ Positive work ethic.

~ Good attitude.

~ Desire to learn and be trained.

http://www.wipro-campusarena.com/site/soft-skills/

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The Workforce Profile defined about 60 "soft skills", which employers seek.

1. Math.
2. Safety.
3. Courtesy.
4. Honesty.
5. Grammar.
6. Reliability.
7. Flexibility.
8. Team skills.
9. Eye contact.
10. Cooperation.
11. Adaptability.
12. Follow rules.
13. Self-directed.
14 Good attitude.
15. Writing skills.
16. Driver's license.
17. Dependability.
18. Advanced math.
19. Self-supervising.
20. Good references.
21. Being drug free.
22. Good attendance.
23. Personal energy.
24. Work experience.
25. Ability to measure.
26. Personal integrity.
27. Good work history.
28. Positive work ethic.
29. Interpersonal skills.
30. Motivational skills.
31. Valuing education.
32. Personal chemistry.
33. Willingness to learn.
34. Common sense.
35. Critical thinking skills.
36. Knowledge of fractions.
37. Reporting to work on time.
38. Use of rulers and calculators.
39. Good personal appearance.
40. Wanting to do a good job.
41. Basic spelling and grammar.
42. Reading and comprehension.
43. Ability to follow regulations.
44. Willingness to be accountable.
45. Ability to fill out a job application.
46. Ability to make production quotas.
47. Basic manufacturing skills training.
48. Awareness of how business works.
49. Staying on the job until it is finished.
50. Ability to read and follow instructions.
51. Willingness to work second and third shifts.
52. Caring about seeing the company succeed.
53. Understanding what the world is all about.
54. Ability to listen and document what you have heard.
55. Commitment to continued training and learning.
56. Willingness to take instruction and responsibility.
57. Ability to relate to coworkers in a close environment.
58. Not expecting to become a supervisor in the first six months.
59. Willingness to be a good worker and go beyond the traditional eight-hour day.
60. Communication skills with public, fellow employees, supervisors, and customers.


http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/565856.aspx




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ET Corporate Dossier 18 May 2007

Eye Contact in the Work Place

Eye contact tells the other person that are you are listening. It makes them feel important. It also focus your attention on the topic and makes you a better listener.

You don't have to look into the eyes all the time. Maintain direct contact for 40 to 60% of the time.

Focus on a triange that includes the other person's forehead.Gaze below eyes is not recommended.

Eye contact is preferred in USA/UK/Australia.
Japan/China: Direct eye contact is considered intimidating. But still professionals are ok with it.

During presentations make the room into three sections and take turns. In each section maintain contact with one person.

If you memorise your presentation, you can maintain eye contact with your listeners. Otherwise, you are forced to look at your computer screen or the screen on which it is projected.

In Economic Times, Shital Kakkar Mehra, founder, Soft Skills International is writing the column on Etiquette.

she can be contacted at ask-shital@indiatimes.com
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