The Hard Fact of Soft Skills Why Subject Matter Expertise Isn t Enough

Transcription

1 The Hard Fact of Soft Skills Why Subject Matter Expertise Isn t Enough Kathleen D. Johnson Director, Undergraduate Education & Program Planning Copyright, Regents of the University of California, Kathleen D. Johnson, 2012

2 From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia Soft skills is a sociological term relating to a person's "EQ" (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)

3 Cluster of personality traits that characterize relationships with other people Social graces Communication Language Personal habits Friendliness Optimism

4 Do they matter? Soft skills complement hard skills (part of a person's IQ), which are the occupational requirements of a job and many other activities.

5

6 Social Habits Respects rights and property of others Respects authority Works and plays well with others Expresses emotions with control Accepts correction Shows self-confidence

7 Work Habits Follows directions Completes work Works independently Shows consistent effort Work is neat Listens without interrupting Controls talking Assumes responsibility Has adequate attention span

8

9 Fast forward several years

10 Food Service Coordinator Maintain excellent relationships Have excellent communication skills Possess the personal characteristics of professionalism, credibility, commitment to high standards, innovation, discriminating judgment and accountability

11 Building Maintenance Worker Provide customer service in an efficient, effective, and professional manner to students, staff, faculty and guests Work as a team member to ensure delivery of quality customer service

12 Licensing Officer Ability to negotiate Good management skills Strong interpersonal skills

13 Port Engineer Strong leadership skills to function effectively under pressure Proven organization, problem solving, negotiation and decision making skills with expertise in clarifying and resolving conflict situations and developing attainable solutions

14 Principles of Community We affirm each individual's right to dignity and strive to maintain a climate of justice marked by mutual respect for each other.

15 Principles of Community We promote awareness through education and constructive strategies for resolving conflict.

16 Principles of Community We affirm the right to freedom of expression at UCSD. We promote open expression of our individuality and our diversity within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect.

17 Where do I start?

18 Need one of these

19 Core Competencies Communication Active Listening Providing Feedback Oral Communication Oral Presentation Written Communication Diversity Awareness Awareness Legal Knowledge Critical Thinking Decision making Delegation Planning & scheduling Organizing Strategic problemsolving Judgment (including political acumen) Administrative Controls Initiative

20 Core Competencies Emotional Intelligence Self Development Adaptability/stress tolerance Self-control Trustworthiness Achievement orientation Building strategic relationships Conflict management Leadership/influence Interpersonal sensitivity/empathy Team/interpersonal support Collaboration

21 Reframe your thinking Being right isn t enough Acknowledge and consider what matters to the other person Challenge the win/loss mentality

22 Develop Emotional Intelligence Adaptability and willingness Stress processing and tolerance Manage conflict Practice collaboration

23 Practice active and demonstrated listening Seek out the perspectives of others Take responsibility for what others hear

24 Subject Matter Expertise alone won t save you

25 Start here Respond to inquiries (phone, electronic) Act as a responsible citizen in your work environment Complete tasks as agreed or communicate in real time Remember that even the best ideas cannot be implemented without the permission of others

26 Work together and reap rewards

27 Thanks to the CSW Women s Conference