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The Five Human Skills We Should Strive To Cultivate In Ourselves And Others
As business leaders, it’s essential to prioritize the cultivation of certain human skills in ourselves and our team members. While hard skills are crucial for success, we shouldn’t neglect the importance of soft skills, which I refer to as “human skills.” This article will highlight five critical human skills that can set us apart from others and propel our careers forward.
First and foremost, it’s essential to cultivate emotional intelligence (EI). As defined by Mental Health America, EI enables individuals to manage their emotions effectively while also understanding the feelings of those around them. In this era where mental health awareness is paramount, it becomes increasingly important for leaders to understand and regulate their own emotions, as well as empathize with the emotions of others. This not only fosters a more positive work environment but also helps to avoid misunderstandings and improve overall collaboration.
Secondly, effective communication is vital in any organization. Good communication involves active listening, thoughtful response times, and an understanding of how information flows through the company. In fact, a 2023 report by Grammarly and Harris Poll found that “Effective communication drives higher internal and external performance, with increased productivity (72%) and customer satisfaction (63%) topping leaders’ list of outcomes.” To strengthen our communication skills, we must practice active listening, think before responding, and invest in workshops or training sessions. Additionally, it’s crucial to create an environment where employees feel comfortable questioning and clarifying information.
The third essential human skill is critical thinking. In today’s fast-paced business landscape, it’s easy to fall prey to knee-jerk reactions or impulsive decisions without taking the time to reflect on their implications. Critical thinking helps us stay grounded by encouraging us to ask questions, question our own assumptions, and make informed choices. To foster a culture of critical thinking within your organization, encourage team members to inquire about issues and delve deeper into complex matters.
Fourthly, collaboration is an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of success in the corporate world. In today’s interconnected environment, we can’t achieve great things alone. A recent Forrester Consulting study commissioned by Vonage revealed that poor internal collaboration experiences can cost businesses dearly – 38% of respondents reported it actually costs them business, and another 40% stated it has reduced employee productivity. To increase collaboration at your company, consider incorporating informal mentoring programs, fostering a strong sense of community, and seeking outside perspectives from corporate coaches.
Lastly, adaptability is essential in both life and business. We can’t always predict the future, but by cultivating an adaptable mindset, we can better navigate unexpected setbacks or changes. By doing so, we’ll avoid getting trapped in sunk cost fallacies and pivot when necessary. In fact, McKinsey suggests that fostering adaptability begins with leaders showing resilience in the face of change, which inspires their team members to follow suit.
Ultimately, building these human skills is a process that demands dedication and effort from each individual. It’s not an overnight achievement, but one that will pay dividends in the long run. By prioritizing these essential human skills, we can elevate our leadership abilities, foster positive work environments, and drive business success.
Source: www.forbes.com
