These PEOPLE SKILLS are critical for success in the workplace, according to HR leaders
In today's competitive job market, people skills (aka soft skills) are becoming increasingly important for success. People skills are the social and interpersonal skills that enable us to interact effectively with others, manage our emotions, and solve problems. They are often overlooked, but they can be just as important as hard skills, such as technical knowledge and expertise.
Examples of people skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, leadership, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution.
People skills are important for success in the workplace for a number of reasons. First, they help us build and maintain relationships with our colleagues, clients, and customers. When we are able to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and resolve conflict, we create a more positive and productive work environment. Second, people skills help us to be more adaptable and resilient. In today's ever-changing workplace, it is important to be able to learn new things quickly and adapt to new situations. People skills can help us to do this by giving us the ability to think critically, solve problems, and manage our emotions. Finally, people skills can help us to lead and motivate others. When we are able to build trust and rapport with others, we can inspire them to achieve their goals.
So, which people skills are critical for success in the workplace? I asked several Human Resources leaders for their thoughts* and here’s what a few of them said:
💭 “Learn the art of navigating amongst the different personalities in your workplace. When you develop the skill to meet someone where they are in reference to their emotional intelligence and personality type, they will listen to your message, they will feel heard, and the communication lines will be open.” - Angela Gavlick, SPHR,SHRM-SCP, Human Resources Director
💭 “Adaptability and resilience came to my mind immediately. Being confident enough to take change and challenges and use it as an opportunity, to use it to grow the company and thrive in your career rather than resisting it. Take the unexpected, the different, and embrace it. That is the number one skill that helps to elevate people and the organization.” - Tina Bird, PHR, People Operations Manager/ HR Site Manager
💭 “I believe the spirit of soft skills lives and breathes in the ability to continuously develop a deeper level of emotional intelligence. With the growing landscape of our workforce, and the diversity that is absolutely necessary for healthy and successful teams, we have to be able to recognize what our people need from us at the table.” - Kyle James, Director of People Operations
💭 “I would say that a soft skill that is critical to success in the workplace is active listening. Truly seeking to understand others and listening attentively helps develop relationships. Further, reflecting on others’ thoughts and feedback before responding will help earn respect and develop trust, essential building blocks for successful relationships in the workplace.” - Brooke Lipperini, SHRM-SCP, Regional Human Resources Manager
💭 “The President of my company emphasizes the importance of using the Platinum Rule when communicating with others. Most of us have heard of the golden rule – treating others as you want to be treated. The Platinum Rule is a more thoughtful and emotionally intelligent approach to effective communication, as it encourages us to speak to others how they need to be spoken to. Getting to know our coworkers as people and fostering those relationships is crucial to living up to the Platinum Rule. This is not something that just happens overnight; it is a continual and conscientious effort that must be at the forefront of employees’ workdays in order to be successful.” - Holly Courter, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources
💭 "Contributors in any capacity can be more successful by being accountable. Accountability can be demonstrated in various ways; be transparent, take ownership for your behaviors/actions, or lack thereof, and learn from the same. I find these attributes to be a differentiators of what constitutes success." - Michelle McGough, MSHR, Executive Director Human Resources
💭 "The soft skill most critical to workplace success is a growth mindset. By understanding that you have the power to continuously improve your current knowledge, skills, and abilities, the possibilities are endless. Approaching work with a growth mindset leads to increased innovation and adaptability. Therefore, success is more likely to be achieved." - Ellyse Najdek, sHRBP, MHRM, Senior HR Business Partner
Thankfully, the people skills identified above, and others, can be developed. Here are some tips for improving your people skills:
Volunteer your time to a cause you care about. This is a great way to practice your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Take a public speaking class. This will help you to develop your confidence and ability to communicate effectively with a group of people.
Join a professional organization or networking group. This is a great way to meet new people and learn from others.
Read books and articles about people skills. This will give you more information about the different types of people skills and how to develop them.
People skills are becoming increasingly important in the future of work. As the workplace becomes more complex and demanding, employers are looking for employees who have the ability to think critically, solve problems, and work effectively with others. By developing your people skills, you can improve your relationships with others, be more adaptable and resilient, and increase your chances of career success.
*The thoughts of the HR leaders quoted in this article are their own, and don’t necessarily represent those of their employers.
This article was originally published on LinkedIn on 7/25/23: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/people-skills-critical-success-workplace-according-hr-leonard-mhrm/?trackingId=tsdVlNn4RCWjsIvtuJ7mJA%3D%3D