As you go through life and navigate job changes and career moves, chances are at some point you will work on your résumé. You will do your best to represent yourself in writing as well as you can, listing out relevant experience, skills, and achievements.
But not everything you bring to the table can be neatly listed on a résumé. In addition to your “hard” skills, you likely have a number of invaluable “soft” skills too. These skills don’t require special talent—just a little effort. Below is a list of 10 such skills (borrowed from a popular social media post and enhanced with relevant quotes):
- Being on Time – “Punctuality is one of the cardinal business virtues: always insist on it in your subordinates.” – Don Marquis
- Work Ethic – “Parents should plant deeply the seed of the work ethic into the hearts and habits of their children.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
- Effort – “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” – Napoleon Hill
- Body Language – “Language is a more recent technology. Your body language, your eyes, your energy will come through to your audience before you even start speaking.” – Peter Guber
- Energy – “The energy of the mind is the essence of life.” – Aristotle
- Attitude – “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” – John C. Maxwell
- Passion – “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” – Donovan Bailey
- Being Coachable – “I’m used to being coached. Something I learned long ago is that a coach is trying to make you better and to be the best version of yourself.” – Meryl Davis
- Doing Extra – “One extends one’s limits only by exceeding them.” – M. Scott Peck
- Being Prepared – “Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Each of these skills will align you to a path of greater success. While talent and hard skills will give you an extra boost, it is possible to be successful right where you are. Which skills are you lacking, and where do you occasionally fall short?
After doing an honest self-evaluation, make a conscious effort to improve in these areas. Soft skills are absolutely invaluable in every organization, and each will boost you towards greater personal, professional, and organizational success!
