Blog Post: Soft Skills Matter

Now, what are soft skills? This means actions that are the generally accepted rules of behavior in our society. For example, paying attention in meetings. This means no texting, checking pda's, yawning or typing on a lap top. It means being truly engaged with the other people in the meeting. No matter how boring the meeting is or how long it lasts. When one does not pay close and offer undivided attention in a meeting it can come across as rude. Just because you CAN multi-task does not mean you SHOULD multi-task.

Another example of a soft skill involves chewing gum. It's a simple rule; don't chew gum in meetings or when you are in business or social settings. Just don't do it. However, if you absolutely must do something due to coffee breath and you do not have mints or strips or perhaps for the fact of smoking cessation, please chew with your mouth closed.  That means closed. As in lips pressed together and nothing showing. And if you must say something, please don't have a huge wad stuck on your teeth. A small piece under your tongue will give the same breath freshing as a large honking piece. Now, don't get me wrong. I LOVE bubble gum. I mean I love it. I buy it by the big bulk bag. And I do chew it in the office. However when I am meeting with clients, peers or talking to co-workers, it comes out and is disposed of properly. Wrapped in a tissue and put in the waste can.

Speaking of lips closed, this applies to eating as well. Chew your food with your mouth closed and do not talk with your mouth full. The people you are talking to simply do not want to see partially chewed food or risk being sprayed by you with the remnants of your lunch. It does not matter if it bothers you or not if someone else talks with their mouth full. It is simply polite to keep your mouth shut while chewing and free from food when speaking. Nothing like having someone spray a spittle of mashed potatoes to hit your cheek to remind you of this.

Soft skills can include personal space too. Getting too physically close to someone else may become uncomfortable to the person you are talking to. Just keep in mind how close you stand to them and don't invade their space. A good rule of thumb is maintain about an arm's length away from the people you are talking to. Especially if you are standing.

Soon, I will be offering more examples of soft skills. They are simply things to think about. I am certainly guilty of slipping and forgetting from time to time. Most importantly, remember if you are talking (or interviewing) with someone who is not the same experience level or age group as you, exhibiting soft skills will set you apart from the other job seekers and ultimately other co-workers.