February 24, 2016 Ed Garcia, CTE Specialist Region One Education Service Center

Soft Skills - Introduction Recent U.S. government & industry research says……. Large Percentage of HS/College graduates lack the soft/ applied skills such as: Teamwork Decision Making Communication Work Ethic Initiative Interpersonal skills

Students & Employment by Eric Chester & WorkEthic.org

Soft Skills* 1. Communication 2. Enthusiasm & Attitude 3. Teamwork 4. Networking 5. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking 6. Professionalism Review: Social Networking * As identified by U.S. Dept of Labor –ODEP & group of U.S. Businesses in 2007 developed a curriculum on Mastering the Skills for Workplace Success, “Skills to Pay the Bills”.

What is the Job Market like today?

Communication Communication comes in many forms: Verbal (sounds, language, and tone of voice) Aural (listening and hearing) Non-verbal (facial expressions, body language, and posture) Written (journals, s, blogs and text messages) Visual (signs, symbols and pictures)

Communication Communication skills are ranked FIRST among job candidate’s “must have” skills and qualities.* During interview employers are impressed: how questions are answered, how candidate demonstrates listening skills, non-verbal communication, Good-eye contact, good posture & active listening *According to 2010 Survey by National Association of Colleges and Employers

Communication - Activities 1. What’s your point? (Role Play) 2. Flipping the Switch (Discussion) 3. Oh, Puh-Leeeeeze! (Non-verbal) 4. Listen Hear!! (Two-way communication) 5. Quit Talkin’ I know what to do! (Directions)

Enthusiasm Enthusiasm can mean the difference in not just getting a job, but succeeding in a job and even advancing in your career. Employers look for….. Eagerness and positive attitude always wins Willing to train with PMA than skilled/no PMA PMA person –shows up on time, interest in job, willing to learn, listen and try new things. PMA works well w/customers and proactive. PMA work well w/others and is team player

Enthusiasm & Attitude 1. Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) 2. Life is Full of Hard Knocks 3. A Super Ball and a Raw Egg 4. Believe it or Not 5. Translating Features to Benefits

Teamwork Teamwork is an essential part of success The ability to work as part of a team is one of the most important skills in today’s job market. Employers want employees who contribute, but also who can work with others to create and develop projects and plans

Teamwork Involves building relationships and working with others using different skills and habits: Working cooperatively Contributing to groups, ideas, suggestions, effort Communication Sense of responsibility Respects others opinions, customs, differences Participate in group decision making

Teamwork - Activities 1. There is no “I” in team. 2. I’ll give you Some of Mine if You Give Me Some of Yours 3. The Good, The Bad and The Reasonable 4. How Many Shapes Does it Take? 5. Teamwork on the Job

Networking “It’s not what you know, it who you know” 80% of available jobs are not advertised. These jobs are often referred to as the “hidden job market” ( Cornell University’s Career Center) Networking – a personal network is that group of people with whom you interact every day – discuss and share your goals, interest, and your dreams.

Networking Networking is an important skill that can be develop. How to take the initiative. Overcoming fear. Informational Interviewing Social network guidelines Texting and ing

Networking - Activities 1. An Introduction to Networking 2. You Expect Me to Do What? Talk to People? 3. Using Social Media to Network 4. Text vs. Does it Really Matter? 5. It’s a Small World

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking (PSCT) Having the necessary skills to identify solutions to problems is one of the skills that employers look for in employees. PSCT – refers to the ability to use knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve problems. The ability to think on your feet, assess problems and find solutions. PSCT – a skill that employers value greatly.

Problems Solving & Critical Thinking Employers want employees who: Work through problems on their own or as part of team. Think critically and creatively Share thoughts and opinions Use good judgment Make decisions

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking - Activities 1. Praise, Criticism, or Feedback? 2. Workplace Ethics 3. Problem Solving on a Team 4. Perception vs. Reality 5. Tell Me About a Time When

Professionalism Professionalism does not mean to wear suit or carry a briefcase…….it means: Dressing appropriately for the job Being responsible, to work on time, manage time Responsible for own behavior & working with others Having integrity, honesty, high work standards Being accountable Providing excellence in your job Best of all – communicating effectively and appropriately and always finding ways to be productive.

Professionalism Professionalism is not one skill, but the blending and integration of a variety of skills.

Professionalism - Activities 1. Professionalism in Today’s Workplace 2. Professional Work Attitudes 3. Teamwork: An Essential Element of Professionalism 4. Is it Considered “Professional” to Have Friends in the Workplace? 5. Self-reflection: Professional Problem Solving at its Best

Using Social Media Today’s youth have never known a world without the internet. A recent survey: 93% Teens & Young adult use the internet regularly. 70% use social networking sites 62% use internet for news, current events 48% use internet to make purchases 31% use for get info. on health, dieting, fitness

Using Social Media Advantages: Social Skills – can increase self esteem, feel less isolated. Independence/Self Expression- create websites/blogs, discuss interests, join groups Digital Competence – better equipped technology Educational Development- discuss schoolwork Research- topics hard to discuss, drugs, sex ed. Person with disabilities – opens a lot opportunities

Using Social Media Risk of Using Social Media Sharing Personal Information – risk of victimization Bullying- harassment Permanent on-line profiles, it is out there forever. Disclosure easier, people tend to give out info. easier. Teens may feel isolated and become depressed or isolated if dependent on internet for social reasons only.