1. S OFT S KILLS Interactive Activities To Identify Soft Skills with Marie Smith

2. W ELCOME Today we are going to talk about… What are soft skills? Why are soft skills important? Examples of soft skills. Qualities employers seek. Interactive activities to help your students/clients identify their soft skills. And more.

3. C RAYONS If you could be any crayon in the box of 64, which crayon would you be and why?

4. D EFINITION OF S OFT S KILLS In your opinion, what is the definition of soft skills? For example:  “Hard skills are technical skills / job-specific skills. Soft skills are interpersonal skills demonstrated through teamwork, leadership, communication, work ethic, critical thinking, prioritizing, time management, and more.  “Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills that enhance a person’s interactions with others.” “Soft skills are…”

5. I MPORTANCE O F S OFT S KILLS In your opinion, why are soft skills important? “Soft skills are important because…”

6. S HARE one personal skill one professional skill one skill that you can teach to others Reflection: Were any of the skills that you shared soft skills?

7. E XAMPLES O F S OFT S KILLS ABC Ya – Word Clouds http://www.abcya.com/word_clouds.htmhttp://www.abcya.com/word_clouds.htm Wordle – Word Clouds http://www.wordle.net/createhttp://www.wordle.net/create

8. S OFT S KILLS In your opinion, are soft skills important to employers? Qualities Employers Seek (NACE, 2014) 1. Verbally communicate with others 2. Work in a team structure 3. Make decisions and solve problems 4. Plan, organize, and prioritize work 5. Obtain and process information 6. Analyze quantitative data 7. Technical knowledge related to the job 8. Proficiency with computer software programs 9. Create and edit written reports 10. Sell or influence others Source: Job Outlook 2014 National Association of Colleges and Employer (NACE), used with permission

9. L ET ’ S H AVE S OME F UN ! Interactive activities to help individuals and groups identify, practice, and improve their soft skills.

10. A CTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS Encourage students/clients to be a role model in the classroom and in the workplace. What are some examples of appropriate workplace behavior? What are some examples of inappropriate workplace behavior?

11. R EMINDERS F OR O UR S TUDENTS /C LIENTS Be a role model at work. Be polite, be positive, be professional. Arrive on time. Dress appropriately. Communicate effectively. Be respectful. Act and speak professionally, avoid using slang. Respond to work-related emails promptly and professionally (don’t use text symbols or abbreviations smh). Answer the phone using a warm, professional tone. Keep your phone at home or in your car. Inform your friends that you will respond to text messages and phone calls after class or after you are done with your work day. Don’t check Facebook or use Instagram during class or during work hours (unless managing social media is part of your position description). Communicating with coworkers about work-related projects is different than talking with your friends. Talk with your friends after class or after work (not during your work day). Let your friends know that you are working and that you will connect with them later. Do your homework at home (not during work hours). And more…

12. S OFT S KILLS C OMMITMENT Next Steps For Your Students/Clients  Which soft skills do I want to further develop?  What is one thing I can do today to identify, practice, and improve my soft skills?

13. T HANK Y OU ! Today we talked about… The definition of soft skills. The importance of soft skills. Examples of soft skills. Qualities employers seek. Interactive activities to help your students/clients identify, practice, and improve their soft skills. And more.

14. S OFT S KILLS Interactive Activities To Identify Soft Skills