Speaking is communicating ideas verbally. Speaking skills enable you to present information clearly, maximize word choices, control tone, and adjust your message for your audience. Listening is hearing what others say and evaluating their messages for information. When you use listening skills, you pay attention to what other people are saying and understand the points being made. Mathematics is the study of numbers and their relationships. Mathematical skills enable you to use numbers to evaluate information and detect patterns so decisions can be made. Technology skills are skills that enable a person to operate a computer, mobile device, or other electronic component. These include the ability to use software and computer systems. Thinking Skills Thinking skills are skills that enable a person to solve problems. Even if a person is unable to find a solution, thinking skills help him or her assess a situation and identify options. Examples of thinking skills include decision making, creative thinking, problem solving, visualization, and reasoning. Decision making is the process of analyzing a situation and evaluating possible outcomes in order to choose the best solution. Decision-making skills enable you to weigh pros and cons in order to solve problems. Creative thinking involves developing or designing unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation. When you use creative-thinking skills, you develop unique or different ways to solve a problem. Problem solving is implementing a solution in the most efficient manner. Problem-solving skills help you carry out a plan or implement new processes to achieve a desired outcome. Visualization is the ability to form mental images. Visualization skills allow you to imagine how something will function or appear prior to an actual process. Reasoning is the ability to combine pieces of information or apply general rules to specific problems. Reasoning skills enable you to reach conclusions based on what you already know. People Skills People skills, also called interpersonal skills, are skills that enable people to develop and maintain working relationships with others. They help people commu- nicate and work well with each other. These skills are necessary to complete job duties and ensure a positive working environment. In general, people skills have a significant impact on relationships with coworkers. Soft Skills Employers look for potential employees who can help make their companies successful. There are many cri- teria used to sort through the hundreds of résumés sub- mitted for open positions. Employers often initially look for a potential employee with the required educational background and experience. For example, an employer looking to fill a nursing position will confirm a candi- date is educated and trained as a nurse. The applicant’s degree and work experience will also be reviewed to confirm the individual has applicable soft skills. Soft skills are skills used to help an individual find, and keep, a job. They are also known as employability skills, foundation skills, and transferable skills. Soft skills are used when talking or communicating with others, which makes these skills important to have developed for both social and professional interactions. While not explicitly taught in school, relevant and com- mon soft skills, such as positivity, self-confidence, and problem-solving, are expected by employers. When it comes to your career, employers often look for intangible qualities, such as determination and per- severance. Important soft skills for your career include professionalism, a strong sense of ethics, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. In addi- tion, communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for career success. You have likely already acquired many of these skills in school. However, some of these skills are gained through life experience, such as working at a job or interacting with others in social situations. These skills are not specific to one career, but rather transferable to any job a person may have. Soft skills can be categorized as basic skills, thinking skills, people skills, and personal qualities. Basic Skills Basic skills are fundamental skills necessary to func- tion effectively in society. These skills include reading, writing, speaking, listening, mathematics, and tech- nology skills. They also include understanding how to apply these skills in a given situation. Reading involves acquiring meaning from written words and symbols to evaluate their accuracy and validity. Reading skills allow you to locate information from various sources, including books, images, and the Internet. Reading also helps you comprehend and evaluate material to ensure understanding and form judgments. Writing is using written words to express ideas and opinions. Writing skills enable you to communicate effectively on paper or while using a computer. It also requires you to edit and revise written communication for accuracy, emphasis, and intended audience. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 25 Chapter 2 Soft Skills
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