Soft Skillasaurus

Conversation is becoming the next dinosaur. 🦕

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

In my TEDx Talk 5 years ago, I told the story of two teenagers sitting on a bench texting.

Instead of talking to each other, they chose to be on their devices “communicating” to someone else virtually.

What a shame.

But what used to be viewed as a “younger person’s problem” has now spread to all ages.

For example, I was the Post Office this morning waiting in a long line.

As I looked at the people in front and back of me, every person was starting at their phone.

Call me rebel, but I chose to do the opposite and keep my phone in my pocket. 😂

Like any skill, once you stop using it - it atrophies (weakens, then dies).

So what is the practical application? (You may be asking)

Soft skills, defined as the ability to interact effectively with others, are on red alert.

In the age where Ai is taking jobs, there is an apathy towards developing soft skills that help differentiate us from technology replacing us.

The struggle is more than real - it’s here!

As mentioned above, conversation is just part of the equation.

Presentation skills, writing a professional email, nonverbal communication are more examples of the soft skills epidemic.

• If 93% of employers term soft skills as “very important” or “essential” why it there a lack of urgency for training? 

• 40% of companies offer basic soft skill training, which is encouraging…

But where a lack of soft skills really goes wrong is in middle management.

• 75% of employees leave because of a poor manager (only 12% leave for salary issues).

I mean how many more stats do you need in order to stop the bleeding of talent leaving your company?!

I’ve said before that the transition from individual contributor to supervisor is the most challenging adjustment you’ll make in your career.

The stats don’t lie. They only back up the claims mentioned.

You’re now facing a crossroad at work: invest in training or keep losing talent.

Regardless the size or type of industry you work in, soft skills equip your people to acquire more sales, better communicate and increase overall performance.

It’s not too late, but you have to do something.

Either prioritize training internally or hire an external consultant like me. 

Change doesn’t happen without action.

Most organizations wait too long and by that time the damage is done.

• Be different.

• Get ahead of the curve/problem.

• Put your money where your mouth is and invest in your people.

You can rise above your competition while become a talent magnet because of your commitment to soft skill training.

Feel free to visit my website and watch some of my YouTube shorts to get started.

But when you’re serious about building a leadership culture at your company reach out here.

God Bless,

Scott

If you found this helpful and you’re looking to improve your soft skills as a leader, here are ways to work with me directly:

• 🗣 Hire me to speak at your company or next event (watch my speaking reel here)

• 🎤 Invite me to lead an interactive training workshop, remotely or in-person (depending on location)

• 🤝 Start 1:1 coaching with me as a new manager, current leader or executive (I once managed 30 people 1:1 weekly❗️)

Also, you can help me out by forwarding this to friends whom would benefit from it! Thank you!