Soft skills every manager should develop in subordinates

What are soft skills? Unlike hard skills, such as education, qualifications and theoretical or technical knowledge, soft skills have a lot to do with communication, working style and social or emotional intelligence. Soft skills are transferable and include, for example, communication and presentation skills, management skills or stress resilience. What soft skills should all managers develop in their subordinates?

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Communication skills

As the BBC states, communication is key to success in any team. Communication skills are therefore absolutely vital for all team members because if there are major problems in communication, the team can never reach its maximum potential. So teach subordinates how to communicate effectively with one another and how to use the tools you put at their disposal.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence allows workers to empathise better with other people and communicate with colleagues. It also enables them to be aware of their own feelings and not become stressed, frustrated or react too spontaneously.

Time management

Time management is the be-all and end-all of productivity. Time management skills are interlinked with hard skills and often related to, for example, knowledge of project management theory. Either way, it is a skill you need to develop in subordinates for the good of the whole team.

Flexibility

An effective worker is one who is able to adapt to change. They do not break down when unexpected events occur and are flexible where possible.

Critical thinking

Some managers want their subordinates to be robots who just work and do not think for themselves. However, this approach will sooner or later lead the team to collapse or its members to burnout. Encourage critical thinking in subordinates, give them the space to work independently and support their creativity.

 

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Article source BBC - British Broadcasting Corporation
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