How Leadership Courses Can Help Technical People Become Soft Skill Superstars?

The techies are often viewed as geeky people who are always glued to their computers. They possess expertise in their respective domains and nobody can beat them in their ‘hard’ skills. However, when it comes to their social interaction or ‘soft’ skills that make them more approachable and ‘human’ like the rest, they retreat a few steps.

While technical abilities are a prerequisite in the job market, it pays to have soft skills such as communication, positive attitude, team work, negotiation and time management. Soft skills also pave way for leadership and strategic management positions in the organization.

Are you an IT nerd who wants to become a soft skill superstar? Here are some tips to follow:

Speak Up Often at a Marketing Event

A marketing event is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and speak up. Taking charge and being front-end speakers, especially in front of a large audience helps you relate to, listen, speak and respond to people better.

Join a Soft Skills Development Course

You can find many leadership courses online to hone your soft skills. These courses can introduce you to what soft skills it takes to progress in the career and slip into a leadership role effectively.

Attempt to Take the Lead

When developing a new system or process, volunteer to take responsibility. It helps you understand how to take decisions and how your actions can affect the organization.

Seek Feedback

If you have been practicing your soft skills with colleagues and clients, don’t hesitate to seek feedback. Whether positive or negative, take every comment in your stride. It will help you to improve further, and know where you score and lose. You can also take advice from peers or managers who know how to connect, communicate and collaborate with people better.

Refrain from Curt Textbook Answers

Technical people have a tendency to be brief and strict when answering questions. This can unintentionally come off as rude and convey that you do not want to engage in talk. Asking questions and taking some time to answer them lets the person you are interacting with feel that you are being supportive and genuinely want to help him/her.

Speak About Your Intentions to the Management

Clear your intentions with your manager or management regarding the fact that you want to develop your soft skills. Tell them you are open to opportunities that involve non-technical, soft skill requirements.

Lastly, practice your soft skills as much as you can. After all, practice makes a man perfect!