A lot of companies are seeking the best software to fit their needs as they transition to the new work model. They need to take some time to think about the soft skills too. I’m Elise with Woodworth Enterprises. In another video I talk more in depth about soft skills. But for reference, they refer to the personal traits you use to interact with other people. They are hard to measure, and not generally rule based, but they are very important to the success of a company and team.
When you look for a particular software solution, you might start by listing what you want it to be able to accomplish. Then look for products that will answer how that will be accomplished or you look for someone to develop a custom solution for you.
When you are thinking about soft skills, it is important to ask what you want the environment to be like in your organization. Then examine the traits that are important to emphasis to create the right culture. Then look for answers about how to develop those skills for the company leadership. By infusing these skills into your leaders and managers, you will be setting the example for the entire company as well as showcasing your companies’ values to the clients and customers you serve.
Often times, by understanding the soft skills used in common processes and activities for your group it is easier to determine the requirements needed for a software product.
There is amazing technology available today that makes varying work models feasible for so many companies. But we’ve been online for a long time. We have learned to communicate via emoji and acronyms. It is a good time to brush up on skills like collaboration, teamwork, adaptability and communication. No matter what software you use, how good it is, or how well it fits with your organization and its goals. Unless the people using it have the soft skills necessary to engage with each other and customers you won’t see a return on that software investment.