ByN. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
November 25, 2021 (IANSlife) Soft skills are attributes that can either make or break an individual from all walks of life. One’s manners and attitude towards people and situations is an extension of their personality. How you present yourself in front of the world matters a lot especially when you are stepping into corporate culture.
It is an ongoing debate since the inception of the universe whether hard skills trump soft skills or vice versa. The torchbearers of both sides present fierce arguments to prove a point but a third person’s take is extremely neutral on this. Not to avoid any sort of conflict, but to take a very clear stand in this ongoing debate that will never be settled.
Maddie Amrutkar, CEO and Founder of Glad U Came says, “I come from the school of thought that you need to take everyone along with you when you are trying to build an empire. No one person can do it all. One man army concept doesn’t work in our sector.” For instance, a fisherman has the knowledge of catching the fish using the bait but what good is his catch when he can’t sell the product to the vendors? And what will happen to the product if the vendors are unable to see it ahead of shops or restaurants?
From hiring to promoting an employee in the organisation, these soft skills play a vital role in the employer’s decision. Taking initiative, being a team player, your approach towards a problem, being solution-oriented and much more, all contribute towards the employer’s decision. It will be safe to say that it is only you who can sail or sink your own ship in this ocean of cut-throat competition.
Lastly, have patience no matter what. Things said and done in haste never have a desired or long term effect. In both the workplace and in life, losing your cool will never put you in a good light. People tend to make impulsive decisions when they lose their patience and eventually land them in a puddle. Avoid doing that, and always keep a calm approach towards people and situations. The simple logic of not all five fingers being the same is applied here. Different things require different approaches but one thing common in all of them is you being a level headed individual.
On the ending note, Maddie Amrutkar says, “On a personal level, I’m inclined towards soft skills as it is more about a person’s character and individuality. These mantras in life have certainly helped me grow as an individual and help me make my agency grow with the dream team I have in place. We strive to attain bigger and better milestones every day whilst keeping a higher moral ground. At my agency, Glad U Came, I hire employees based on their soft skills as compared to the hard skills. A person might have multiple degrees but what good are they when they have zero clue about how to use that knowledge. Also, in our line of work, maintaining strong relationships outside the organisation is as important as the oxygen we breathe.”
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N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in