© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Soft Skills Needed in Today’s Work World

What are soft skills?

Think of soft skills as your personal skills — things that make you a great employee outside of the technical skills needed for the job.

While there is an abundance of soft skills, here are top soft skills employers are looking for in 2020:

1. Time management

Our lives are busier than ever, the pace of work is constantly increasing, and the distractions are never-ending.

The average employee reportedly wastes about eight hours on tasks that are totally unrelated to their jobs. And, that lost productivity comes at a high cost for employers.

Therefore, many employers actively pursue employees who can juggle multiple projects and deadlines, while ignoring distractions.

2. Communication

Regardless of what job you’re in, you need to communicate effectively with others—both verbally and in writing – to perform responsibilities well.

3. Business writing

Nearly every job requires some writing expertise—whether you’re writing emails or in-depth reports.

And, that’s why the ability to express yourself clearly with the written word is a quality that will get you noticed for jobs you want, and strong business writing skills help you perform more efficiently and effectively in the office.

4. Creativity and innovation

Considering the world is constantly evolving, employers are increasingly looking for employees who can stay ahead of the curve.

In many cases, employers look for team members who can think beyond limitations and push the company to grow, advance, and innovate.

5. Leadership

Even if you won’t be spearheading a team, honing your leadership abilities will make you much more confident in whatever role you’re in.

6. Sales

Maybe you don’t earn your paycheck through commissions, but chances are good you still need to do plenty of selling throughout your career.

You need to sell a potential employer on the fact that you’re the most qualified candidate. You also need to sell your manager on the fact that your idea is a good one. The list goes on.

With those things in mind, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have some sales skills under your belt to make those conversations that require negotiation and persuasion at least a little bit easier.

7. Marketing

Of course, if you work in a marketing capacity, this skill is a must for being competitive in your field. Much like sales, at least a little marketing knowledge is also needed to get yourself ahead in your career.

You need to know how to effectively promote yourself and your abilities—whether you’re aiming to land a new job or climb the ladder with your current employer.

8. Data Analytics

Data analysis is a growing career field If you currently work in a data-related position, you can look forward to continued demand and career growth. But, make no mistake, this is an impactful and impressive skill to have—even if your chosen profession has nothing to do with digits at first glance. A basic level of knowledge to analyze and understand that information will make you desirable in the eyes of employers. At another level, learn how to transform dull data into engaging reports and visualizations.

Although the capabilities that specific employers are looking for can run the gamut, research agrees that the above skills are currently sought after by many employers, and will continue to be prioritized in the future. So hone them. You’ll be ready to take your career to the next level.

Award winning, Questers Dare to Change You Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, PhD, offers additional tips to strengthen soft skills and other traits needed to succeed at work. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Based on ongoing research, Questers Dare to Change, shows how to navigate lifelong career decision making.

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. 

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com;      https://www.questersdaretochange.com

During these times of unprecedented change, many are feeling some form of upheaval in their lives and reviewing life, career, and spiritual directions.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life

https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Questers Dare to Change redefines careers and work, and shows how “Questers” succeed in uncertain times.

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

Please review sample book chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts, and

Carole’s blogs: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog

Please request a pdf version for review. Below are sample interview questions

Carole Kanchier, PhD – carole@questersdaretochange.com

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist,  educator, coach and author of Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

QUESTERS DARE TO CHANGE YOUR JOB AND LIFE

by Carole Kanchier, PhD

Paperback edition of Questers: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Informative, Thought-Provoking Interview Questions

l Who are “Questers?” What are their characteristics? How can people find out if they have a “Q” type personality?

l Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

l What can people do to develop Quester traits?

l How does “the seven year itch” apply to career transitions – voluntary and involuntary?

l How can a person turn a job loss into a victory? Survive in the current job market?

l Many people are holding on to jobs they dislike/ Is this wise?  

l How can people stay optimistic during job search? Is it realistic to dream big?

l How can adults find work that matters to them and gives them a sense of meaning, purpose and direction?

l Why did you write Dare to Change?

l You share very interesting stories about people who’ve made unconventional career moves. Tell us about some.

lYou have an interesting chart of old and new career attitudes. Please share some old and new views.

l What are some career transition Do’s and Don’ts?

l Is it too late for a person of about 55 to change jobs or return to school?

l What are some great strategies for landing a job?

l What about people who want to change their lives but are afraid? How can they overcome the fear?

l Can people who are not by nature risk-takers develop the will to risk?

l What factors should people consider when making career decisions?

l How can people tell if they’re ready for a career change?

l  What can a person do to present a dynamic image?

l How can a job searcher stay motivated after getting numerous job rejections?

l What does “retirement” mean to you?

l What are some common excuses people make for not following their dreams?

l How can people use intuition for career decision making or job search?

Contact: Carole Kanchier

www.questersdaretochange.com

carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

How Colors Affect Mood and Performance

When I wore black to business meetings in San Francisco I was perceived as sophisticated. However, when I wore black to meetings in certain small school districts, I was considered aloof. A change of wardrobe color altered perceptions.

What do the colors you wear say about you? Colors you wear may affect your mood as well as how others perceive you. Work environment colors also matter.

At a subconscious level colors affect people in different ways. Colors can send positive or negative messages. Using colors effectively to dress, decorate your office or design your web site can put you ahead of the competition.

What Colors Convey

Research on the psychology of color consistently demonstrates that colors evoke emotional, behavioral and physical responses. Advertising executives know that a product can have a completely different impact if the packaging color is changed. Psychologists have found that certain colors in our environment help or hinder performance of certain tasks. Mental concentration is best in cool environments while exercise is best performed in warm environments.

Generally, warm colors such as red and its neighboring hues on the color spectrum are active, exciting. Cool colors such as light green, blue and violet are passive, calming.  Reds tend to stimulate the central nervous system, increase bodily tension, while cool colors release tension. Meanings change with lighter or darker shades of colors, and different cultures have differing views.

Research suggests that blue is the most favored color, followed by pink, green, red, purple and black. Brown is the least popular, followed by white, yellow and orange.

Personality traits are reflected by your preferred color. Extroverts like red, introverts blue. Yellow is the choice of intellectuals, and well-balanced individuals tend to wear green.

Use Color Positively

Use color to trigger desired emotions. Surround yourself with favorite colors to lift your spirit.  In addition to selecting colors that suit you, attend to how you feel, and the message you want to project.

When dressing for important meetings, plan your wardrobe to achieve impact.  If you wear more than one color, combine the meanings to create your desired effect.

Remember to dress with authority. The dark suit, navy or medium to dark gray, with a crisp shirt and contrasting tie is appropriate for men. A conservative navy, gray or tan business suit is suitable for women.

Create Desired Effect With Color

– Red exudes power, energy, excitement and passion. It makes peoples’ hearts beat faster.

Wear red when you want to be assertive, need an energy boost or exude sexuality. Red is effective as an accessory to project energy. Avoid red when you feel nervous, want to elude attention.

– Orange represents creativity, confidence, joy, sensuality and ambition. It suggests vibrant health and has positive effects on emotional states.

Wear orange when you want to have fun, heighten creativity or heal emotions. Avoid it when you feel restless, dependent, fearful, want to relax.

– Yellow is associated with happiness, freedom, optimism and mental concentration. Yellow speeds metabolism. Some shades suggest cowardice; golden shades promise good times.  

Wear yellow when you need to attend to details, maintain mental alertness, feel happy. Use sparingly because it can be overpowering. Avoid yellow when you’re fearful, want to evade attention, relax.

– Green suggests security, abundance, love, growth, luck and balance. It’s also associated with envy. Forest green projects conservatism, wealth, but olive green may represent illness.

Wear green when you want to see things from a different perspective, need to feel grounded, calm, generous. Don’t wear it when you’re confused, feel stagnant, want to be alone.

– Blue represents authority, structure, communication, dependability, trust and loyalty.  Some shades or too much blue can project coldness.

Wear blue when you want to exude power, have mental control, be conservative, respected or communicate an important message. Don’t wear blue when you feel isolated, depressed, critical.

– Gray is practical, timeless, cautious, successful and solid. Some shades are associated with age, depression, lack of direction. Excessive use of gray leads to feelings of being invisible, but a touch adds feelings of stability.

Wear gray when you want to feel self-sufficient, isolate yourself.  Avoid it when you feel lonely, stressed.

– Brown is associated with stability, honesty, practicality and commitment. Wear brown when you need to work hard, be a team member or organized. Avoid it when you want to expend energy, play, feel insecure.

– Pink represents love, affection and serenity. Wear it when you want to feel feminine, lovable, need to concentrate and listen. Avoid pink when you feel vulnerable, insecure, fragmented, are giving more than receiving.

– Purple is associated with prosperity, spirituality and sophistication. When overused it communicates ostentatiousness.  Wear purple to project wisdom, trust, release destructive emotions.

– Black represents power, elegance, discipline and mystery. Sometimes, it’s associated with evil and grieving.

Wear black to communicate an authoritative image or protect emotions. Since too much black can overwhelm some, don’t wear it when you want to establish rapport.

– White symbolizes purity, cleanliness, safety, completion, strength and neutrality. Wear white to feel peaceful, convey a well-balanced, optimistic personality. White is most effective as part of an ensemble. Too much can project coldness, isolation.

Make a great impression. You’re that first flash of color others see!

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach, speaker, and author of Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963. Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, and other institutions of higher learning. Carole Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential

Dr. Kanchier is available for consultations and interviews.

Contact; carole@daretochange.com; www,questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

Check #Nonverbal #Communication

Are you aware of the nonverbal signals you send? Do you know how to interpret the body language of colleagues and clients?

We both send and receive conscious and subconscious nonverbal messages.  Experts say that 70 to 90 percent of communication is nonverbal.

Gain a competitive edge in the business world. Attend to nonverbal and verbal messages. What you say as well as how you say it give you advantages during interviews, presentations, company meetings and client negotiations.

Check body language knowledge

Answer “yes” or “no.”

1. Eye contact is disrespectful in some cultures. 

2. Listeners who look away from speakers demonstrate confusion or disbelief.

3.  Eagerness is exhibited with simultaneous displays of smiling and head nodding.  

4.  Confidence is exhibited by hands in pockets.

5.  Well-dressed professionals project success, credibility.

6. Placing both hands behind the head reveals self-doubt.

7. Speakers who make eye contact with listeners increase credibility. 

8. It’s best to interpret nonverbal communication along with simultaneous verbal communication. 

9. When conducting business, it’s best to stand or sitat the client’s level. 

10. Defensiveness is indicated by arms crossed high on chest and crossed legs.

Scoring: One point for each “yes” to statements 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10; and “no” to statements 4 and 6. A high score suggests you understand nonverbal communication. A low score suggests you could enhance body language knowledge. Consider the following:

Understand and use nonverbal communication

– Eye contact and facial expressions.  Establish eye contact to demonstrate open communication flow, and convey honesty, interest, warmth and credibility. Smile frequently to encourage approachability. Smiling transmits happiness, friendliness. 

– Body orientation and movements. To show you’re approachable, lean slightly forward to face the person with whom you’re communicating.  

Be aware of positive and negative messages sent by other cues.Boredom is indicted by looking away from speaker, sloppy posture or preoccupation with something else.

Attentive listening is demonstrated by cupping chin between thumbs and fingers or putting hands to bridge of nose. Expanded chests communicate confidence in men and openness in women, while shrunken chests convey self-consciousness.

Dishonesty is demonstrated by frequent eye blinking, covering mouth or looking away while speaking. Insecurity is exhibited by hands in pockets, fidgeting, coughing or hand wringing.

– Gestures. Some hand and arm gestures while speaking are good; they demonstrate animation and capture interest. But excessive gestures turn some off, and not using any suggests no enthusiasm. Head nods communicate interest and positive reinforcement.

In today’s business world touch is avoided because of “sexual implications.” However, touch demonstrates “You’re OK.”

– Interpersonal distance. Too much or too little space between people causes discomfort.Signals of uneasiness include rocking, leg swinging, tapping.

Appropriate amount of space for intimate communication is one and one/half feet or less. Close interpersonal contact requires one and one/half to four feet, and business transactions need four to 12 feet. Formal communications are beyond 12 feet.

– Vocal cues and linguistics. Speak in a level, modulated voice. Talk loud enough to be heard, but don’t shout. A low voice can make a strong point. 

Vary the tone, pitch, rhythm, timbre, loudness and inflection of your voice. Monotone suggests boredom. High pitch suggests excitement, and low pitch projects anger.

Arhythmic voice pattern projects confidence, authority. Irregular speech is considered thoughtful or uncertain. Slow speech frustrates listeners. Speaking too fast suggests nervousness, and is difficult to understand.

– Physical appearance and grooming.  Project a confident, energetic, enthusiastic, professional image.  

Look savvy, contemporary. Maintain standards of good taste. Dress according to company norms. Coordinate pieces. Wear spotless, well-tailored clothes. Maintain shoes, have hair cut professionally. Avoid strong fragrances, bulging briefcases.

Stand tall, sit erect.Slumping posture projects subservience, exhaustion and age.

– Handshake. Convey a positive first impression.Communicate power, confidence and sincerity with a firm grip. Support your grip with consistent nonverbal messages.  A loose handshake projects weakness, insecurity. A vice-like grip suggests intimidation and causes pain. Use a handshake after an agreement to symbolically seal it

Awareness of nonverbal behaviors enables you to send positive messages and eliminate destructive ones. To improve nonverbal communication, videotape yourself interacting with others.  Ask a friend to suggest refinements. Practice those you want to perfect.

Additional suggestions for strengthening nonverbal communication are found in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life by Dr. Carole Kanchier: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963  

Check audible edition: htps://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Author, Carole Kanchier, PhD, informs, inspires and challenges individuals to be all they can be! A registered psychologist, educator, speaker, and author/columnist, Kanchier encourages adults to look at career advancement in new ways.

A complementary copy of chapter 1, Questers Dare to Change, is available from Dr. Kanchier’s web site: www.questersdaretochange.com/book

To request a review copy of Questers or book an interview with Carole Kanchier please email: carole@questersdaretochange.com.www.questersdaretohang.com