Create your very own Auto Publish News/Blog Site and Earn Passive Income in Just 4 Easy Steps
The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
When you wade through higher education business texts or seminars on the qualities of a successful leader, phrases like “analytical ability,” “restless resourcefulness,” and “strength of will” quickly crop up. In my experience, however, it is a mistake to place too much importance on these (often admirable) qualities. I have found that empathy, compassion, and caring have a much greater impact on the success of a business – that it was by applying these “soft skills” to running my own businesses that I was able to achieve the success I have today.
Such skills are generally defined as ways to relate and collaborate with others. Effective communication and the completion of complex tasks depend on their skillful application, so practicing them regularly in the workplace is invaluable. According to a study by LinkedIn, “92% of talent professionals say they are as important or more important than hard skills when hiring, and 80% say they are becoming increasingly important to organizational success.”
I couldn't agree more.
Not everyone is suited to a leadership position, but a strong understanding of communication, problem-solving and open-mindedness increases the value of any professional. And these skills extend beyond the workplace to impact every aspect of life.
Related: The most important skill employers want in candidates may be the hardest to find, according to new research
1. Empathy
This term is defined as the ability to perceive other people's feelings and try to understand their experiences and perspectives. This requires a certain level of maturity, but makes a big difference in employees' willingness to engage – it promotes a sense of purpose and trust.
As I traveled the world, I saw and experienced suffering. Choosing not to overlook circumstances that were different from my own – to put myself in other people's shoes – taught me deep humility. It also inspired me to start many of the companies I have today, which would not exist without the ability to look beyond my own limitations.
Listening is essential to developing empathy, as is prioritizing your own tasks over the work of your coworkers. So make those around you feel heard. (Therapy and business coaching can be a great help with this.) Empathy is a skill that needs to be practiced!
Related: How to be a compassionate leader (without getting ripped off)
2. Compassion
Compassion is the desire to take action to help others. It differs from empathy in that it is not just an awareness of others' perspectives, but an inclination to help them. It is the application of empathy.
One way I practice this is by allowing employees to bring pets and children to the workplace—to expose them to situations that are outside of their control (like a babysitter canceling at the last minute). By opening the workplace to what some might consider “unconventional,” the goal is to help in any way I can.
Practicing compassion creates a more inclusive company culture that fosters a stronger work ethic by valuing diversity. In doing so, it's important to reflect on your own experiences with hardship and adversity. Take the time to evaluate how other people's compassion toward you has positively impacted you, and consider how you can do the same for your employees.
Related: How to advocate for and implement Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day
3. Adaptability
Simply put, it is the ability to approach change with openness and understanding. When I think about this word, it is often in the context of developing new health and wellness products, and I expect things will not always go to plan. I have to try many different approaches/recipes to find the right balance, as does many other aspects of the business, such as hiring and workflow. When you approach a venture with a conscious focus on change sensitivity and a willingness to pivot, success becomes much more likely.
Effective adjustment requires patience and calm. I have found meditation to be very helpful in fostering a positive mindset. But just as important is your attitude toward work. Remember that no matter what happens, you are OK – you have luck and skills that you can apply. If you truly believe in this notion and stick to it, there is no challenge that cannot be overcome.
4. Integrity
This is one of the most important soft skills to use when running a business. It involves a total commitment to acting according to morals and values and requires honesty, fairness and a lot of self-reflection. As a CEO, you may be put on a pedestal, so the importance of uncompromising integrity is huge: you must accept your mistakes and face failure without betraying your values. In my experience, the lessons learned from failure far outweigh the easy success at the expense of morals.
However, I know the temptation when you are thrust into a position that seems unforgiving, and your employees are dependent on the company's success. It can be daunting. But there is always a choice – a chance not to compromise for financial gain. Ultimately, you can forgive yourself for a mistake, but never for deliberate wrongdoing. You have to have a strong sense of purpose, because your ethics will be tested frequently.
Related topics: Leading by example: Why you as an entrepreneur must chart your own course
Don't assume that soft skills come naturally; they develop over time. Anyone can get a degree, but not everyone can effectively practice empathy, compassion, adaptability and integrity, although they are essential to running a business and living a happy and healthy life.
Create your very own Auto Publish News/Blog Site and Earn Passive Income in Just 4 Easy Steps
