The big idea: There’s a crisis in our workforce, and today’s corporations and academic institutions are sounding the alarm: new employees and job seekers overwhelming lack vital workplace proficiencies. Their soft skills—including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making—are going the way of the dinosaur.
The so-what? According to new research by Bloomberg Next and Workday, an astounding 41 to 48 percent of business recruits lack the soft skills required to perform their jobs effectively. In fact, the situation is so dire that LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report ranked soft skills as 2018’s #1 training priority. Even Google sent out an SOS; despite the hard skills needed in high tech, the seven top characteristics of success at Google are, you guessed it, soft skills. And if you don’t have ‘em, you’re not getting hired.
The key message: For some people, mastering soft skills comes naturally and creates instant credibility. But for others, it feels like a foreign language they’ll never wrap their head around, says social influence pioneer Rob Jolles, author of the new book Why People Don’t Believe You…Building Credibility from the Inside Out (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, October 2018).
Credibility and soft skills are as much about attitude as aptitude, Jolles argues. With practice, anyone can cultivate the skills that will capture an employer’s attention, stoke admiration and respect, and convince others of our talents.
Drawing from over 30 years’ experience in teaching influence and persuasion, Jolles equips readers with down-to-earth solutions and practical tools to achieve success. Learn:
–Why so-called “soft skills” have a massive PR problem
–Why “it’s not the words, it’s the tune” that makes us believable and memorable
–How pitch, pace, and tone can make or break how people perceive us
–Why working well with others starts with an unshakable belief in ourselves
–Why imperfection is relatable, but “knowing too much” is anything but
–How to sustain your newfound credibility for the long haul
The source: Rob Jolles is a sought-after speaker who teaches, entertains, and inspires audiences worldwide. His live programs in and around the world have enabled him to amass a client list of Fortune 500 companies including Toyota, Disney, GE, a dozen universities, and over 50 financial institutions. He is the best-selling author of six books, including his latest release, Why People Don’t Believe You…Building Credibility from the Inside Out. To learn more, visit Jolles.com.
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