In the final segment of our Leadership series, we’re going to unpack Leadership & Soft Skills.

You as a leader are the biggest contributor to your team’s level of production. And most of the things you can do to increase good outcomes have to do with soft skills.

In today’s episode we outline eight powerful contributors to a team’s productivity, and then share five impactful soft skills that help your team consistently deliver good outcomes.

Hard skills: Technical knowledge or training that you have gained through any life experience, including in your career or education.

Soft skills: Personal habits and traits that shape how you work with others.

Eight key factors reported by team members with high output levels:

• I know what is expected of me and my work.
• I have the resources and training to thrive in my role.
• I have the opportunity to do what I do best—every day.
• I frequently received recognition, praise, andconstructive criticism.
• I trust my leader and believe he/she has my best interests in mind.
• My voice is heard and valued.
• I clearly understand our organization’s vision and purpose and how I contribute to each.
• I have opportunities to learn and grow both personally and professionally.

Good outcomes are not bought, they are cultivated.

Soft skills are the fertilizer that bring out the best of your team’s hard skills. 

Five powerful soft skills a leader can and should develop:

1. Get the right people in the right seats, doing the right things.
2. Continuing education.
3. Show genuine interest.
4. Connect the dots between what they do daily and the vision of your organization.
5. Recognize a job well-done.

Why does developing soft skills matter? Why should you as a leader care?

1. If you’re serious about reaching your full potential as an organization, you need a team. A fully engaged, productive team.
2. A team getting good outcomes is much more fun to be around and work with.
3. The people you serve will benefit greatly.