• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Grab our Presentation Skills Checklist here

Call: +44 (0)1438 718509

  • Facebook
  • Mail
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
Superstar Communicator

Superstar Communicator

Make an Impact in Business Conversations

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Susan Heaton-Wright
    • Associates
    • Case Studies
    • Testimonials
  • Podcast
  • Online Learning
  • Corporate
    • Workshops
    • Conference Keynotes
    • CPD
    • Online Learning
    • Business English
    • Virtual Workshops and Masterclasses
    • Face to Face and Virtual Coaching
    • Women in Leadership
  • Worldwide
    • Business English
    • Conference Keynotes
    • CPD
    • Online Learning
    • Virtual Workshops and Masterclasses
    • Face to Face and Virtual Coaching
  • Speaking
  • Our App
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Customer Login
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • Orders
    • Downloads
    • Addresses
    • Payment methods
    • Account details
    • Lost password

Soft Skills: the answer to success?

October 24, 2017

EV-18-300x168Soft skills in schools is hitting the headlines again. Apparently soft skills – such as resilience, leadership and confidence are more important for school leavers than achieving top exam results, according to Hilary French , who is the president of the Girls’ Schools Association. Like me, she criticises the label ‘soft skills’ which almost trivialises essential interpersonal skills and personal qualities that are essential to succeed. Qualities such as integrity, empathy and risk-taking are invaluable skills to acquire.

Ms French said that employers are telling her (and the GSA) that ‘soft skills’ are more important than examination results.

So why aren’t these skills featured more readily in the curriculum? Well they are in subjects like PSHE (personal, social and health education), although the effectiveness is largely down to the teaching and delivery of these lessons. Also, the government is still focused on examination results, and with the best will in the world, schools’ resources will focus on improving exam results to fulfil their own targets. Students (and schools) who have pupils scoring A* grades are celebrated, yet those who develop more rounded skills in their pupils – including soft skills are neither measurable nor valued. So how could we change this?

  • Mentoring a young person. I mentor two university students, and we focus largely on the ‘soft skills’ for getting ahead.

  • Volunteering to talk in schools. Careers teachers often organise Career days where local business people meet students.

  • Use these opportunities to emphasise the importance of developing soft skills

  • Campaign via business voices like the FSB etc to put more emphasis on soft skills.

  • Emphasise as part of your personal or company brand that soft skills and delivering excellent customer care are part of your values.

If you would like a copy of our “Five Top Tips to being a Superstar Communicator” grab it here.

Previous Post: « Pitching for business VLOG
Next Post: Scary Speeches and Communication Styles »

Let’s Talk

Call +44 (0) 1438 718509

Book a chat
Email Susan

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Mail
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

  • Home
  • Website & App Terms & Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Superstar Communicator · All Rights Reserved · Site by DigitalJen