Soft Skills: A Lost Art

In mid December I had the pleasure reading a great article from Inside Higher Ed regarding a community college in North Carolina that will be grading students on their ability to develop soft skills. Soft skills are the skills that are lacking in many academic settings and are critical to a human's success professionally and personally. 

 The included having the ability to do the following: 
  • Self-manage: Employers need employees who have the necessary skills to move through projects without having to have constant supervision. 
  • Work Ethic: Employers need employees who the difference of a crisis and a small road block. 
  • Time Management: Employers need employees who have a strong internal clock and are able to manage their time effectively. 
  • Communication: Employers need employees who can effectively communicate in person and virtually. Employees must be able to  use technology effectively to communicate and be wary of engaging in inappropriate means of communication. 
  • Professionalism: It is not appropriate to wear PJ's and Uggs to work! Dress, speak, and act for success. 
Here is a link to the article on soft skills: 
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/12/13/nc-community-college-issue-grades-certificates-soft-skills

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