What are Soft Skills?

The Soft Skills of Great Digital Organizations

by Alexandra Samuel ​

     Ever wondered why the term "soft skills" was introduced? In today's tech savvy world, it is important to develop both inter-personal and intra-personal skills. These skills are present in everyday life and include goal-centric thinking, collaboration, technology, communication, and playful skills. They are hidden concepts that can make or break a company. Without developing these skills, digital organizations may falter. These skills are the foundation of society and more than ever should be taught in school.
     In Entrepreneurship, these skills are stressed daily. Teaching children to be responsible citizens is key to a successful business. Students must collaborate with 2-3 other members of the class to create a mock company. Decision making and compromises 
are integral to making the group work. Students must collaborate daily to set both short term goals, long term goals, and a mission statement for the mock company.
     Since the class has Chromebooks, it is important for those with knowledge about technology help those with little knowledge. This helps students stay on task easier and not rely on the teacher for simple technology questions. It is also important for the teacher to try each of the applications before letting the class use them. Many apps work fine when the teacher is planning, but are blocked for students through the district. It is extremely frustrating for students to understand what the objective is when the applications are not functioning. It is also a good idea to use rubrics that show specific tasks students should accomplish when using new applications.
     Another skill is communication.  One example, using all caps, is frowned upon in correspondence, because it means the writer is shouting. It is hard to tell what tone the writer intends or what their perspective is at the time of writing. Students should be learning the difference between a business letter and chatting with friends. Knowing what language is appropriate when corresponding to the customer, or using slang and abbreviations  when chatting on twitter, Facebook, or Instagram must be taught so students understand the difference between both types of communication.
     Lastly, playfulness is the most important part of starting and owning any business. Doing silly things, or having fun creating materials generates great ideas. Students create slogans, logos and promotions in class. Finding a creative and unique name that brings the idea of the company to the customer is key to a successful business.
     With the "soft skills" of collaboration, communication, technology, goal setting, and playfulness, companies will produce innovative, mind-blowing, eye catching tasks that compete in a global society and ensures our students will be leaders in the 21st century markets.