Tech Gets You Hired, Soft Skills Get You Fired

I was sent an article by my friend and fellow speaker Steve Coscia. Steve’s a rock star when it comes to teaching customer service skills to contractors, HVAC organizations, and other trade professionals.

He was quoted in this article, which is all about the importance of soft skills for IT professionals. You can read the article here:

The Soft Skills You Need to Succeed in a Software Career

I am posting this link for a few reasons:

1. The article makes a good point. Steve’s quote in particular stands out: “Technical skills usually get a person hired, but the lack of soft skills is what usually gets them fired.” Even if it doesn’t get them fired, it can hold back their careers or make their lives more difficult than they need to be.
2. The point is true in most industries, not just IT. Obviously, technical proficiency is important. But solid soft skills can make your life easier and your career progress much faster. This is true in just about every service industry. Even if you don’t work in IT, you can take something from the article.
3. Blatant self-promotion. I come from the IT world (IT degree, IT work experience in both startups and the Fortune 100). I know IT, and I have presented on this topic – soft skills for IT professionals – before. I even have a website up for this topic: Simple IT Success. All that to say, if you agree with the points in the article and you or your IT team could use some help in this area, contact me now.

Moving beyond the self promotion, take a look at your own level of “soft skill competency.” You don’t need to transform into an ass-kissing schmoozer or try to be someone you are not, but by improving a few basic skills, such as presenting, listening, giving and taking ideas, letting go of control, etc. you can definitely make your life easier and more successful.

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Want more info on Avish’s speaking and training programs? Then visit his Motivational Humorist page now!
 

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By Avish Parashar. As the world's only Motivational Improviser, Avish uses techniques from the world of improv comedy to engage, entertain, and educate audiences on ideas around change, creativity, and motivation. Connect with Avish on Google+

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