15 Ways to Become a Better Person

"Make the most of yourself....for that is all there is of you." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

We've all made mistakes throughout our lives that haven't exactly put us in the best light--like bullying someone in school or telling what seemed like a little white lie. Chances are, however, you probably felt a little guilt and grew because of the situation.

I'm an average guy trying to become better in both my work and home life. I'll never be perfect, but it doesn't m ean I won't try.

If you want to continue to grow as a person, here are 15 ways to make the most of yourself.

1. Compliment Yourself
Every morning before you go on with your daily routine, take a couple of minutes to give yourself a compliment. Whether you compliment your outfit, haircut, or how you recently completed a task using your unique skill sets, giving yourself a little emotional boost will make you happy. And, when you're happy with yourself, that emotion can be contagious to those around you. Inspirational speaker Tony Robbins has a mantra he says aloud to himself most days to put him in a peak performance state.

2. Don't Make Excuses
Blaming your spouse, boss, or clients is fruitless and won't get you very far. Instead of pointing fingers and making excuses about why you aren't happy or successful in your personal or professional life, own your mistakes and learn from them. When you do this, you will become a better person. When I personally started living up to my mistakes and downfalls, my life turned itself around. I became happier and healthier, and my relationship with my wife improved. We are happier than ever.

3. Let Go of Anger
Letting go of anger is easier said than done. While anger is a perfectly normal emotion, you can't let it fester. When this happens, you may make unwise decisions, and more important, it may affect your health. Research suggests pent up anger can cause digestive problems, difficulty sleeping, and even heart disease.

To help you let go of anger, Roya R. Rad, MA, PsyD, suggests you write your feelings down, pray or meditate, or begin to manage your thoughts.

4. Practice Forgiveness
Joyce Marter, LCPC, suggests you forgive and let go of resentment. She notes, "If for no other reason than for yourself, forgive to untether yourself from the negative experiences of the past. Take time to meditate, and give thanks for the wisdom and knowledge gained from your suffering. Practice the mantra, 'I forgive you and I release you.'"

5. Be Honest and Direct
How would you feel if a loved one or business partner lied to you? Chances are you would see that as a violation of your trust. If you want to be a better person in either your personal or professional life, you should always tell the truth and state as clearly as possible what you are trying to convey. Learn to articulate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas in an open and honest manner.

6. Be Helpful
Whether giving up your seat to an elderly person on the subway, assisting a co-worker on a project, or carrying in the groceries when your spouse comes back from the store, being helpful is one of the easiest and most effective ways to practice becoming a better person. I find that the more I help others, the better I feel about myself and everyone around me.

7. Listen to Others
As Jeet Banerjee notes on Lifehack, "listening to people and giving everyone a voice is one of the greatest things you can do." He adds that he "got to meet some of the most amazing people, close some of the biggest deals, and develop connections that will last me a lifetime all because I took time to listen to people. Being a good listener can change your life in a positive manner."

8. Act Locally
It may not seem like a big deal, but supporting a local cause, donating clothes, or buying from local farmers' markets or businesses are simple ways you can help your specific region. You may not be able to save the world, but you very well could make a difference in your neck of the woods. Get to know and care about your community.

9. Always Be Polite
How much effort does it take to say, "Thank you," or to hold the elevator door open for someone? Not much at all. However, these acts of kindness can make someone's day. I decided a few years ago that it doesn't matter if someone is ultra rude, condescending, or worse. The way someone else behaves is not going to determine my behavior.

10. Be Yourself
Tiffany Mason has five excellent reasons on Lifehack why you should be yourself. These include being able to align yourself with your values and beliefs, establish your identity, build courage, create boundaries, and find focus and direction.

11. Be Open to Change
Whether trying a new restaurant, traveling to an unknown part of the world, or doing something that has always scared you, you should always be open to change. This allows you to grow because you experience something new. It helps you be high functioning and self-confident if you are not wary of change.

12. Be Respectful
How would you feel if you had just cleaned your home and someone came in and tracked mud everywhere? You'd probably be a little ticked that they hadn't taken off their shoes. Take this mentality and apply it to everyday life. For example, don't toss your trash or cigarette butts on the floor of public restrooms or sidewalks just because someone else will clean it up. Be respectful of others' time, thoughts, ideas, lifestyles, feelings, work, and everything else. You don't have to agree with any of it, but people have a right to their opinions and yours is not necessarily correct.

13. Don't Show Up Empty-handed
Going to a party this weekend at your friend's apartment? Make sure you don't arrive empty-handed. Even if you've been assured that there will be plenty of food and drink, bring along a little something to show you appreciate being invited.

14. Educate Yourself
If you don't understand why one country is invading another, take the time to educate yourself on the current event. Ask a person intimately connected with the event for his or her thoughts. Remember, we're all interconnected, and being aware of different cultures, different people, and what their lives are like can make you a more well-rounded individual. This will also help you understand points of view different from your own.

15. Surprise People
How good does it feel to make someone smile? It feels pretty good, right? Surprise your loved ones or co-workers now and then, with a gift, a night out on the town, or by offering help when you know they could use it.

Becoming a better person doesn't happen overnight, but it is possible. Believe in yourself and know that it is possible!

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The 8 Most Important Soft Skills Every Graduating Student Needs and Why

“Soft skills” is a term that has been appearing more and more in education in recent years. Such skills transform the future of all of us for the better. They are based on the best inside of us. In short, mastering these soft skills help us work, learn, and live better. We’re going to spend some time discussing which ones are most useful (and necessary) for students journeying into the modern workforces after school.

What we’ve got is not a comprehensive all-or-nothing list by any means. But it is definitely a collection of some of the more valued and versatile and ones.
The Best Soft Skills for Students (and Everyone)
As you may expect, there are lots of definitions for them. One way to say it is that soft skills encompass non-curricular emotionally-based skills that are not generally measurable. They have more to do with how we connect with each other, and with the world around us. In many ways, they’re also about building relationships.
With this in mind, let’s look at the top “softies” that are pretty much indispensable for every student.
1. Creativity
It’s no surprise that creativity factors into the list. It’s not just a valuable learning pursuit; it’s vital to success in school and in the workplace. It’s why Creativity Fluency is used in thousands of schools all over the world.

Why Creativity Matters: The global marketplace is more competitive than ever. Innovative products thrive on an organization’s ability to design and present them in an aesthetically pleasing way. Creative thinking and application grabs consumers’ attention and secures their loyalty. Ultimately, creativity is a common language between all of us. We can all learn to communicate our passions and ideas with it.
2. Problem Solving
As far as soft skills go, this one is probably the most important. The ability to solve real-world problems using a guided process like Solution Fluency is crucial to surviving and thriving in the present and the future.

Why Problem Solving Matters: The world is changing, and will keep on changing dramatically. Our children will be solving future problems that we can’t even imagine yet. They’ll face challenges that require skills to define a problem, design an appropriate solution, and put it to effective use. Problem-solving skills will help them tackle anything from writing a shopping list to designing and realizing their biggest dreams.
3. Critical Thinking
The ability to think critically is a must for future success in a changing world. It’s about thinking independently, responsibly, and productively. One of the best definitions of critical thinking can be found here.

Why Critical Thinking Matters: The way we think about the world, ourselves, and each other affects more than just personal experience. It has a part in defining the future of everything and everyone and the entire world. It’s called the “Ripple Effect.” It’s been a part of many cultural philosophies for thousands of years. It reminds us that how we choose to think and act influences our whole world. We don’t have to be overwhelmed by this—just simply aware of it. We can let this idea guide us in our critical thinking practices.
4. Leadership
Leadership is a soft skill that can change people’s lives in positive ways. One who leads isn’t just one who manages things. What a leader does is inspire, motivate, and empower. It’s about seeing the best in people and showing them how they can use it to be proactive in all they do.

Why Leadership Matters: Natural leaders are an asset in any classroom and on every workforce. Anyone whose attitude moves from “I can do it” to “we can do it” makes everybody better. It’s the right kind of independence and willingness to take responsibility for making good things happen, not just simply getting things done. Leaders see more, do more, and learn more than they would if they were simply delegators or managers.
5. Communication
In the digital age, communication has transformed beyond face-to-face interaction. We communicate using technology more than ever. Even so, whatever medium we choose to connect with, there are skills we can acquire to help us communicate more effectively.

Why Communication Matters: In school, we work in groups to produce solutions to the challenges and problems we face. In the workplace, we do the exact same thing. The only way this can be done effectively is with good communication. Having communication skills means less stress, more productivity, and better relationship-building practices.
6. Collaboration
This means being able to work in groups that are both physical and virtual. It includes proficiency in communication, empathy, and leadership values. It means being able to work with someone across the world just as easily and productively as someone across the room. This is why Collaboration Fluency is one of the Essential Fluencies being taught in classrooms all over the globe.

Why Collaboration Matters: Working in groups is a hallmark of the digital age. Our classrooms and businesses incorporate teamwork into their daily practices. Collaborative abilities have a permanent place among the soft skills all students can benefit from having.
7. Information Management
According to VCloud News, approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created online every single day. This statistic is only bound to get higher as time goes on. Information is essentially all things on the Internet. There is so much out there that a skill set is needed to decipher much of it and make it useful. This is what Information Fluency teaches us.

Why Information Management Matters: Dealing with information means we can determine what is valuable, and discard what is spurious or questionable. This is important for producing solutions and products that are genuine and useful. It’s also an aspect of research and proper attribution of sources, things every good digital citizen needs to know.
8. Adaptability
As mentioned earlier, the world is changing. However, it’s not just the world we need to keep an eye on. We need to be just as flexible in our personal lives as well. Life is fluid—sometimes it’s a stream, sometimes a river, and sometimes a tidal wave. Learn to keep your head above all of it.

Why Adaptability Matters: We deal with trends of every kind constantly. Business, technology, entertainment, communication, and lifestyle trends are just some of the many. What makes it more challenging is that each major trend can often have several sub-trends of its own. Keeping abreast of these means staying informed and knowing when to take advantage of opportunities. As for life itself, it will always have challenges, no matter how well things are going. Being able to adapt to change in all its forms keeps us constantly prepared to survive and succeed no matter what climate we’re in.

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9 Ways to Improve New Employee Orientation Programs

New Employee Orientation A Shadow Of Its Former Self

In 1979, according to statistics published byMindflash, the average length of time a new employee spent in Orientation and Job Training was 100 hours. By 1995, new hires were spending 10 hours in Orientation and Job Skills Training. In 2015, only 30 minutes is reserved for any familiarization or training, and most of that is watching some form of online corporate content. And this when only 25 % of organizations feel comfortable with digital technology.

Saba, a cloud-based talent management firm, reported that 57% of employees receive little or no formal training at all, and are forced to learn informally, through job shadowing, conducted on the job, often by employees or supervisors who are unskilled in job skills training.

Employers Dropping The Ball

Saba also says that potential career paths planning is ignored by 65% of firms. 

In addition, 66% of the American population blame employers for job opportunities going unfilled. The main reasons? Employers are:

• Unwilling to train new hires in the skills they need add value to the organization,
• Unwilling to pay enough to attract candidates,
• Unlikely to training in either technical or soft skills training,
• Setting expectations that are far too demanding for the positions offered.

The First 100 Days

• 76 % of new employees wanted on the job training,
• 73% were looking for information on company policies and procedures,
• 59% wanted a clear understanding on administrative issues,
• 53% wanted to be assigned to a mentor or coach.

9 Ways To Improve The First 100 Days

1.     Don't wait until the end of probation to decide if you will keep the new employee - Set performance goals for several intermediate periods throughout the first 100 days,

2.     Meet with the employee and his coach or trainer to discuss progress,

3.     Keep adjusting goals as time passes and use the regular meetings to communicate progress or changes,

4.     Create and publish a learning plan that allows new employees to develop sequentially, so they can move from awkward to automatic in the performance of tasks,

5.     Measure and track skill and knowledge development,

6.     Reward and celebrate employees when they achieving goals,

7.     Create opportunities to meet others in the organization (lunches, introductions, pairing up employees),

8.     Provide other resources that new employees need (HR, Safety Manager, Maintenance Staff, etc.),

9.     Provide coaching and on the job trainers who are skilled in their roles.

Employment Trends

As Bersin Deloitte reported in the "Global Human Capital Trends, 2015," they make a case for a new HR approach, one that is more agile, forward thinking, and bolder. The survey of more than 3,300 businesses and HR leaders from 106 countries found:

• A widening gap between what business leaders want and what HR is delivering,
• Engagement and culture is the number 1 issue, with 87 percent of companies rating it important or very important vs. 79 percent last year,
• Only 31 percent believe their leadership pipeline is “ready,”
• Learning and development issues rose from No. 8 to No. 3 most important talent challenge in this year’s study, yet despite this demand, capabilities in learning dropped significantly.

With a worldwide talent shortage, organizations need to step up to the plate, when it comes to attracting, retaining, training, and developing the careers of employees. The time is now.

Shaun Browne is President and Founding Partner of We support overwhelmed organizations by developing and implementing custom training systems that are profitable, self sustaining, and meet compliance requirements. 

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Top 10 Soft Skills in Demand

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills are personal attribute-driven general skills, such as the ability to give and receive feedback, work collaboratively, and manage time. They are usually self-developed (as opposed to hard skills, which you typically acquire in school or on the job), and they’ll help you in a wide range of jobs, not just the target job you're applying for.

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In August 2016, LinkedIn published the results of a year-long study they conducted on soft skills, and listed the 10 that were the most sought-after by employers. Below is the list; explanations of each skill provided by me. Whether you’re writing your resume or prepping for an interview, focus on noting/exemplifying the skills that you’ve gained mastery of.

Here are the top ten soft skills in demand for today's job market:

1. Communication: More than just clearly speaking the language, communication skills involve active listening and excellent presentation and writing capabilities. One highly sought-after communication skill is the ability to explain technical concepts to partners, customers, and coworkers who aren't tech-savvy.

2. Organization: Planning and effectively implementing projects and general work tasks for yourself and others is a highly effective soft skill to have. Haphazard, slapdash organization wastes your colleagues’ time and your employers’ money, so having stacked skills in the organization department will always come in handy.

3. Teamwork Skills: The bigger the company you work for, the bigger the chance that you're a member of more than one team, which means solid team player skills are crucial. How well do you work with other team members in reaching team goals? How do you help other team members? Are you an asset to every team that you're a part of, and how?

4. Punctuality: No one likes to wait. Not for employees late to a meeting; not for candidates late to a job interview; and certainly not for colleagues who deliver their work late on million-dollar business projects. We've all heard some variation of “5 minutes early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable.” Where do you fall on the punctuality scale?

5. Critical Thinking: The ability to use imagination, reasoning, past experience, research, and available resources to fundamentally understand and then resolve issues is attractive for obvious reasons. Highlight this skill by listing an example (or speaking of one in an interview) of a time when your company was dealt a sticky situation and you effectively addressed/resolved it via critical thinking skills.

6. Social Skills: The more people you come into contact with on a daily basis, the more important your social skills will be to your success. Can you handle yourself in all situations when dealing with other people, regardless of stature, position, or rank? Can you deal with a wide variety of personalities?

7. Creativity: This is probably the most underrated soft skill because it usually takes someone creative to appreciate the need for others who are, and most people just aren't that creative. Creativity doesn't mean being an artist; it means being resourceful and innovative in finding solutions to problems at work. Can you tell a story of an unusual or unconventional way that you solved a problem at work?

8. Interpersonal Communication: The ability to work in teams, relate to people, and manage conflict is a valuable asset in the workplace. Interpersonal communication is an important skill to hone to get ahead, and as you advance in your career, the aptitude to work with others becomes even more crucial.

9. Adaptability: Don't underestimate the ability to adapt to changes. In today's tech-driven and rapidly evolving business environment, the ability to pick up on new technologies and adjust to changing business surroundings is critically important.

10. Friendly Personality: People want to work with people they like, or think they'll like—people who are easygoing, optimistic, and even fun to be around regardless of situation. Do other people tend to come away feeling good after working with you? How can you tell?

Here are a few additional soft skills that are often in demand:

Strong Work Ethic: Employers are looking for employees that take initiative, are reliable, and can do the job right the first time. Managers don't have the time or resources to babysit, so this is a skill that is expected from all employees.

Emotional Intelligence: Although you will most likely never see this in a job description, EI is a highly sought-after skill that relates to your ability to identify and manage not just your emotions, but those of others. Think of it this way: an employee who can talk another employee off a ledge—say, someone who’s having a particularly bad day, and showing it with their actions and emotions—would be considered someone with a high EI.

Computer and Technical Literacy: Almost all jobs nowadays require basic competency in computer software, but many job seekers fail to provide this section because they think it's implied. If computer skills are relevant to your field, insert a "Technical Skills" or "Systems Proficiencies" section to your resume.

Research Skills: With Google at the tip of your fingers, it's easy to find answers to common issues. However, hiring managers seek employees that are skilled at assessing situations, are able to seek multiple perspectives, and gather more in-depth, harder-to-locate information.

Process Improvement Expertise: The number one goal every company has in common is to save money. Optimizing business procedures can save a company time and money. Quantify results in your resume by listing the before and after facts of projects that you took on.

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The 10 Unique Soft Skills Employers Desire in New Hires

In a survey this spring 77 percent of employers surveyed by CareerBuilder said they were seeking candidates with soft skills -- and 16 percent of the respondents considered such qualities more crucial than hard skills. Soft skills relate to the way employees relate to and interact with other people. The Multi-Generational Job Search Study 2014 by Millennial Branding said employers ranked the following as the most highly desired qualities in candidates: communication skills, a positive attitude and the ability to work in a team, all of which can be labeled soft skills or emotional intelligence.

Hard skills, on the other hand, are teachable abilities or skill sets that are easy to quantify, such as a proficiency in a foreign language or computer programming. While hard skills might be developed on the job, employees should come to an organization already in possession of soft skills. When employees lack these basic soft skills, it can hurt the overall success of the organization.  

The soft skills that employers are seeking, according to CareerBuilder, Millennial Branding and others, include the following:

1. Being dependable. Employers value workers they can rely on to get the job done. There’s nothing better than an employee who is available at the drop of a dime, arrives to work on time and delivers quality results.

During the interview process, hiring managers should ask candidates about their work ethic. Dependable employee are individuals who meet deadlines, are team players and stay focused at work.

2. Pulling together a presentation. Regardless of their position, most employees are expected to make presentations to management, co-workers, customers and clients in some fashion.

For example, an in-house graphic designer might receive an email from the head of the marketing department about a new client. Although this employee isn’t a communications professional, she might be asked to pull together branding ideas in a presentation for the client.

3. Solving problems. Especially for fast-paced organizations, strong employees can think critically and effectively solve problems.

During the job interview, hiring managers should ask candidates about a time when they had to overcome a challenge in the workplace. This will help a hiring manager gauge the candidate’s ability to solve problems, be resourceful and face obstacles at work.  

4. Coaching co-workers. According to Millennial Branding report, 92 percent of employers value strong teamwork skills.

Strong employees are individuals willing to help co-workers and coach them along the way.

Let’s say a new employee has been hired and added to a group project. The new employee probably doesn’t have a clue about what’s going on yet. In this scenario, an employee who’s been on the team a while should take the new worker under his wing and coach the person through the new project.

5. Fitting into the company's culture. The Millennial Branding survey also revealed that 43 percent of employers want to hire employees who are a great cultural fit.

Cutural fit refers to when a candidate's values align with the employer's. If an employer values a balance between work and fun in the office, say, then hiring managers should search for candidates who share this outlook.

6. Voicing opinions while being open to feedback. Employees who are confident in their ideas but open to feedback can play influential roles in a workplace. During a brainstorming session, for example, such an employee would not only share ideas but also challenge others' by asking thoughtful questions. This can create a stimulating discussion and even spark innovation.

7. Being flexible and focused. Deadlines and projects can change at a moment's notice. Employees need to quickly adapt while remaining focused on meeting deadlines.

For example, an employee may have just received an assignment and deadlines for the week. But Wednesday arrives and the manager decides everything needs to be shifted to arrive a day earlier. A flexible employee would be able to quickly adapt to these changes and focus on projects with top priority.

8. Being creative and innovative. Whether the employee is an accountant or art director, creativity is what sparks change in the workplace.

During an interview, the hiring manager should ask the candidate about a time when he or she was assigned a new project. The candidate should respond highlighting personal examples of thinking outside of the box to achieve results.

9. Developing new work processes. Employees with the ability to analyze work processes and discover new ways to complete them efficiently are valuable to employers. Not only does this save employers time, but it can also add to the bottom line.

10. Taking initiative. An employee demonstrates initiative by coming up with an idea and putting it into action.

For example, an employee might develop an idea for social-media marketing campaign that will build awareness for the organization.  

After a company hires an employee, managers will want to gauge whether the employee will follow through in exhibiting soft skills. Some HR technology products let employers detect who has certain skills on the job. Talentoday is a skills assessment platform that helps employers measure soft skills and personalities through a variety of tests.

What soft skills do you believe are valuable in the workplace?

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3 Must-Have Soft Skills in the Workplace

It may come as a surprise, but your soft skills could be the most important assets in your career toolbox. Here are three key soft skills creative professionals should hone.

While you may be an award-winning graphic designer or all-star UX specialist, you can't rely solely on your technical skills to help you land that new job or freelance project. Employers are increasingly on the lookout for creative professionals who demonstrate a well-rounded set of soft skills in the workplace.

Which soft skills should you spotlight?

Unlike job-specific expertise, soft skills are hard-to-teach traits that need to be honed over time ­– things like adaptability and diplomacy. So which skills should you highlight on your resume or in your pitch for that big project? It can depend on the specific role or assignment you're seeking, but generally speaking, nearly every employer wants creative professionals with the following three things.

1. Strong communication skills

Long gone are the days that one could hide behind a computer under the guise of being "creative." Today's design and marketing professionals are frequently expected to interface with clients and collaborate with internal stakeholders. As such, you need excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills that enable you to project confidence, friendliness and a can-do attitude. A creative professional with strong communication skills can pitch clients, walk them through concepts and partner with them through any changes.

These skills are becoming more desirable as companies see the value of putting creative team members face to face with clients, whether they're wooing them or maintaining long-term relationships. This truth also extends to written communication, including reports, email and social media posts. In addition, good communication skills help mitigate misunderstandings, which in turn boosts productivity.

2. Problem-solving prowess

Agencies and in-house creative departments are positioning themselves as strategic partners rather than just service providers. Whether you're a creative director, marketing manager or production artist, you'll be expected to take more initiative within your role by solving business problems.

Managers value employees who can propose sound solutions when they come to them with a problem – or better yet, solve it without involving them at all. While bosses don't want to be left in the dark if a significant issue arises, showcase your initiative and resourcefulness by first trying to settle everyday creative or interpersonal issues on your own.

3. Dependability

Companies have obviously always wanted reliable employees, but dependability is especially important for design and marketing professionals. Although creativity is part of a process, it can be hard to measure milestones when you're knee-deep in the concepting stage. Therefore, clients need assurances that the creative team will get their work done on time, or that they will provide significant notice if there's any concern about missing a deadline. In the ad agency world, where a single major account can make or break a business, it's imperative to stay on schedule. 

If you're part of an in-house creative team, being dependable can lead to promotions. For freelancers, turning in strong work, meeting obligations and delivering on your promises will prove that you're a reliable, talented collaborator. And that means more work for you. 

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Hone the Top 5 Soft Skills Every College Student Needs

College-bound students must become comfortable managing their time and working in groups to complete projects. 

Although a strong background in traditional "hard" skills like writing, mathematics and science will always have its place in academic and career worlds, an increasing number of employers desire prospective employees with "soft" skills.

Soft skills include the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and the willingness to learn through experience, and are applicable across multiple disciplines and careers. It is important for students to develop soft skills as they prepare for college and as they graduate and enter the workforce. There are five important soft skills college-bound students require.

[Learn these five must-have tech skills for college students.]

1. Collaboration: It is imperative for college-bound students to function efficiently and appropriately in groups, collaborate on projects and accept constructive criticism when working with others. People who succeed only when working alone will struggle in college and beyond, as the majority of careers require collaboration.

Students can develop the skills necessary to effectively work with others in numerous ways, including participating in athletics and extracurricular activities. They can also opt to complete team-based projects such as service activities during their later years in high school.

2. Communication and interpersonal skills: A common complaint among employers is that young people do not know how to effectively carry on a conversation and are unable to do things like ask questions, listen actively and maintain eye contact.

The current prevalence of electronic devices has connected young individuals to one another, but many argue it has also lessened their ability to communicate face-to-face or via telephone. These skills will again be important not only in college, where students must engage with professors to gain references and recommendations for future endeavors, but beyond as well.

An inability to employ these skills effectively translates poorly in college and job interviews, for instance. High school students can improve these traits by conversing with their teachers in one-to-one settings. This is also excellent training for speaking with college professors. Obtaining an internship in a professional setting is also a wonderful method to enhance communication and interpersonal skills.

[Know how to develop solid college writing skills.]

3. Problem-solving: Students will be faced with a number of unexpected challenges in life and receive little or no aid in overcoming them. They must be able to solve problems in creative ways and to determine solutions to issues with no prescribed formula.

Students who are accustomed to learned processes, and who cannot occasionally veer off-course, will struggle to handle unanticipated setbacks. Students can improve problem-solving abilities by enrolling in classes that us​e experiential learning rather than ​rote memorization. Students should also try new pursuits that place them in unfamiliar and even uncomfortable situations, such as debate club or Science Olympiad.

4. Time management: Whatever structure students may have had in high school to organize their work and complete assignments in a timely manner will be largely absent in college. It is imperative that they be fully self-sufficient in managing their time and prioritizing actions.

The ability to track multiple projects in an organized and efficient manner, as well as intelligently prioritize tasks, is also extremely important for students long after graduation​​.

[Learn how high school classes can offer college benefits.]

Students can improve this skill by assuming responsibility in multiple areas during high school – nothing develops an ability to prioritize faster than necessity – or gaining professional employment experience through internships, volunteer work or other opportunities.

5. Leadership: While it is important to be able to function in a group, it is also important to demonstrate leadership skills when necessary. Both in college and within the workforce, the ability to assume the lead when the situation calls for it is a necessity for anyone who hopes to draw upon their knowledge and "hard" skills in a position of influence.

Companies wish to hire leaders, not followers. The best way for students to develop this skill as they prepare for college is to search for leadership opportunities in high school. This could mean, among other things, acting as captain of​ an athletic team, becoming involved in student government or leading an extracurricular group. 

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These Are the 17 “Soft Skills” Employers Are Looking For

You get where people are coming from

Africa-Studio/ShutterstockCongrats! You've earned your diploma and think you're ready to land your dream job—but first, you need soft skills. Although you might have the technical know-how, or "hard skills," to do the job, your future employer might be looking for something more. One survey showed that job candidates rated themselves higher than employers did on whether they had the skills necessary to do the job. So what are soft skills? They're people skills that can't be quantified, like communication. But "communication" doesn't mean just having a nice phone voice—it means being perceptive and understanding of others' motives. "I always say, 'The best way to get what you want is to figure out why someone else wants you to have it,'" says career expert Michelle Tillis Ledermen, founder of Executive Essentials and author of The 11 Laws of Likability. "In other words, seek to understand their motivation. When you do, you can present your ideas, request, or any communication through that lens."

You're relatable

ZephyrMedia/ShutterstockThis year's survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that 78 percent of employers seek candidates who can work in a team, making it the most desired skill. (Avoid thesimple email habit that could ruin trust with your coworkers.) To do so, you'll need your coworkers to find you open, available, empathetic, and relatable. If you're closed off, you will put people on the defensive, which makes it harder to work together and have your ideas accepted. Lederman says one of the "pillars of trust" in a work environment is authenticity. "You can't connect with and trust someone who isn't being real," she says. Another is vulnerability. "This is not about being weak, it is about being open and sharing imperfections for others to learn from," she says. If your colleagues can relate to you and feel they can trust you, they're likely to be amenable in turn.

You're good on your own

conejota/ShutterstockToday's pared-down workforce means your bosses might not have time to hold your hand and make sure you're doing what you're supposed to—they'll just want you to get the job done. (Discover more ways to become totally indispensable at work.) According to the NACE survey, 65 percent of employers look for initiative in a job candidate. "Without self-motivation you will not reach your full potential for success," Lederman says. "It's the highest level of self-mastery." This internal drive means that you should be able, in effect, to be your own manager. "It's useful to be predictably capable of handling tasks with little or no direct supervision," says career consultant Miriam Salpeter, founder of Keppie Careers and author of 100 Conversations for Career Success.

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You're curious

nd3000/ShutterstockTaking initiative doesn't mean you shouldn't ask questions—in fact, requesting clarification is actually proactive. (Here are six careers for curious types.) It's more efficient to make sure you're moving in the right direction before completing a task rather than waste time on the wrong track. "Being able to ask for help when needed is an important skill that doesn't get a lot of attention," Salpeter says. "Most employers would prefer to hire someone who knows when it's time to ask questions and request assistance than someone who thinks he or she already knows everything." Although you might feel asking questions makes you look stupid, it actually displays an inquisitive mind.

People look to you

Pressmaster/Shutterstock"Leadership" falls into the "sweet spot" on the soft skills list from The Bloomberg Job Skills Report. These are traits that are more desired but less common among job candidates. (Find out the five mantrassuccessful leaders have memorized.) But what does being a leader really entail? It's beyond telling people what to do. Instead, it means motivating others—even if you're not actually the manager, by "providing positive feedback when an employee does well, collaborating with team members to set company goals so their opinion and ideas are valued, and creating an environment where employees are allowed and encouraged to be their best selves," says career counselor Eileen Sharaga, who has a background in psychology and business. This fosters a positive feeling among the staff, which leads to better productivity. "The foundation of a good leader is the ability to build relationships with people," Lederman says. "The number one reason employees disengage and quit is their relationship with their boss—people believe in the person, not the company."

You can be counted on

nd3000/ShutterstockIf you don't do what you're supposed to do when you're supposed to do it, you're going to find yourself out on the street. (You need these 13 must-steal habits of people who are always on time.) NACE's survey found that 72 percent of employers look for a strong work ethic on a candidate's resume. Your colleagues as well as your boss need to be able to depend on you to turn in good work. "'Accuracy' and 'consistency' are probably two great words to describe a dependable worker," Salpeter says. Ledermen says this soft skill also has to do with building trust among your team. "Trust is about the expectation of predictability," she says. "You won't get that without consistency."

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You're a good listener

LDprod/ShutterstockAccording to a poll by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC, creator of the GMAT), the top skills that companies desire all have to do with communication. But this doesn't just mean talking—the second most desired trait on the survey was listening. (Here are nine things all good listeners do.) This is huge in conflict resolution. "Active listening provides all parties to feel heard and understood," Sharaga says. This also can help you get to the root of a conflict, which Salpeter says isn't always obvious. "Listening is an often forgotten skill," she says. "Know and understand both sides and identify a way for each side to feel as if they 'won.' This takes maturity and an ability to see beyond the immediate outcome." You must be able to take in and process what's really going on before you can respond with your ideas, Sharaga says.

You're decisive

Monkey-Business-Images/ShutterstockIn order to make solid decisions, you have to be assured of your ability to do so. "Our belief in our skill set and competence is essential in making choices for the betterment of the company," Sharaga says. Your boss will be relying on you to have an opinion and voice it, so a wishy-washy attitude will make you less valuable an employee. Making a bad decision in some instances might be better than not making one at all—although of course, it helps if you really do know what you're talking about. "Perhaps it's not confidence in your ability to make decisions that's most important, but having the knowledge to be able to make them appropriately," says Salpeter.

You're level-headed

Stock-Rocket/ShutterstockTo be a true professional, you have to keep your emotions in check, because your emotional state will affect those around you. (Although you can use these four daily emotions you feel at work to make you more productive.) "Energy is contagious," Lederman says. "If you are allowing your mood swings to impact your productivity, you can also expect it to impact those around you—and almost always negatively." Being frustrated and impatient is not conducive to a positive work environment. But, if you can take a beat to calm yourself (try some deep breathing), you can step back and solve the problem you're facing with a clear head.

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You have grace under pressure

Uber-Images/ShutterstockLet's face it—work can be stressful, no matter what job you have. (Try these five-second strategies for shutting down stress ASAP.) A survey from the American Psychological Association found that one-third of Americans experience chronic workplace stress. But if you allow that pressure to consume you, you won't be able to be productive. The first way to deal is to identify what sets it off for you—deadlines, speaking at meetings, criticism from your boss—and then you can find stress management strategies to head it off at the pass. "Understand your triggers and what grounds you, and seek to be responsive rather than reactive," Lederman advises.

You pay attention to the clock

Albina-Bugarcheva/ShutterstockOne of the ways you can better handle stress at work is time management and organization, which was ranked on one poll as the second most in-demand skill. (Find out the time management habits successful people use.) Missed deadlines are not going to reflect well on you, so look for ways you can become more efficient. (And don't make these other mistakes at the office.) Learning how to focus your energy on one task at a time can help you move through all you have to do quicker. "Multitasking is a myth!" Lederman says. "Multitasking only works when the tasks are repetitive and don't require mental input. When you are in high mental tasks, block out everything else and you will be more efficient." Sometimes we waste time because of the way processes are set up in the company, so if you have a better idea, suggest it to your team. "Schedule regular team meetings to check workplace progress and productivity, and collaborate going forward on what needs improvement while also stating what's going well," Sharaga suggests.

You go with the flow

Vadim_Key/ShutterstockToday's workplace moves fast, so you need an attitude that keeps you flexible and adaptable—a skill 63 percent of employers look for, according to NACE. (Find out the smart tricks for jumping back into the workforce after a career break.) "Business process, strategy, technology, and goals are constantly changing," Lederman says. So don't get stuck in one way of doing things. Plus, you're going to have to deal with various personalities and approaches to the tasks at hand. "We all work differently and if you can't adapt to different communication styles you will have a harder time connecting, collaborating, and influencing," she says. Of course, that doesn't mean you shouldn't speak up for what you think would work best. "Still question the reasons, seek to understand the vision, and then look for where you can contribute and have an impact," Lederman says.

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You play well with others

Atstock-Productions/ShutterstockRemember the rules you learned in kindergarten—sharing, having manners, and taking turns all foster a more effective and efficient team. (Make sure you don't exhibit the signs of an untrustworthy coworker.) A study from Harvard found that social skills are actually rewarded by the labor market, as jobs that require these skills are growing. But if you're always trying to one-up others or get ahead at the expense of your coworkers, the environment will quickly turn toxic. Be honest about your motivations and goals instead of being shady. "Transparency—providing information and reasoning—is essential to building trust," Lederman says. "Without the information, people make up their own stories, which are not the ones you want being shared."

You express yourself

racorn/ShutterstockCommunication is multi-faceted, so along with listening and responding you need the verbal and written skills to state your position clearly—desired traits that are numbers one and three on GMAC's survey. (You need these seven magic phrases to help you nail public speaking.) "No matter how skilled and talented you are, if you're unable to effectively express yourself to your team and employer, your skills may be completely overlooked," Sharaga says. In addition, you need to be adept at all forms of changing technology. "Workers accustomed to texting may need to improve their verbal communication so they can engage successfully via phone conversations," Salpeter says. "Today's job seekers may need to practice and improve their video communication skills to excel at a video interview."

You're sure of yourself

marvent/ShutterstockIf you have confidence in yourself, your ideas are going to be presented—and received—better. (Even if you're not an extrovert: Read about the ways even introverts can be leaders at work.) "You can't get what you want if you are not able to communicate it clearly, concisely, and in a compelling way," Lederman says. Whether you're in a sales job or not, you need to be able to sell what you're saying. "With confidence, a person has a more positive self-outlook which helps foster a more positive work environment and team," Sharaga says. Plus, being able to self-promote and network will help you advance. "Having confidence in networking is crucial because with it comes great self-awareness of what you can offer, and the ability to want to expand and connect with others," she says. Not to mention having the courage to negotiate a higher salary or promotion.

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You want to grow

Olena-Yakobchuk/ShutterstockAll this confidence, though, does not mean thinking you can do no wrong. (Boost your confidence with these science-backed tricks—but not too much.) "Arrogance is a signal of insecurity, which can represent a lack of skill," Sharaga says. "Being confident will allow you to openly accept constructive criticism and take what others offer in advice in stride." This means taking responsibility for your actions and admitting mistakes instead of blaming others, and always looking for ways to improve. Also, the ability to accept that others' suggestions might be better than yours will allow for true collaboration.

You persist

Africa-Studio/ShutterstockWhatever job you get is not always going to be smooth-sailing—there will be bumps along the way. (So do these subtle things that will get you noticed at work.) What sets you apart as a strong and valued worker is your ability to bounce back when things don't go in your (or your company's) favor, which means having a positive outlook for the future as well as the problem-solving skills to make it happen. In fact, Bloomberg's Job Skills Report lists strategic thinking as the number one desired trait that's also less common among job applicants. This resilience is the kind a motivation that "enables us to overcome obstacles, persevere when things don't go as planned, and is the drive we need to reach our goals," Lederman says. 

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