The Clearly Podcast

All the Soft Skills You Need

Summary

In this podcast, the discussion centers around the importance of soft skills for IT consultants. The conversation begins by noting that their least polished podcast on Power BI is the most downloaded. It then shifts focus to the topic of soft skills versus hard skills, highlighting that while technical skills are often prioritized, soft skills are crucial and make up about 75-80% of job effectiveness.

The recruitment expert explains that hard skills are the technical abilities and certifications listed on a CV, while soft skills involve communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Employers often hire candidates based on technical skills but may later find issues due to a lack of soft skills.

The discussion emphasizes that soft skills, such as listening, proposing solutions, managing expectations, and effective communication, are essential for consultants. These skills are harder to teach compared to technical skills, which can be developed through structured plans and certifications.

The participants agree that continuous learning and seeking feedback are crucial for developing soft skills. Practical experience, such as volunteering for presentations and engaging in tasks requiring these skills, helps improve them. They also stress the importance of being authentic during interviews and maintaining honesty in client interactions to build long-term relationships.

The podcast concludes by reinforcing the idea that soft skills are critical for career success and should be continuously developed alongside technical abilities.

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Transcript

Andy: Welcome, Tom and Shailan. What is our most downloaded podcast to date?

Tom: Probably Power BI, not Excel.

Andy: Yes, our least polished podcast is the most downloaded. Interestingly, "So You Want to be a Power BI Consultant" is catching up fast, featuring our special guest, John Stiles.

John: Hi, everyone.

Shailan: Hey, John.

Andy: Thanks for joining us, John. Today, we're discussing the essential soft skills for consultants, which are often overlooked compared to hard technical skills. John, can you introduce yourself?

John: Sure. I've been in recruitment since 2010 and run Northcote Dynamics, focusing on Microsoft-related staffing. I interact with thousands of people yearly and find that soft skills are crucial but often underestimated.

Andy: How do you differentiate hard and soft skills?

John: Hard skills are visible on a CV, like technical expertise and certifications. Soft skills, which I find make up about 75-80% of the job, are about communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Andy: Shailan, how do you address hard and soft skills from an employer's perspective?

Shailan: We focus on technical development plans but find it challenging to teach soft skills like presenting to senior stakeholders. Technical skills can be taught, but soft skills, such as effective communication and managing expectations, are harder to instill.

Tom: Soft skills are ironically harder to acquire than hard skills.

Andy: John, how do you coach candidates on developing soft skills?

John: I don't focus much on coaching soft skills because authenticity is crucial. Candidates need to naturally fit the role without excessive coaching, which could lead to mismatches later.

Tom: It's better for candidates to be genuine during interviews.

Andy: Employers often hire based on hard skills but later find issues due to a lack of soft skills. Do you see this often, John?

John: Yes, sometimes candidates with good CVs and the right price get hired, but their lack of soft skills becomes apparent and problematic.

Andy: What are the key soft skills consultants should focus on?

John: Listening, proposing solutions, teamwork, and conflict resolution are essential. Consultants need to manage expectations and communicate effectively with clients.

Shailan: Agreed. Managing client expectations and communicating technical limitations effectively are crucial. Understanding project budgets and timelines is also important.

John: Avoiding conflict can be detrimental. Honesty and suggesting alternative solutions are better for long-term relationships.

Andy: How do you and Tom stay ahead in developing soft skills?

Tom: Engaging in tasks that require these skills and seeking feedback is essential. It's about continuous learning and improvement.

Andy: I used to practice presentations extensively to ensure I was well-prepared.

Shailan: Constant learning and asking for feedback are key. Presentations should be followed by seeking and applying feedback for improvement.

Andy: Any final thoughts?

John: Soft skills are critical and should be continuously developed.

Andy: Thank you, John, for joining us. Goodbye, everyone.