During this week's Zoom meeting, we will discuss the course structure and the disciple soft-skills that we will be learning about together over the next 10 weeks.
In preparation for our fist meeting:
Review the soft-skills listed below
Click on the links to learn more about the skill
Select 1 or 2 skills that you are most excited to learn more about and develop
Take a few minutes to write down those skills and why you are excited to work on them
Self Development - Personally committed to and actively works to continuously learn and improve him/herself. Continually expresses a predominant concern for the pursuit of inquiry and the acquisition of knowledge or skill needed to understand situations, people and events. Asks for ongoing feedback and coaching as new skills/knowledge are implemented. Learn more about Self Development HERE
Personal Effectiveness - Uses his or her time effectively and efficiently; sets priorities; values time, separates the critical few from the trivial many and concentrates his/her efforts accordingly. Avoids wasting other's time. Achieves goals and meets commitments. Learn more about personal effectiveness HERE
Listening - Practices attentive and active listening; has the patience to hear people out; accurately restates the opinions of others even when he/she disagrees. Actively attends to both what is said and non-verbals used. Learn more about listening HERE.
Follow-Up and Initiative- Monitors and evaluates progress on working assignments, customer commitments, and processes with little or no supervision to ensure timely and successful completion of assigned tasks.
Is self-starting. Does not wait for signals. Seizes opportunities when they arise. Take action beyond what is required. Completes assignments independently without constant supervision. Volunteers to take on a new assignments. Contributes to others' initiatives without being asked. Learn more about follow-up and initiative HERE
Confidence – The confidence in one's own capability to accomplish a task and select an effective approach to a task or problem. This includes confidence in one's decisions or opinions in the face of increasingly difficult or challenging circumstances. Learn more about confidence HERE
Adaptability - Quickly learns and applies new information, skills, and processes to new and unfamiliar situations and tasks. Build upon current knowledge and skills; quickly grasps the essence and underlying structure of situations and will exhaust all possibilities to find solutions. Is flexible, maintains effectiveness by adjusting behavior, work routines, and habits to meet a goal and/or changing circumstances. Is seen as balanced despite the conflicting demands of the situation. Learn more about Adaptability HERE
Effective Communicator - Consistently communicates with clarity and thoroughness to optimize audience understanding. Communicates information in a clear, concise, and timely manner. Demonstrates effective speaking and presentation skills. Learn more about effective communication HERE
Interpersonal Savvy - Relates well to all kinds of people inside and outside of the organization; builds appropriate rapport; listens; build constructive and effective relationships to achieve goals; uses diplomacy and tact; truly values people; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably. Learn more about interpersonal savvy HERE.
Attention to Detail- Directs attention to the task at hand in order to avoid making mistakes. Prepares and carefully reviews figures, computations, reports, etc. to identify errors or problems; ensures consistency and that information can be understood by all who read it. Shows concern for all aspects of the job no matter how small.
Composure- Stays calm and even-tempered when handling crises, stressful situations, continuous changes, or unexpected developments. Remains cool under pressure. Does not become defensive or irritated when resisted or blocked. Is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; is able to recover from difficult situations. Is seen as a settling influence in a crisis.
Creativity and Innovation- Examines the status quo and looks for better ways of doing things. Facilitates effective brainstorming. Is good at bringing creative ideas out of others. Has good judgement about which creative ideas and suggestions will work. Easily makes connections among previously unrelated notions. Develops and introduces practical new approaches or shares best practices to address problems or opportunities. Projects how potential ideas may play out.
Developing Others- Creates an environment that fosters learning, growth, and development. Provides challenging tasks and assignments that encourage continuous development of team members. Is aware of people's strengths, development needs, and career goals. Is always looking for ways to help those around them grow and develop.
Optimism and Vision- Stays positive and bounces back quickly from setbacks. Is able to create a compelling and inspired vision or sense of purpose for themselves and others. Sees beyond the possibilities of today. Inspires and motivates others to adopt a vision and purpose.
Teamwork- Works effectively with the team to accomplish organizational goals. Takes actions that respect the needs and contributions of others. Helps create and maintain strong morale, spirit, and a feeling of belonging on the team. Cooperates with team members to resolve problems and achieve goals.