The present job scenario in the country places a great
demand for value added skills. This is true as much in the case of technical
subjects like engineering and scientific subjects like medicine as in the case
of humanities subjects like languages or subjects like sociology or history.
From another related point of view, the
development of communication is part of a larger set of skills known as soft
skills set. It includes the behavior of the individual in a social set up, his
body language, way of dressing, attitude towards work, willingness to take on
responsibility etc.
Soft Skills
Set
Soft skills is a
sociological term relating to a person's EQ (Emotional Quotient) - the cluster
of personality traits, social graces, communication, language, personal habits,
friendliness, and optimism that characterize relationships with other people.
Soft skills complement hard skills that form an important element of the
occupational requirements of a job as well as many other
activities.
Soft skills are personal attributes
that enhance an individual's interactions, job performance and career prospects.
Unlike hard skills, which are about a person's skills and ability to perform a
certain type of task or activity, soft skills relate to a person's ability to
interact effectively with coworkers and customers and are broadly applicable
both in and outside the workplace.
A person's soft skill set is an
important part of their individual contribution to the success of an
organization. Particularly those organizations dealing with customers
face-to-face are generally more successful, if they train their staff to use
these skills. Screening or training for personal habits or traits such as
dependability and conscientiousness can yield significant return on investment
for an organization. For this
reason, soft skills are increasingly sought out by employers in addition to
standard qualifications.
The importance of soft skills is best
understood from the following review made by the World Sociology Association
Study Group on Interpersonal Skills. The report of the Association points out
that in a number of professions, soft skills may be more important over the long
term than occupational skills. The legal profession is one example where the
ability to deal with people effectively and politely, more than their mere
occupational skills, can determine the professional success of a lawyer.
Soft Skills are also known as
Interpersonal Skills. In this sense they include proficiencies such as
communication skills, conflict resolution and negotiation, personal
effectiveness, creative problem solving, strategic thinking, team building,
influencing skills and selling skills etc.
Human Resources Development in
Government
Various reports have been submitted to
the Government of India that stresses on the vital nature of the Soft Skill
component of general and technical education. Accordingly, the Planning
Commission in its authoritative report submitted in 2009 has pointed out that
Soft Skills development should be a part and parcel of every professional course
– be they at the degree level or the diploma level. Thus soft skills set
development is slowly becoming an integral part of technical courses at ITIs,
polytechnics as well as regular engineering colleges.
Author:-Dr. K. Parameswaran, Assistant Director, PIB,
Madurai.
Source:-PIB
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