FOUR SOFT SKILLS THAT MAKE A GREAT EMPLOYEE Working in the hardwood lumber industry requires specific knowledge and technical capabilities. Still, there are also soft skills that every employee should have in their arsenal for a company to succeed. Soft skills are a combination of attitude, people skills, and the ability to adjust to change. These soft skills apply to everyone from lumber stackers, to salespeople, to management.
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The most important soft skill for employees to have is the ability to communicate. Having strong communication skills helps employees work well on a team, interact with customers, and understand directions. In a recent study of companies across America, The Economist Intelligence Unit found that 52 percent of executives, managers, and staff said poor communication skills added avoidable stress to their jobs. Twenty-five percent said lack of communication caused them to miss performance goals. Other issues caused by failure to communicate included low morale and an inability to close sales. Bottom line: employees with solid communication skills improve business performance.
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As the hardwood industry embraces the use of more automation, there is an essential place for workers that have problem-solving skills. These are skills that allow employees the ability to identify problems, evaluate information, and understand how to prioritize. People with robust problem-solving skills are always thinking ahead to prevent potential problems.
Every employee should know how to behave with professionalism. Simply showing up on time and ready to work is professional, as are honesty and respect for others. But people with professionalism go even further. They adapt to change quickly, which is a vital skill for employees in a workplace that is rapidly evolving thanks to new technology.
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Each employee is a member of a team, and successful teamwork requires the ability to build relationships and professionally resolve personality conflicts. It requires cooperation, listening, and an appreciation of the skills other coworkers bring to the team. In the long run, employees who excel at teamwork reduce burnout and keep their coworkers engaged in their job. The great news is that soft skills can be taught! There are several companies that offer soft skill training for employees. Most recently, NHLA hired Bob Graham, the CEO of Breakthrough Solutions, to come and train staff members on soft skills, to great success. You can reach out to Bob online by visiting www.breakthroughsolutions.co, or via phone at 937-SKILLS5.