integrity

15 Soft Skills Every Employer Values

Paul Michael — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 09:30:09 +0000

Employers these days are looking for much more than a resume filled with awards, achievements, and ladder-climbing success. While those hard facts and figures can put you in the running, what will make you stand out from other candidates are your soft skills. These are the skills that cannot really be quantified on paper, but are the difference between a good employee and a great one. How many of these do you have?

1. Strong communication

How you present yourself is just as important as what you're presenting. This will be evident in your interview, but we're usually well-rehearsed and prepared for that particular grilling. How you communicate on a day-to-day basis will be critical to your success as an employee. Can you successfully communicate your ideas, both verbally and on paper? If you are constantly searching for the right words, stuttering, and "Um"-ing, you will come across as unprepared. (See also: 12 Things People With Good Communication Skills Never Do)

2. Confidence

The way you carry yourself, approach clients or other employees, and believe in your ideas will have a huge impact on your success. Wallflowers are not in demand unless they are some kind of savant. Someone with great confidence can outshine someone who has better ideas and abilities, but cowers when placed in the spotlight. Of course, there's a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and if you push it too far, you can come across as cocky. If that confidence is coupled with a little humility, you'll go far.

3. Teamwork

Very few companies are looking for a new recruit that will sit alone in an office, talking to no one and interacting only with a computer and a smartphone. People are the lifeblood of most businesses, and if you cannot get along with your co-workers, you will find yourself out of a job. Sure, some people are annoying. Some people will just never be friends outside of work. But during office hours, you have to overlook all that and get on with the task at hand. Reach out to people who can help. Be agreeable and helpful. Don't be the rusty cog that stops the machine. (See also: 8 Ways to Deal When You Work With Someone You Hate)

4. A positive outlook

Think about that one person in the office who has a dark cloud hanging above his or her head. Every place of work has a "Debbie Downer," and they are no fun. They suck the air out of the room, are pessimistic, and cannot see potential. Do not be that person. A positive outlook can turn pedestrian projects into exciting opportunities. People who get hyped to work on jobs lift the energy of the whole team. You could be the injection of life that a new employer needs.

5. Critical thinking and problem solving

While these skills may not appear to be high up on the priority list for some jobs, they will always be valued. Even if it's an entry-level job with little responsibility, the ability to think fast on your feet and come up with creative solutions will always be an asset to your future employer. If you're a natural problem solver, you should tout that ability as much as you would a degree.

6. Emotional intelligence

It's known as an EQ, and it is becoming one of the most prized soft skills in the workplace. Knowing your own emotions, and recognizing them within other people, is just as important as the work you're doing. Can you empathize? Can you spot when someone is having emotional problems? Are you able to step back and realize that you need to adjust your own attitude or behavior? A high EQ can be even more valuable to an employer than a high IQ; especially if you plan on managing a team. (See also: This One Skill Can Make You a Better Boss)

7. Being genuinely likable

There's amiable, and there's genuinely likable. Some people are just great at fitting in, finding friends, and making people around them feel completely at ease. If you're one of these people, you should promote this kind of skill. You don't want to brag, because that's just going to come across as arrogant. If you really are a people person, you don't need to say that anyway. The way you present yourself in the interview will show the interviewer how likable you are without having to say it out loud.

8. Adaptability

Life at work, much like everyday life, can change at the drop of a hat. Employers value a member of staff who can roll with the punches and excel under constantly changing conditions. Can you handle a curveball with ease? Are you fine with never knowing what you'll be facing from one day to the next? Do you actually thrive under pressure? You will do well.

9. Courage

This is not about the ability to fight a bear in the woods or do a bungee jump. Workplace courage is more political and requires a different set of skills. It takes courage to stand up to the boss if he or she is about to make a decision that is bad for the company, or the customers. It takes bravery to push an idea that is unpopular with management. But, this is a skill that usually pays dividends for everyone involved. If you can stand up for something and do the right thing, despite your brain screaming at you to stay quiet, an employer that genuinely values that kind of courage is going to love you for it. (See also: 8 Career Moves That Prove You're Finally a Grown-Up)

10. Excellent time management

It's a tired cliché, but time is money. Your employer pays you for your time, and they expect an excellent return on that investment. If you do not have superb time management skills, you will not be good value for the money.

This doesn't just mean coming in early and leaving late. This is about how you manage your day, your workload, and your specific projects. If you devote way too much time on one project and another slides because of it, that's bad time management. If you are great at managing your time, tell your future employer. Have examples ready to prove why you are so good with this particular skill.

11. Patience

They say patience is a virtue, and that patience will be rewarded. When it comes to the job market, they're spot on. Patience is something we learn as we grow (how many patient five-year-olds have you met?), and some of us learn it far better than others. If you fly off the handle if your report is two minutes late, or get incredibly frustrated because you want to move on that deal right away, you could become a liability. Taking a breath, assessing the situation, and handling it with maturity is an essential skill employers are looking for. It also means the boss won't be afraid of you diving headfirst into decisions without thinking them over.

12. Strong organization skills

This applies not just to physical organization, but mental as well. A messy desk or workstation will never be an asset to your career, even if it does prove how busy you are. Keep your space tidy, even if your home is chaotic because that's the way you like it.

If you are also great at organizing people, events, and meetings, you should talk about how this benefited your employers in the past. Any business is going to find someone with strong organizational skills to be a great asset to the team. (See also: 6 Rules of Creating a Powerfully Productive Workspace)

13. Diplomacy

Diplomacy is described as, "The art of dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way." If you have a great EQ, as mentioned earlier, you're halfway there already. However, the notable second part of that description is the word "effective." If you are a great diplomat, you not only know how to handle people with great tact, but also how to influence them to get the result you want. Diplomacy is a great skill to have in the political arena, but it comes in handy in any business that requires two different parties coming together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

14. Attention to detail

Theirs a typo in this sentence. Did you spot it? Well, it was a fairly obvious one, made on purpose, but someone with a keen eye for details wouldn't have needed that clue. Likewise, someone that is very detail oriented will be of great value to any company. Whether it's catching errors in a news release, or being extremely particular about the way a certain procedure is handled, that kind of attention to detail is valued and appreciated.

15. Honesty

Last, but by no means least, is the ability to be upfront and truthful from day to day. This does not mean brutal honesty ("Wow John, that suit looks hideous on you"), but the kind of honesty that means people come to you for a genuine response. Not only that, but you will also be trusted more, and respected for your opinions.

Sure, sometimes people don't like your answer, but in the long run, it's better for everyone. Couple this with courage, and you will be the kind of employee that can really make a difference to the company.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Why Doing the Right Thing is Right for the Bottom Line

Patricia Lotich — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 22:57:53 +0000

Link:

http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/lifestyle/article/why-doing-the-right-t...

Dictionary.com defines integrity as, “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty....” Integrity in a marriage would mean maintaining a trusting and monogamous relationship whereas business integrity would be business practices that are guided by a code of ethical conduct.

The success of any organization is built on the confidence and trust of employees, customers and the general public. The only way for an organization to gain that trust is to demonstrate honesty and integrity in everything the organization does. Organizations that operate this way do so because it is the right thing to do and not because of legal requirements. We are all familiar with the fall of Enron and Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme. As their unethical business practices came to light, these very successful organizations promptly collapsed.

Integrity affects every area of business operations and all customer groups.

Integrity in Accounting Practices

Businesses owe it to their employees, customers and shareholders to be honest and transparent with their finances. Organizations that “Cook the Books”, whether by design or by accident, perform a disservice to everyone. Sloppy accounting is as harmful to a business's ability to perform as the malfeasance of the Enrons and Madoffs. Any organization, large or small, that hopes to stay in business must practice proper and responsible financial management.

Truth in Selling

Organizations that aggressively market their products and services are obligated to deliver exactly what they promise. Whether it is a print ad in a magazine or a video ad on television, the product described should always be what is delivered to the customer. We responded to an advertisement for a new car once. The ad showed a great price, but when we got to the dealer, we learned that they were “out” of that particular car and tried to sell us a different, more expensive model. We bought neither, of course, but the cynical "bait and switch" ploy convinced us never to visit that dealer again.

Management Integrity

From customer service to employee benefits, management practices are at the core of organizational integrity. Unresolved product or service issues can tarnish the reputation of the organization, and employees recognize the importance of management doing what’s right by "walking-the-talk" and following up on promises made. Google was named one of the top 100 employers in 2010. One of their signature practices is allowing engineers to devote 20% of their time to projects of their choosing. The program reflects Google's famous slogan, "Don't be evil," and the company's positioning as an innovative leader in everything it does.

Service Integrity

The integrity of an organization is best experienced AFTER the sale. For example, we built a house a few years ago and the customer service with the builder was impeccable until we closed on the property. Every request and inquiry was followed up with quick and friendly responses. However, once we closed on the property, it was difficult to get phone calls answered and construction issues resolved. Following up on service quality after a customer makes a purchase is critical to maintaining and growing a customer base.

Personal Integrity

Business leaders should maintain honesty and integrity in every aspect of their lives. When leaders fail to live up to high ethical standards, the reputation of the organization is harmed, as well. Dennis Kozlowski, the former CEO of Tyco, and former Tyco finance chief Mark Swartz are perhaps the poster children for failed ethical leadership. In 2005, both were sentenced to up to 25 years in prison after stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the company. The scandal made public its executives' poor business decisions – and profligate spending – and generated negative press for Tyco, which affected its value and profitability.

Product Integrity

Product integrity provides confidence to purchasers of products and services. This is where brand recognition and public perception comes into play. The homebuilder we used was one of the largest in our area, which is why we chose them. When service after the sale was less than optimal, it spoke volumes to us about the product integrity of this builder. Had we known what we know now before the sale, we may have negotiated differently or made sure the contract had language to support response to issues after we moved in the house.

4 Ways to Incorporate Integrity into Business Practices

How does an organization make integrity a key part of its everyday practices?

1) Develop a Values Statement that demonstrates the values that the organization operates by. A Values statement helps employees understand the principles used in decision making.

2) Create a Code-of-Conduct Statement. This document establishes boundaries for employee behavior.

3) Train employees on the importance of honesty and integrity. This should be done as part of the new employee orientation process.

4) Create confidential processes for employees to report unethical behaviors. This is important so employees are not hesitant to report questionable or inappropriate business practices.

Business integrity should be key part of an organization’s culture, demonstrated in every business practice. Organizations that strive to do the right thing because it's the right thing to do survive and prosper. Those that don’t, don't.

This article is from Patricia Lotich of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Is honesty always the best policy?

Sarah Winfrey — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:12:52 +0000

I just got a new job! I'm really excited--by January, I should be in a position where my skills and abilities are utilized much more than they are right now. I've been biding my time, waiting for Jack Sparrow's proverbial opportune moment, and it finally came. I jumped on it, and I'm not looking back!

However, figuring out how to handle this situation was hard. I work at a university, and the new position is in a different department at the same school. I've enjoyed working where I am, but the more time I've spent here, the more I've felt underutilized and, more and more, unhappy. So, when I got a call from a former professor asking me if I was interested in applying for a position in her department, I was excited.

But what do I tell my boss? And my co-workers? And the people I know from work but don't work with directly? And the people I know who work in the department I'm moving to? And the people who have been waiting for a perfect position to open for me because they want me to work for them? When the process started, I felt like I walked around for a day or so, my mind buzzing with, "What in the world do I say?"

In the end, I chose a particular combination of transparency and discretion. I was open with my boss--he deserved to know, and he has been honorable and trustworthy enough in our interactions that it was safe. I knew he wasn't going to fire me for applying. I told a couple of my co-workers--one who needed to know before we moved on with a project, and one who I trust to keep his mouth shut. I didn't tell everyone else in my department until I knew I would be leaving because it wasn't necessary, I didn't feel like I needed to, and it didn't seem appropriate in our corporate culture. I told my friends from the department I was moving to, including another person interested in hiring me, though that was more a function of our personal relationships (friendships outside of work) than in a work context.

Why do I share all of this? Because it struck me today that I successfully navigated an often difficult issue, one that required disernment regarding our corporate culture, which individuals were trustworthy, and the different contexts in which I know my colleagues. Getting a new position isn't the only time these skils are necessary--they also come in handy when you're negotiating a raise, have made a big mistake, when you're having problems with a colleague, and a myriad of other situations. Here are three questions that helped me make some of these decisions.

1. How would you feel if you were in the position of the other person?

I decided not to tell my co-workers until I knew for sure about the job because I realized that I would feel awkward if they told me the same thing. I decided to tell my boss because I realized that I would want to know if I were in his position in this particular department.

2. Does your workplace have any spoken or unspoken rules about these things?

The rules, both spoken and unspoken, in my workplace are that we're pretty open about these things. To have not told anyone would have been seen and felt as sneaky or "under the table".

3. What do you want to do?

Seriously, what do you want? Does it matter to you that they might see you in a certain way, or that you might lose your job, or that someone might be extra-critical of you? Do you value your ironclad integrity more than anything else that might happen? These matter, sometimes more than anything else.

Good luck with the corporate navigational skills!

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Ways to Make Your Boss Love You

Sarah Winfrey — Thu, 17 May 2007 19:04:11 +0000

When I started my first "real job," I didn't realize how many situations I'd find myself in that were utterly different from most of what I'd encountered before. On top of learning the tasks specific to the job, I had to navigate office politics, figure out what it meant to be "professional," and make decisions about these things on the fly with only my intuition to guide me. I made a few mistakes while I figured it out, but eventually I learned to survie, thrive, and make my boss love me. While I'm still no expert, what I offer here are solutions to common problems that have worked for me.

Note: These suggestions will be particularly relevant to entry-level positions, but could be useful at other times, as well.

Make Your Boss Love You When You've Finished a Project

Let him know you're thinking about the future. Either ask him, "So, what's next?" or let him know you'll be needing some time to get things together before he approaches you with the next project. Something like, "I'm getting ready for the next project. Could we talk about it in an hour/this afternoon/tomorrow/next week after I tie up some loose ends? I've been focusing on getting this done but want to make sure I haven't let anything fall through the cracks." Both approaches let him know that you're focused on what is best for the company, and the second also makes you look responsible while also taking a short break.

Make Your Boss Love You When She's Pointing Out Little Mistakes

Remember that pointing out your small mistakes is part of her job, and it may be as distasteful to her as it is to you. If the criticism is particularly difficult for you to hear, remember to breathe before you say anything. A deep breath or so, when done surrepitiously, can give you the strength to respond calmly. Then, if it's appropriate, defend yourself. If her criticism is just, nod as she speaks. Tell her, "Thank you for showing me how you would prefer this to be done/how this should be done/whatever." If she persists, or is talking to you about something for the Nth time, say, "This seems to be something that you want me to work on/I should work on. Are there any resources available to help me improve?" Whether you need to be on time, make the webpage load faster, or something else, it's hard for a boss to fault an employee who wants to change. If she points you in a direction, follow through!

Make Your Boss Love You When You're Swamped and He Wants You to Do More

Be honest about what you can do. Most supervisors appreciate hearing when their people are overworked and stressed. If he likes up front, honest people, say, "You know, I'd be happy to take that on, but realistically I won't be able to get to it until I finish with X, Y, and Z. Will that work for you?" He may take it to someone else, or he may give it to you, but either way he knows what he's looking at. If he's going to lay it on you no matter what you say, try, "I'll take that on. Right now, I'm working on P, D, and Q. Where does this fall in priority relative to those?" With this, he knows where he stands and what you have on your plate, and he can determine when you get to it.

Make Your Boss Love You When You've Made a Big Mistake

If you can't fix it before she would find out, be the first to let her know. Swallow the butterflies and make your weak knees walk to her office (or write that email). Most of the time she's going to find out anyway, so you're only prolonging the agony and creating a ton of anxiety for yourself if you don't tell her. Your poise and honesty will also make an impression, even if she's upset and there are consequences. At the very least, she'll have a positive sense of your integrity for any future recommendations. And you might save your job.

Make Your Boss Love You When You're Interviewing for a New Job

In a few companies, interviewing for a new job is considered tantamount to treason. If you work for one of those companies, keep your search under the table, but don't lie if you're asked directly. You might be asked to leave, but they won't be able to fault your integrity in a recommendation. But if you work for most companies (or, at least, most of the ones I've experienced/heard about), just be honest. If you're valuable where you are, you would be surprised how many times your boss will do all she can to get you a counter-offer. If she can't or if she has some other motivation to not re-hire you, she will appreciate not being blind-sided when you turn in your notice.

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: