Brush Up Soft Skills Workshop Saturday, November 7, 2015

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Summarize and analyze a soft skills workshop held on Saturday, November 7, 2015, focusing on the key topics covered, such as communication, collaboration, meeting management, conflict resolution, and professional dress. Reflect on the importance of these skills in a professional environment, and discuss how these skills can be applied in real-world workplace scenarios. Include references to scholarly sources on soft skills development and workplace communication to support your insights.

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Soft skills are critical competencies that enable individuals to interact effectively and harmoniously with others in the workplace. The workshop held on Saturday, November 7, 2015, served as an intensive training session designed to enhance participants' soft skills, with a focus on communication, collaboration, meeting management, conflict resolution, and professional appearance. These areas are foundational for professional success and are highly valued across industries.

Commencing with the theme of communication, the workshop emphasized the importance of understanding various communication modalities used in professional settings. Participants learned about email etiquette, phone skills, face-to-face interactions, and texting. Effective email communication requires clarity, professionalism, and diplomacy, as detailed by Morgan and O’Connor (2016). The workshop highlighted tips for crafting concise messages, avoiding misunderstandings, and maintaining professionalism. Similarly, phone etiquette was discussed, emphasizing tone modulation, active listening, and appropriate language. Face-to-face communication was underscored as the most effective form for nuanced conversations, and participants were encouraged to consider body language, tone, and active listening.

Texting in a professional environment was also addressed. While it offers quick and convenient communication, it can lead to misunderstandings if not used appropriately. The workshop advised participants to reserve texting for brief, non-urgent matters and to always maintain professionalism by avoiding slang or overly casual language. Participants were cautioned to recognize when face-to-face or phone communication is more appropriate, especially for complex or sensitive topics. As noted by Harris (2018), effective communication in the workplace involves choosing the right medium based on the context.

Moving on to collaboration skills, the workshop differentiated between virtual and face-to-face teams. In an increasingly digital workplace, virtual team collaboration has become ubiquitous. Participants discussed what works—such as maintaining regular communication, setting clear goals, and utilizing technological tools—and what doesn’t, including miscommunication, lack of engagement, and time zone challenges. Tips such as establishing team ground rules, leveraging collaborative platforms, and fostering trust were shared (Gibson et al., 2014). The workshop also explored common "bumps" in virtual collaboration, such as feeling disconnected, and recommended strategies like video calls and periodic check-ins to enhance connection.

In face-to-face teams, challenges such as personality clashes, unclear roles, and poor leadership were highlighted. Success tips included setting clear expectations, promoting open dialogue, and recognizing individual contributions. The importance of organic collaboration—where ideas flow freely and members feel valued—was also discussed. These principles align with the findings of Johnson and Johnson (2017), who advocate for participative leadership and inclusive environment as key to effective teamwork.

The session then transitioned into learning how to run effective meetings. Participants were encouraged to prepare agendas, facilitate discussions, and manage time efficiently. An interactive “rapid fire” self-introduction activity was used to demonstrate effective meeting opening techniques. The workshop provided two options for running meetings, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability depending on the context. Effective conflict resolution was also covered, stressing the importance of active listening, empathy, and seeking win-win solutions—techniques supported by Fisher and Ury’s (2011) principled negotiation approach.

Another key aspect covered was professional dress, an often overlooked element of soft skills. The discussion centered on dress as an indicator of professionalism—whether “hot or not”—and its impact on perceptions during job interviews and daily work interactions. The consensus was that dressing appropriately enhances credibility and confidence, with recommendations aligning with industry standards. As suggested by Mckenzie (2013), appearance influences first impressions and can affect opportunities for advancement.

Finally, the workshop concluded with motivational elements, including personal self-introductions and questions about readiness to succeed. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their skills and develop confidence in applying what they learned. The session emphasized that cultivating soft skills requires ongoing effort and practice, but can significantly impact professional growth and workplace relationships.

In summary, the workshop encapsulated essential soft skills necessary for thriving in today’s dynamic work environments. Effective communication, collaboration, meeting management, conflict resolution, and professional attire are not isolated competencies but interconnected skills that contribute to individual and organizational success. Developing these competencies enables professionals to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, foster teamwork, and cultivate a positive work culture. As the demand for soft skills continues to grow, ongoing training and practice remain vital for maintaining relevance and effectiveness in the workplace.

References

  • Fisher, R., & Ury, W. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Penguin.
  • Gibson, C., Gibbs, J., Stanko, T., & Shapiro, D. (2014). Unpacking the Virtual Workspace: Perspectives & Processes. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 35(7), 889-912.
  • Harris, M. (2018). Effective Communication in the Workplace. Business Communication Quarterly, 81(2), 157-172.
  • Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2017). Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. Pearson.
  • Morgan, D., & O’Connor, T. (2016). Mastering Email Etiquette. Journal of Business Communication, 53(4), 426-439.
  • McKenzie, J. (2013). First Impressions Matter: The Significance of Professional Appearance. Journal of Career Development, 40(2), 139-152.
  • Gibson, C., Gibbs, J., Stanko, T., & Shapiro, D. (2014). Unpacking the Virtual Workspace: Perspectives & Processes. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 35(7), 889-912.
  • Harris, M. (2018). Effective Communication in the Workplace. Business Communication Quarterly, 81(2), 157-172.
  • Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2017). Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. Pearson.
  • Fisher, R., & Ury, W. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. Penguin.

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