Business Education

Employees Have These Skills You’re Probably Overlooking in Your Business

Employees Have These In current conversations about emerging technologies like AI, workplace experts consistently highlight the critical role of human skills. However, eager to embrace the latest state-of-the-art tech, some companies may be undervaluing these essential qualities – characteristics that can be exceptionally valuable.

A recent Deloitte survey of 1,000 employees found that only 52% believed their companies prioritized “human skills” over technical skills. This perspective contrasts sharply with employees’ personal views: 95% described human skills as “always important” and “timeless,” with 87% identifying qualities like adaptability, leadership, and communication as essential for career growth.

Many employees also expressed a preference for employers to prioritize skills such as “teamwork and collaboration” over technical competencies like “AI integration and data analysis.” Without this emphasis on human skills, respondents worry it may have long-term effects. Specifically, 94% are concerned that future workers might lack the “necessary human skills” for the workforce.

While tech investments are clearly a priority for companies (average tech budgets increased to 5.49% of revenue in 2023 from 4.25% in 2022), there’s a notable gap in implementation. A survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas found that while AI adoption is growing, it remains far from widespread among employees. Additionally, 70% of respondents in Deloitte’s survey reported being trained on new technology, only to see it quickly become obsolete. Consequently, employees want more interpersonal development, like mentorship and shadowing, along with a stronger focus on human skills.

How to Identify Human Skills

Since employees and employers alike value such skills and they can be mutually beneficial to both people and businesses, it’s important to identify individuals who possess these traits. Here are some ways small businesses can pinpoint critical abilities, such as communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills in their employees:

Communication Skills

Observe how employees communicate with customers, clients, and colleagues. Do they speak clearly, actively listen, and express themselves well?
Review email and written communications. Are they well-organized, concise, and appropriate in tone?
Look for employees who are comfortable presenting information to groups, articulating ideas, and engaging in discussions.

Additionally, take note of employees who can explain complex topics in simple terms and tailor their communication style to the audience.

Collaboration Skills

Watch how employees interact and work with others on team projects or tasks.
Do they contribute ideas, support their teammates, and share information freely?
Observe if they are able to compromise, resolve conflicts, and work towards shared goals.
Take special notice of employees who volunteer to help others and can take direction as well as provide it.

Also, pay attention to their personal disposition. For instance, if they demonstrate empathy, patience, and respect when collaborating.

Negotiation Skills

Evaluate how employees handle discussions around budgets, timelines, and other work-related terms. Do they prepare thoroughly, listen actively, and propose mutually beneficial solutions?
Identify individuals who can remain calm under pressure, make concessions when appropriate, and reach satisfactory agreements.
Look for employees who can effectively communicate their position, understand the other party’s perspective, and reach a compromise.

You should likewise keep an eye on their tactics. For example, if they are persistent yet flexible in their negotiation approach.

By observing these behaviors in day-to-day work, small business owners and managers can get a sense of which employees possess strong communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills. These soft skills or “human skills” are essential for success in many roles and can be just as important as technical expertise.

Want to Accomplish More?

Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do?

We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test.

You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

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Why Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner Teaches Us a Great Business Lesson

December 11, 2017 No Comments

Yes; you read the title correctly, hosting Thanksgiving dinner can teach us a very good business lesson. How; you might ask? Well, think about it this way. When Thanksgiving rolls around and you’re hosting dinner, what’s one of the first concerns which goes off in your head? Of course, being anxious about getting the meal cooked right is one. But, equal to that is how much of a mess your home is! You begin to panic. It’s a total mess. Things are everywhere. The floor is dirty. And, you notice just how cluttered it is. Time to do some serious cleaning and organizing. Why Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner Teaches Us a Great Business Lesson It’s a known fact that where you work affects just how you work. For example, if you worked in a chaotic environment, like an elementary classroom, you’d have little choice but to stay well-organized. However, too many business professionals let their workplace become disorganized. And, it causes needless wasting of time. So you’ve got a messy office you’d like to tame. We’ve all been there, and many of us still are there. You may think that the people behind your favorite productivity and organization blogs are immune to such things like clutter and disorganization, but more often than not we’re brimming with organization tips, tricks, and solutions because of our own struggles with disorganization. —Lifehacker.com Now, you might disagree. There are people who believe a messy workplace doesn’t really matter at all. But, it actually does. Organization is a key factor. It’s particularly integral to success. Without organization, there’s too many loose ends. Those can easily become distractions. Or worse, cause serious problems. How to Do Office Organization Right When you ignore disorganization, it inevitably comes back to bite you. It’s a quasi-blind spot. A well-organized workplace has big advantages. First and foremost, it gives you a genuine feeling of control and competence. That directly translates into improved and increased productivity. Second, because it’s organized, you’re more free of pointless or counterproductive distractions. Third, it allows you to put your focus where it bests serves your interests. So, let’s look at how to do office organization right: Purge with purpose. The first step is to get rid of as much junk and useless stuff as possible. Purge everything that’s unnecessary or unusable. Take this seriously and you’ll feel an instant sense of gratification. You’ll also be amazed how much space you free up. Designate catch-it spaces. There are all kinds of things that come into a workspace, be it an office, a workshop, or retail store. So, designate where that stuff goes. For instance, a place for things like an umbrella, bags or briefcases. As well as a place for incoming documents and other things. Basically, live the phrase, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Keep your workspace clutter free. The single best way to stay organized is to keep clutter away. Don’t ignore junk, things, and stuff that come into your workspace or you’ll fall right back into the same cycle. Keep it free of clutter and you’ll develop a good habit. Prioritize and always act accordingly. Another good habit to develop is prioritizing. It’s a great way to know what’s next and what can wait. A shotgun approach is a sure-fire way to disorganization and confusion. Plus, you’re unlikely to get very much done. How do you deal with junk and get organized? Have you found you’re more productive when your office is neatly organized? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Personality Hires Spark a Big Social Media Debate. Here’s What Small Businesses Need to Know

July 10, 2024 No Comments

Personality Hires Spark a Big Social Media Debate: Here’s What Small Businesses Need to Know Personality hires have recently become a popular topic on social media. While there are numerous reasons, perhaps the biggest is the concept resonates with many people, particularly younger generations like Gen Z, who often feel that they bring value to the workplace through their interpersonal skills and positive energy, even if they may not have extensive technical skills or experience. This launched a trend where individuals celebrate being “personality hires,” often in a humorous or self-deprecating manner, sharing their experiences and insights on platforms like TikTok and Twitter. Also, the rise of remote work and changing workplace dynamics have made the concept of personality hires more relevant. As companies focus on building strong team cultures and maintaining employee engagement, the value of employees who can foster positive relationships and boost morale has become more apparent. This has sparked discussions about the importance of hiring for cultural fit and soft skills, in addition to technical abilities. What to Know about Personality Hires As stated above, personality hires refer to the practice of hiring employees based on their personal traits, interpersonal skills, and cultural fit, rather than solely on their technical skills or experience. This approach emphasizes the importance of an individual’s personality in the workplace, as it can significantly impact team dynamics, collaboration, and overall company culture. Pros of Personality Hires This isn’t a completely new concept. But since it’s a decidedly different approach than traditional thinking, it can be difficult to see the benefits. So, let’s take a look at some of the advantages these job candidates can bring to the table and why they could be a good fit for an organization: Enhanced team cohesion. Employees with compatible personalities often work better together, reducing conflicts and improving team dynamics. A personality hire can help foster a positive and collaborative work environment. Improved relationships and communication. Personality hires are typically good communicators and can help improve relationships among team members and between employees and management. This can lead to better collaboration and problem-solving. Adaptability and learning potential. Candidates hired for their personality traits, such as openness, adaptability, and eagerness to learn, may be more effective in growing into their roles and taking on new challenges compared to those selected solely for their current skill set. Reinforcement of cultural norms and values. Hiring for personality allows organizations to reinforce the cultural norms and values that make them unique, fostering a workplace where employees are aligned with the company’s core beliefs and behaviors. Additionally, personality hires offer the potential for a new way of approaching an industry. These individuals may perceive things differently and be able to take a novel viewpoint no one else has thought of before. Cons of Personality Hires Now, as you well know, there are downsides to any proposition. Sure, this could bring a small business plenty of great experiences but it’s important to be aware of potential problems that could come from personality hires, like the following: Risk of skill gaps. Focusing too much on personality might lead to overlooking essential skills or technical deficiencies, potentially resulting in performance issues if the hire cannot meet the technical demands of the role. Overemphasis on likeability. There’s a risk that highly likable candidates may be favored over more qualified ones, which can impact the overall productivity and effectiveness of the team. Potential for bias. Personality-based hiring can introduce bias into the hiring process, as it relies heavily on subjective judgments about an individual’s character and fit within the organization. Conflict among team members. Personality hires can sometimes create tension or conflict within the team, especially if their personality traits clash with those of other team members. Small businesses should carefully consider the pros and cons of personality hires when making hiring decisions. While personality hires can bring considerable benefits to a workplace, including improved team harmony and cultural alignment, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach. By carefully blending personality assessments with skill evaluations during the recruitment process, organizations can ensure they not only hire employees who fit into the workplace culture but who are also well-equipped to contribute to the company’s success. Ultimately, small businesses should prioritize hiring individuals who possess a combination of strong technical skills and a compatible personality that aligns with the company’s values and culture. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at (602) 541-1760, or, if you prefer,

How to Run a Work-from-Home Business

May 24, 2017 No Comments

The Internet, and more particularly, the world wide web, is revolutionizing so many things in our lives and the workplace is no different. More companies are using telecommuters to work for them, and, they are reaping the benefits of less overhead. In addition, the web makes starting a business quite simple. The biggest problem for a part-time or full-time entrepreneur is being able to effectively manage their time. Those work-from-home commercials and websites leave out many aspects of having a home-based business. While they tout the freedom and no need to endure frustrating daily commutes, they do leave some things out. The devil is in the details and it’s those things you might not think about that can cause you to fail. How to Run a Work-from-Home Business Running a work-from-home business not only takes a lot of entrepreneurial spirit, a vision, and an executable plan, it also requires a heavy amount of self discipline. When you stop to think about it, you’ll realize that having a home-based business means you won’t leave either work or home for the majority of the week. Another phenomenon (read: unrealistic expectation) that you’ll probably face from your spouse is about household chores. When you work outside the home, you don’t take any household appliances with you. The washer and dryer stay in the laundry room and the dishwasher remains right beside the kitchen sink. Ninety-seven percent of entrepreneurs love or like working from home, according to Money Tips.com’s recent survey of 160 successful Americans who run their businesses from home. Most enjoy it so much that 54 percent of them would turn down an offer of free office space just one mile from home. —Inc.com In addition to these, the lawn mower, vacuum, and all those household cleaning supplies won’t mysteriously jump into your vehicle. However, your significant other won’t necessarily grasp this concept, and, will wonder why there’s laundry to fold or dishes to take out of the dishwasher. Any one that runs a home-based business knows that chores are time consuming and just because the office is in the house, doesn’t mean all the chores will get done. In addition to this, you’ll be literally surrounded with distractions. It could be guitars, a game console, television, crafts, social media, or any other hobby or pastime that beckons day after day. If you want to run a successful work-from-home business, you’ll need to do the following daily: Create a schedule and stick to it. There’s a reason you have scheduled work hours when your job takes you out of the home and to a workplace. Do the same for your home-based business: create a schedule and don’t deviate from it. Let your clients or customers know your hours of operation and be available when needed. Get dressed for work. One of the perceived advantages people have about working out of the home is being able to dress down. While you can certainly work in your pajamas or just a tee-shirt and shorts, it does have a strong impact on your psyche, and, it’s not a good one because it promotes procrastination. Dress business casual and you’ll actually feel like it’s a work environment. Take breaks during the day. You do this at any workplace, but, when you start a home-based business, you’ll probably experience an urge to stay put in your office or work space to get things done. You need breaks during the day, so, put these into your schedule. It could be a short walk around the block, or even doing a chore, but these should be regular. Give yourself time off. Because your work and home environment are one-in-the-same, you’ll face the temptation to get this or that done when family is home. Don’t shortchange your family and you’ll find yourself to be a lot happier when there’s a good balance. Get out at least once per week. Don’t make the mistake of chaining yourself to your desk. You can go out to lunch and meet a friend or your spouse, but, be sure to do this at least once per week to keep your professional mannerisms sharp. Another tip you ought to take is to stay focused on your business. Because you might not regularly interact personally with others, your mind will tend to wander and you might get some new ideas to pursue. While it’s wonderful to be creative, you won’t be able to go off in different directions at once — keep your focus or you’ll increase your chances of failing. I just had this conversation yesterday with a Chief Marketing Officer who works virtually, and he enjoys the flexibility. We met at The Henry on Camelback in Phoenix. Personally, I prefer to get dressed, and head to my office with focus on my schedule and priorities. Call me traditional, but my work ethic has been embedded into my habits for over 35 years and it works for me. Now, I also find myself logging in when I get back to my home office. So, one of my incentives is to remain focused and productive at my office during the work week so that my evenings and weekends are free at home. It does take discipline, but this allows me time with my family and to enjoy a balanced life outside of my work. What I do like about working from home, is the flexibility it provides me and my family as well as the flexibility in the services that I can provide for my clients. What is most exciting is the business and career opportunities that our technology gives us. Go out and create your new opportunities … and start from home! Want to find out about what a business coach can do for you? [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]