Professional Practices: Soft Skills
Your raw talent can get you in the door, but that door is going to be hitting you on the ass very quickly if you don’t have the necessary soft skills to work well in collaborative groups with clients, colleagues, team members, and leaders in our field.
The definition of a ‘skill’ is something that is learned. In this episode, Erin and Austin discuss ‘soft skills’ like reliability, time management, communication, attitude, and more. Most of these should be common sense, but to become a consummate professional, it pays to learn and practice soft skills and develop your emotional intelligence. You’ll become a sought-after pro with a sterling reputation if you really work on observing, learning, and developing these skills.
Discussion Points:
Our work only survives with collaboration, as in most creative mediums
Definitions – Skill, Soft Skills, Hard Skills
Austin and Erin admit their soft skills needed work when they first started in the business
Time management –In the real world, there are repercussions to failing to do what you’ve been hired to do by the deadline
Unreliability is not tolerated - and someone is always waiting to take your place
Communication– if you’re not sure, or worried, just ask – sooner than later
Missing assets you need for the job– how to best communicate
Attitude– you can still have your own style, but do the work and don’t be a bummer
Giving Direction – clarify what you’re trying to solve, and give the person something to work toward
The ripple effect of missed deadlines
Follow-through - you can be organized but follow-through may need to be learned
Learning to ‘read the room’ – give everyone space to speak, don’t hog the mic, and look for the spotlight.
Everything affects everything – do your work on time, don’t be a bummer or a jerk, and communicate early if you’re having trouble
We’ve received lots of your reels for Reel Time Reel Talk!
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