School and Community Summer 2023

Soft Skills Grow Strong Leaders BY PAM CLIFTON, WEST ST. FRANCOIS CO. R-4 M ichael is a recent college graduate. His impressive resume includes many accomplishments: a bachelor’s degree in hard skills - how can teachers weave these soft skills into their classrooms and prepare students for all aspects of a potential career?

accounting, extensive computer software knowledge and numerous awards and certificates. These accomplishments indicate Michael’s long list of technical skills and practical abilities acquired through education and experience. These skills are necessary, but what about the ones employers are really looking for? Some of the most impressive abilities cannot be measured with high scores and awards. Soft skills, or “people skills,” are invaluable to employers and essential for any workplace. They include time management, work ethic, etiquette, conflict resolution, listening, being a team player, public speaking, communicating, leading, self-reflecting, decision making and more. Also called “employability skills,” these are essential for students when they gain employment, whether immediately after high school or once they complete college. In fact, many managers say their employees struggle with these skills. Job descriptions are more likely to explicitly list “hard skills,” but often gloss over work habits and personality traits. A 2021 survey from BestColleges.com revealed that one in three Americans value soft skills over hard skills. Clearly, education cannot revolve solely around learning

Note-taking, self-reflection, class discussions, group projects, teamwork and peer reviews are great ways to introduce soft skills. Create active listening opportunities for students by including guest speakers but be sure to review expectations before the event. Teach students how to respond appropriately to guests by reminding them to always be positive, polite and professional. Mentorship can also be advantageous for students. Collaborating with mentors, particularly when pairing younger students with their older peers, fosters effective communication and enhances skills such as adaptability, problem-solving and more. West St. Francois County R-4 places emphasis on developing various soft skills in their high school students over the course of all four years. Among the skills that West County High School counselor Andrea Simily prioritizes is the creation of educational resumes. These serve as valuable tools for students when they apply to colleges, scholarships and jobs. Furthermore, students engage in activities that are relevant to their career paths such as interest surveys, college and career fairs and other similar activities. The school’s JAG program helps students practice for

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