18 Apr Beyond Just Getting a Job: 3 Essential Soft Skills for Thriving in Tough Times

Let’s face it: times are tough. Layoffs, budget cuts, hiring freezes — these are becoming common headlines in today’s economy.

Whether you’re trying to keep the job (client) you have already or land the next one, one thing is clear: technical skills alone aren’t enough anymore.

Companies are holding on to — and hiring — the people (vendors) who offer more than just know-how. They’re looking for individuals who bring leadership, emotional intelligence, and collaboration to the table. When tough decisions have to be made, businesses don’t just ask, “Who can do the job?” They ask, “Who do we want to keep around?”

Here are three soft skills (people skills) you can start sharpening today to stand out and stay indispensable:

1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

EQ is your ability to understand and manage your own emotions while effectively responding to others’. In high-stress times, emotional maturity is gold. Employees with high EQ are better at handling feedback, managing conflict, and staying calm under pressure — all of which make them valuable team members and leaders.

Work on it: Practice self-awareness, empathy, and active listening in daily interactions (if you haven’t watched my latest video on active listening, check it out). Ask for feedback not just on what you do, but how you do it.

2. Communication

Being able to clearly and confidently express your ideas, listen actively, and adapt your message to different audiences can set you apart from technically gifted peers who struggle to connect. It’s not just what you say — it’s how you make others feel when you say it.

Work on it: Take a public speaking class/coaching, join a Toastmasters group, or simply challenge yourself to speak up more in meetings. Don’t just talk — aim to connect at a deeper level to connect with people at emotional and heart levels.

3. Adaptability & Leadership Mindset

You don’t need a title to lead. Employers gravitate toward those who take initiative, stay flexible, and help move the team forward. In uncertain times, leaders are the ones who step up, not just show up. Employers understand that they can’t let go those who are adaptive and those who take leads even if they’re in tough spots. Doing so is suicidal…

Work on it: Volunteer for projects, mentor a peer, or suggest improvements. Show that you’re not just riding the wave — you’re helping steer the ship. Come up with ideas, projects, and initiatives that enable them to overcome the challenges they’re facing, survive and outlast tough times, and position them to thrive in the aftermath.

What’s Next?

Whether you’re trying to keep your seat or earn a new one, remember: people hire and retain who they trust, like, and can rely on — not just who can do the task.

✅ Pick one of these soft skills and commit to improving it this month. Once you’re done with that, pick the next one…

✅ Get feedback from a colleague, mentor, or supervisor, and take action on it…

✅ Take an initiative and bring a highly needed change or improvement…

✅ Most importantly, be the kind of person people want on the team. Don’t just be nice, connect, get along, and collaborate…

If you’d like to read my book entitled “Soft Skills That Make or Break Your Success”, go to Amazon and get the Kindle version and begin to read right away. To learn more about the book, click here…

If you have the budget and would like to take your soft skills to the next level quickly, why not sign up for our 6- to 12-week soft skills coaching program called Soften Up? To learn more and schedule a one-on-one FREE consultation, click here…