Financial skills are only part of what makes financial professionals successful. If you want the edge over your competitors (both internal and external), you are going to have to step outside the numbers box and lead the way into more positive results with better soft skills in the office.
What keeps your clientele coming back to procure your services?
There are a million and one ways to play with numbers and an unlimited supply of spreadsheet tools, but there is only one of each client. If you think hard skills are enough to satisfy your clients, co-workers, and managers, you may be selling yourself short. You can probably look in your own firm to see there is no shortage of financial ability. Hard skills are teachable assets that most professionals need just to get the job done.
Soft skills though, are what set you apart from being the person no one remembers – to become the one they tell a story about to their friends and coworkers. These are soft skills:
- Positive attitude
- Strong time management ability
- Excellent communication skills
- Adaptability
- Being coachable
- Confidence and approachability
These are what give your team the advantage and they can be cultivated with the principles of improvisation. It will transform your firm or company from delivering a product to serving up company growth with higher retention for staff and more satisfied clientele.
Brainstorming Sessions Mold Soft Skills into Action
I remember having them in school and drawing out on a brainstorming map all ideas pertaining to a theme and then having to pass that paper around to others in my group. As the bubbles filled up with more ideas, I had my first lesson in collaboration. Bring together your team to foster a session for collaboration. Use these sessions to cultivate the soft skills like positivity and adaptability.
Collaboration is what will set your firm above the number box and separate you from those still in it. Download a free chapter to my new book, Improv is No Joke, and get inspired to see positive results.