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It’s a bit of a misnomer when considering the hard consequences of not performing soft skills.
Mastering these seven soft skills can help you thrive in a 24-hour, borderless world, no matter what hard or technical skills an entrepreneur has. These skills are the foundation for empathy and creativity, which we all need as we find new ways to manage the increasingly blurred lines between personal and professional lives, and still meet our business objectives.
Entrepreneurs will get it Soft skills are essential tools in their toolbox, which is invaluable in almost all industries.
1. Become a master communicator
A leader’s message is only as good as their message Ability to share it. Entrepreneurs should be consistent, clear and concise. Their messages must be able to translate across cultures and languages. Everyone on the team must understand and accept common goals and expectations. Next, all team members must feel that they have Open communication channel with their leader.
Related: 9 Best Practices to Improve Your Communication Skills and Become a More Effective Leader
2. Be innovative
Technology is constantly evolving. This allows us to work remotely globally, but we must decide which tools are best for team activities. Entrepreneurs will need to stay on top of the situation to ensure that tools are just tools, not cumbersome obstacles to overcome while getting the job done. Teams should be able to focus on the project – not on learning another complex new platform or system.
3. Be creative
Entrepreneurs should think about how they can mix things up to keep the team’s ideas fresh and plentiful. How can they ensure that talent stays motivated and productive? What new or different tactics can inspire people to meet goals and use some creativity in their daily roles? Innovation is important. Routine, essential tasks may need to be retooled to fit a remote, technology-focused workplace.
4. Be collaborative
No man is an island – even if one operates from one. Each of our colleagues has valuable skills that we can use to enhance our own work output and meet business goals. Entrepreneurs in particular need to know how to collaborate effectively, especially in diverse and geographically dispersed teams, and actively encourage and facilitate collaboration wherever possible.
5. Be emotionally intelligent
Empathy is one of the most critical – yet elusive – entrepreneurial traits and soft skills. It enables one to focus on teams in a new way. For example, it is now important to consider the “whole person,” not just who we see at work. Why? Working remotely presents challenges that most of us haven’t had to deal with consistently before. Also, maintaining balance is important. In certain situations, individual workers may have an advantage when it comes time to confront a leader. Therefore, ensure that other team members have equal representation, opportunities and voice.
Related: 4 Reasons Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Impact the Bottom Line
6. Be culturally aware
Entrepreneurs must be culturally aware when leading a global team. Be aware of the different customs, languages, nuances, rituals and important dates in each team member’s culture. Lead with respect, and appreciate the benefits that cultural diversity can bring to the team and the business. It’s easy to offend when unfamiliar, so try to learn, leverage cultural differences to advance goals, and promote organizational mission where appropriate.
7. Understand the power of manners
At its core, etiquette is about treating people with kindness and respect, two nouns that all entrepreneurs must acquire as they promote and “live” their company’s values. When they develop and consistently use ethics, entrepreneurs can reap numerous benefits. For example, they can foster a collaborative company culture where diversity and inclusion thrive by ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
A diverse team deserves to feel safe to voice their opinions and suggestions – even when working remotely. Even better, that diversity of thought can spur innovation, process changes, and other efficiencies that can improve workflows, operations, and even create new products and services. Everyone in the team should feel Included, heard and valued.
Mastery of these seven soft skills can enable an entrepreneur to reach new business heights. By using respect, gratitude, and other soft skills as fuel, entrepreneurs can build happy and productive teams and grow their businesses.