Advance Your Career by Developing 'Soft Skills'

So-called “soft skills” can make or break your relationship with your clients, particularly in a service industry like accounting. The Annapolis (Md.) Capital recently provided a rundown of the most important soft skills, with questions to ask yourself to help evaluate where you are:

• Do you have a positive attitude?
• Do you do what you say you will?
• Are you respectful of other people’s time?
• Are you proactive?
• Do you show gratitude to people who help you?
• Do you admit mistakes quickly and offer solutions?
• Do you help others and work well with team members?
• Do you communicate clearly verbally and in writing?
• Do you listen carefully without interrupting?
• Are you motivated to learn new skills?
• How adaptable are you?
• Do you avoid complaining?
• Are you honest?
• Do you persevere?
• Are you creative?

By developing your soft skills, you can make yourself more attractive to clients and employers and provide a platform to let your professional talents shine through.