Navigating today’s professional world isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about how you interact with others. This rings especially true in the medical field, where blending technical know-how with “soft” interpersonal skills is key.
What are soft skills and hard skills?
Let’s simplify this: Two skill sets matter in a professional setting. Hard skills are your measurable technical abilities, while soft skills are the trickier, more adaptable talents like effective communication and leadership. Surprisingly, research from Harvard University and the Stanford Research Institute suggests that hard skills only make up about 15% of what leads to professional success, with soft skills filling in the hefty 85% remainder. But remember, this might vary a bit in different careers, like in healthcare.
Why do medical professionals need to be soft-skill savvy?
Because a big part of their job involves dealing with people. Whether it’s talking to patients, teaching students, or working with other healthcare professionals, being able to communicate and build relationships is crucial.
So, what exactly are “soft” skills? They’re a bunch of personal qualities that make working together smoother and more productive. Their importance in the job world really depends on how well they’re developed, which is something even medical educators stress.
Take general medicine, for example. Here, non-technical skills are woven into 115 disciplines focusing on cultural competencies and 94 on professional ones.
How to effectively develop soft-skills?
Skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, building relationships, and decision-making aren’t static; they need constant improvement. But how do you get better at these soft skills?
How to read books and articles?
When it comes to learning from books and articles, try to get through a book in about 10-14 days. If some chapters aren’t grabbing your attention, it’s okay to skip them, but don’t put off reading for too long or you might miss out on some key insights. Juggling more than two books at once might spread your focus too thin.
If you’re reading a physical book, make notes in the margins. This way, you can easily come back to the important bits. If a book gives practical advice, give one of the tips a try for three weeks. If it doesn’t fit you, no sweat, just move on. If it does, that’s great; you’ve just added a new skill or habit to your repertoire.
Talking about what you’ve read a few times helps cement the concepts in your mind. It’s easy to fall into a learning slump once formal education ends, so remember, repetition is key to remembering new info.
Every six to eight months, flip through your notes in those books. It’s a great way to refresh your memory and reinforce what you’ve learned.
Video lectures and educational films
Now, about video lectures and educational films: watch them when you can really focus and digest the whole thing. Think about what stood out to you and who else might benefit from watching it. Sharing and discussing it with others can deepen your understanding.
How to gain a new habit?
If you’re working on a new skill, stick with it for 21 days to make it a habit. Get feedback from friends or colleagues along the way. Mistakes are part of the learning process, so keep a positive attitude. Remember, it’s about polishing your professionalism, not just fixing flaws.
Lastly, keep in touch with a couple of trusted folks for regular feedback. A mix of positive encouragement and constructive criticism can be a great motivator and support system. In our next piece, we’ll offer some exclusive advice for those just starting on their professional journey. Stay tuned for more insights!
If you are not sure if the healthcare sector is suitable for you, take our AI-powered quiz and our model will suggest occupations that match you most!
