SYBCom Sem 3 Comprehension - Passage 1 Leadership Skills

 Passage 1   Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

Leadership Skills

The term 'soft skills' refers to a group of skills and personal qualities that present-day employers look for and value in their employees. Soft skills relate to excellent communication skills, both spoken and written, positive personality traits, social skills and personal attitudes. In this sense, soft skills complement hard skills, which have to do the technical requirements of a job. Hence, you may have the right professional qualifications, be academically brilliant and perhaps even have the required work experience, but you will be successful in an organisation only if you know, for example, how to work as part of a team or how to get along with both your senior and junior colleagues. In other words, soft skills are all about how you deal with people. They are very important in the present-day professional context that requires constant interaction and communication. Thus, it is not surprising that very often, an interviewer talking to two different candidates with equally impressive CVs, decides in favour of the one who seems relaxed, open, friendly and well-adjusted. Of course, neat personal appearance and pleasing personality also makes a positive impression in such situations.

While soft skills are acquired early in life and depend to a great extent on the environment in which you were brought up, they can also be consciously learnt. The process could begin either by asking someone who know you closely to decide whether you possess the soft skills or through an honest self-appraisal. You can begin by looking at some of the soft skills recommended by behavioural training experts.

In short, soft skills are personality traits that determine a person's interaction with others and the ability to be successful at work. Soft skills complement a person's professional skills and affect his or her performance at work, relationships with colleagues and career prospects. Some important soft skills employers look for in the people they employ are attitude, adaptability, goal setting, motivation, time management, stress management, critical thinking and problem solving, team work and leadership.

 Questions and Answers:

1. List five skills that can be considered to be part of the soft skills repertoire of an individual.

Attitude

Adaptability

Goal setting

Motivation

Time management

2. How do we acquire soft skills?

Soft skills can be acquired early in life through the environment in which one is brought up. They can also be consciously learned either by asking someone who knows you closely to evaluate whether you possess soft skills or through an honest self-appraisal.

3. Why do you think relationships are important in the work environment?

Relationships are important in the work environment because they enable effective interaction and communication, which are essential for teamwork, collaboration, and a harmonious workplace. Good relationships with colleagues can improve job satisfaction and productivity.

4. How does teamwork complement your soft skills?

Teamwork complements soft skills by enhancing one's ability to work effectively with others. It requires good communication, cooperation, and mutual respect, which are all integral parts of soft skills. Teamwork helps individuals learn from each other, solve problems collectively, and achieve common goals.

5. Give examples of soft skills mentioned in the passage.

Leadership

Stress management

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Social skills

6. Make notes of the key points and sub-points from the passage regarding soft skills.

Definition of soft skills:

Skills and personal qualities valued by employers

Relate to communication, personality traits, social skills, and attitudes

Importance of soft skills:

Complement hard (technical) skills

Essential for teamwork and interaction

Influence hiring decisions

Affect performance, relationships, and career prospects

Acquisition of soft skills:

Early development based on environment

Conscious learning through self-appraisal or feedback from others

Examples of soft skills:

Attitude, adaptability, goal setting, motivation, time management, stress management, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, leadership

7. What qualities do you need for employment apart from your qualifications?

Apart from qualifications, you need soft skills such as excellent communication, a positive personality, social skills, adaptability, goal setting, motivation, time management, stress management, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and leadership.

8. State the relation between soft skills and work environment.

Soft skills are crucial in a work environment that requires constant interaction and communication. They influence how well an individual can work as part of a team, build relationships with colleagues, and contribute to a positive and productive workplace.

9. Explain the following sentence in your own words: In other words, soft skills are all about how you deal with people.

Soft skills refer to your ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, handle relationships, and navigate social situations in the workplace.

10. Write down the meanings of the following words:

a. Professional: Relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill.

b. Team: A group of people working together towards a common goal.

c. Skills: The abilities and expertise required to perform tasks effectively.

11. Pick out words from the passage that convey the following meanings:

a. Addition: Complement

b. Conclusion: In short

c. Contrast: But,

d. Comment: For example