However, a study by Leadership IQ revealed that nearly 90% of all new hires are not terminated due to lack of technicals skills rather it’s more often the case they are fired because of their attitudes. In this blog post we will cover 5 soft skills that every trades person needs and that may ultimately end up saving your job!
Communication Skills
Have you ever thought had someone say ” I misunderstood you” sure we all have. When that happens some people look to belittle the person telling them that while others seek to ensure the clarify how the miscommunication happened and take steps top ensure it does not happen again. You need to be able to understand your clients’ and employees needs and expectations then communicate effectively to ensure that you’re delivering the work they want or the support that is needed. This requires active listening, asking the right questions, and explaining technical concepts in layman’s terms. Failure to do this will result in you wasting time, energy, and effort and may ultimately result in you losing your job.
Teamwork
One of my favorite sayings is team work makes the dream work and in trades this is absolutely the truth. In many trades, teamwork is essential for success. Think about a plumbing project and how it requires a team of workers to handle different aspects of the job, such as installing pipes, connecting fixtures, and testing the system. Each team member must be able to work together seamlessly, following the same plan, and communicating effectively to achieve the desired results.
By listening to your colleagues’ opinions and ideas, you can improve your work and avoid making costly mistakes. Plus, when everyone on the team is working toward the same goal, it can create a positive work environment and lead to increased moral and a job well done.
Problem-Solving
I often think of trades work as the practical application of engineering. With that being said, tradespeople face unique challenges every day, from unexpected setbacks to difficult technical issues. The ability to problem-solve effectively is essential to success in the field were often times you won’t have anyone you can call on. Tradespeople need to be able to assess a situation quickly, identify the root cause of the problem, and develop a solution that is both effective and efficient.Tradespeople who can think outside the box and come up with new and innovative solutions are highly valued in their fields.
Time Management
When I was in the Army one thing they drilled in to us was right place, right time, right uniform. Needless to say being late to a formation was gonna result in some physical pain in the form of push-ups most likely. Time management is a crucial soft skill for any one but especially with tradespeople because most projects are on tight schedules. Tradespeople need to be able to prioritize tasks, estimate the time needed for each job, and work efficiently to meet deadlines. This requires strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes in the schedule.
Customer Service
In my days as a Diesel Mechanic I have been called everything but a child of God! Customers come to us in all kinds of moods. However, no matter what mood they show up in we must remain professional and try to deliver the highest level of customer service possible. A good tradesmen must be able to maintain a professional posture, build rapport with their clients, understand their needs, and deliver quality work that meets their expectations.High quality service often times lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals, which are essential for building a successful business.
Read here more about 5 Soft Skills every Trades Person should Master
