Metamorphosis Campus to Corporate
In my experience as a corporate trainer, I often have groups of young professionals who have just stepped into the corporate world that is - straight out of campus. With stars in their eyes, they are eager to step onto the first rung of the proverbial corporate ladder.
As our training progresses, and we begin to warm up to one another, I realise how disappointing and disillusioning the educational system is.
I do understand that people coming out of college ought to be well versed in the theoretical and factual aspects of their subjects. However, the corporate world needs more than that. The corporate world is a melting pot of cultures, personalities, behaviours, complexes, preferences, styles, and many others. What the new entrant needs in order to find his feet comfortably in this potpourri is an armoury of soft skills, or, what we call human skills, to get along better with fellow beings.
Unfortunately, few schools and colleges impart training in soft skills. And, even if they do, it is inadequate.
I believe that the following 10 soft skills are of essence in the corporate world.
Listening and comprehension skills: The ability to listen without judgement and evaluation of the other is a critical skill in the corporate world.
Empathy and consideration for others: Being considerate of colleagues and co-workers, understanding others' perspectives is a great way to gel with people. It's a true winner in the corporate world.
Effective team working and leadership: Understanding team dynamics and composition, building team spirit, keeping the team motivated, and identifying blocks to team effectiveness are critical to team performance and overall organisational performance.
Creativity and innovation: Honing creative capacity for innovative thinking and analysis are mandatory in the corporate world. Creativity boosts productivity and morale in business.
Decision-making and problem solving: Learning the tools and techniques for effective decision making and problem solving will go a long way in enhancing one's leadership abilities.
Emotional intelligence: Emotional quotient is a skill that the global corporate world is waking up to. Enhancing ones' EQ is vital in getting along with people from different walks of life.
Goal setting and time management: Staying focussed is fundamental to all corporate strategies and plans. The desire to set goals and stay focussed on their accomplishment is the secret to corporate success. Scheduling and prioritising are the cornerstones of an executive's life.
Business etiquette, conduct and grooming: Conducting oneself professionally and with lan is the way to make good impressions in the corporate world. Building cultural sensitivity, projecting business and social etiquette are the traits of a true professional.
Conflict management and appreciating differences: Drawing a line between personalised and substantive conflict is essential in the corporate world, where relationships are based on reporting protocol of subordinates and peers. Appreciating and accommodating differences in opinion is the hallmark of a mature professional.
Superlative Interpersonal skills: The art of small talk, the ability to strike cordial relations with co-workers, the openness in sharing responsibilities and work load, transparency in sharing information and knowledge, and projecting service orientation are the finer aspects of professionalism.
If our schools and colleges inculcate the above skills in their curriculum, I am sure our young corporate aspirants would be more geared up and poised for their new roles in the corporate world. It would also smoothen their transition from campus to corporate. It will ease them of the tremendous pressure they undergo when they face up to the expectations that people have of them in their new professions. Finally, the youngsters would actually drop all apprehensions and cherish the metamorphosis.