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Independent Singapore
20-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
8 soft skills that can make you rich — for life
When discussing wealth, what usually comes to mind is money, status, or material success. However, a few of life's most potent possessions can't be placed inside a bank account. These soft skills shape how we interrelate, lead, develop, and succeed. Whether one is a student, a budding artist, an emerging professional, or an entrepreneur pursuing an audacious idea, these abilities are an enduring investment. With relevant illustrations, common slipups to dodge, and first-rate learning resources, these 'tools' can benefit one's vocation, boost confidence, strengthen relationships, and impact the world. Emotional Intelligence: The Glue That Connects Us Why it matters : Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is our capacity to distinguish, grasp, and manage emotions—our own and others. It's the basis of durable relationships, unswerving trust, and never-ending teamwork. Where people stumble : Sidestepping tough discussions or countering thoughtlessly can wear away trust quicker than we think. How to build it : Read: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Watch: Susan David's TED Talk, 'The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage' Learn: LinkedIn Learning's Emotional Intelligence at Work course Communication: More Than Words Why it matters : Effective communicators don't just express their thoughts and feelings well; they also connect. They listen enthusiastically, articulate concepts emphatically, and pay special attention to body language and attitude. Where people stumble : Intruding, using nonsensical or high-falutin words, or inability to detect non-verbal signals can produce detachment rather than connection. How to build it : Read: Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny & team Watch: Brené Brown's 'The Power of Vulnerability' Learn: Coursera's Effective Communication course Critical Thinking: Your Inner Compass Why it matters : In a world swamped with dogmatic views and half-truths, critical thinking assists in sifting the noise, asking intelligent questions, and making informed decisions and astute choices. Where people stumble : Carelessly making decisions or clinging to prejudices, as this clouds one's outlook. How to build it : Read: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Watch: Helen Lee Bouygues' TED Talk, 'Critical Thinking for Better Judgment' Learn: edX's Critical Thinking Skills course Negotiation: Win-Win or Lose-Lose Why it matters : Negotiation is part of all of life's activities. Whether one is seeking a raise in salary, forming a partnership, compromising with a friend, or wanting to meet a spouse halfway, negotiation is present. Strong negotiators pursue a shared advantage, not just victory. Where people stumble : Being aggressive and adversarial, rushing the process, or making it personal can disrupt trust. How to build it : Read: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Watch: William Ury's 'The Walk from No to Yes' Learn: Coursera's Negotiation Skills course Adaptability: Your Edge in a Changing World Why it matters : Change is the only thing that doesn't change. Flexible people stay diplomatic and non-violent, are inquisitive, and focus on solutions when plans are drastically modified or challenges arise. Where people stumble : Accusing others or fighting change interrupts growth, and occasionally ruins it entirely. How to build it : Read: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson Watch: Guy Kawasaki's 'The Art of Innovation' Learn: Udemy's Adaptability and Resilience course Leadership: Influence Starts with Integrity Why it matters : Leadership is never about titles—it's about compelling acts, compassion, responsiveness, and accountability. The finest leaders encourage and lead by example. Where people stumble : Nitpicking, imposing controls, evading tough decisions, or playing favorites diminishes trust and drive. How to build it : Read: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek Watch: Sinek's TED Talk, 'How Great Leaders Inspire Action' Learn: Harvard Online's Leadership Principles course Time Management: Mastering the Clock Why it matters : Time is the most limited resource. Those who manage their time well get more things done with less anxiety, more purpose, and with more meaning. Where people stumble : Stalling, postponements, deliberate delays, too much multitasking, or poor planning result in exhaustion and pressure. See also Wendy Jacobs and 200 others become Singaporean citizens How to build it : Read: Getting Things Done by David Allen Watch: Laura Vanderkam's 'How to Gain Control of Your Free Time' Learn: LinkedIn Learning's Time Management Mastery course Creativity: Your Superpower for Solving the Unsolvable Why it matters : Creativity pushes invention, problem-solving, and advancement in every turf, not just the arts. It's about changing direction, shifting courses when necessary, doing what's doable, and making the impossible possible. Where people stumble : Dread of failure or sticking to obsolete systems and approaches can stifle one's imaginative trigger. How to build it : Read: Creative Confidence by Tom & David Kelley Watch: Ken Robinson's 'Do Schools Kill Creativity?' Learn: Coursera's Creative Problem Solving course Invest where it counts Diplomas and degrees, titles, certificates, and technical abilities open doors, but soft skills are what will keep these doors open forever. They don't just boost one's CV; they provide the 'buzz' of how you become in life. And like any valued asset, they develop and grow with reliable attention, effort, and determination. So, wherever you are on your journey, always remember — the cleverest investment you can make is investing in yourself.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm an Expert: Here Are 5 Ways To Effectively Negotiate Your Salary
If you want a better salary, you need more than your desire — you need a solid plan. Approaching it without being prepared won't get you far, and making it personal can backfire. Even though you're convinced you deserve a pay increase, you still have to successfully negotiate it with your employer. Make More: Find Out: Joseph Grenny, co-founder of Crucial Learning and four-time New York Times bestselling co-author of 'Crucial Conversations,' said to remember that when negotiating your salary, power is important. 'Your position is only as powerful as the alternative options you're truly willing to consider. If you're dissatisfied with your position or pay, at the end of the day it's your job, not your organization's to create a better situation,' Grenny said. 'If you don't get what you want, either revise your expectations or take responsibility to satisfy them elsewhere.' Here's expert advice on how to strategically approach a salary negotiation. 'People often complain of performance reviews being held in the hallway, or worse, leaving it on their desk or, in one case, the boss slipped the review into a bathroom stall, ' Grenny said. 'Don't be similarly thoughtless. Don't corral your boss in the hallway — virtual or otherwise. Set up a time and place and let them know you'd like to discuss your career plans and your compensation potential.' Discover Next: Grenny suggested centering yourself emotionally in advance of negotiations to avoid making it personal. 'Remind yourself you are talking about pay, not self-worth,' he said. 'Whatever your company's perspective is on your work and your pay, avoid the temptation to allow it to define you. If you allow your net pay to define your self-worth, you'll introduce noise into the conversation that will undermine both your influence and your happiness.' 'If your company uses a particular pay database, investigate comparative ranges for people with your skills, experience, tenure, etcetera,' recommended Grenny. 'Similarly, get any appropriate information you can from job postings and other sources about comparisons within your company. If you've been exploring other job options, bring valid pay information from those to the table as well. In addition, be prepared to present a fair view of the contribution you've made.' Grenny explained that salary negotiation conversations go best if your goal is value-based not greed-based. 'If your attitude is 'more is better than less,' then you immediately place yourself in an adversarial position with your company,' he said. 'If your goal is 'fair pay for great work,' for example, you and your boss/HR may find common ground as you create a mutually agreeable definition of 'fair' and 'great.'' Grenny pointed out that helping your company realize why paying you more is in its best interest is your strongest negotiating position. 'Begin by trying to come to agreement on principles,' he suggested. 'For example, 'I don't want a penny more than is fair. I'd like to ensure I have growth potential so long as I am making a bigger contribution. Can we agree that the goal is to create a pay plan that is internally fair (compared to those doing similar work here) and externally competitive (I don't have to leave to make what the market says my skills are worth)?'' Grenny said that if you're able to agree on principles, the next step is to discuss your role's value as well as how your pay compares externally and internally. 'Be sure as you look at comparisons that you fairly value total compensation packages,' he recommended. 'It's unfair and manipulative to compare element by element with another package, [for example], demanding your company match a competitor's 401(k) plan when the truth is your overall package is far more generous.' Grenny also offered these additional salary negotiation tips: 'Don't confuse your contribution with your effort,' he said. 'You're not being paid for how hard you work. In most companies, people who work the hardest — the janitors, for example — get paid the least. 'Don't confuse your contribution with what you do. There are lots of people who do a lot, but what they do adds little or no value to the company. 'Do explain your impact on key corporate results. Your contribution consists of the impact you have on the company's value proposition. It consists of the part you play in satisfying customers, producing product, reducing costs, bringing in income and so forth. 'Don't leave out valued contributions that aren't in your job title. After you've identified your primary contributions to the job and therefore to the company, point out other important skills you bring. Team skills: what you do to help unify the team. Administrative skills: talent in getting things done. 'Be open to other views. If your boss disagrees with your point of view, ask him or her to share that reasoning with you. Add more facts or clarify the questions so your boss can reconsider. But be willing to reconsider and gain a different perspective yourself as well.' More From GOBankingRatesMark Cuban Wants To Reshape Healthcare -- 5 Ways His Approach Could Save Americans Money10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money This article originally appeared on I'm an Expert: Here Are 5 Ways To Effectively Negotiate Your Salary Sign in to access your portfolio
