Introduction

Ok, let’s go. We live in a very fast-paced world. To the extreme. And we have to adapt. We have to adapt and expand our technical skills. Soft skills could be essential. Actually, I can argue a bit that they are even more important than technical skills, because this soft skills intelligence could be the reason you can expand and skyrocket yourself.

In this article I want to dive into the importance of soft skills. And share some with you. The most important ones. Even if you are just starting out, this article could be helpful in order to create a roadmap for yourself and a system on what you need to accomplish and conquer.

I am going to explore the role of soft skill in IT entrepreneurship and provide some tips for developing and strengthening these important attributes.

Communication

Effective communication. This is the first one I want to present. The hardest one. Effective communication is a vital soft skill that can help you succeed not only in your professional life, but also in your personal one. There are some tips I can share with you. But first. I want to stress that this is a skill that is hard to master and you need to take your time.

I have a perfectly fittable article on toxic clients and how to deal with them. Check it out here.

There is a way to improve your communication skills. Don’t expect it to improve on its own. Here are some in depth details on how to actually do that.

Practice active listening. I know, I know, we as people love to talk for us. Next time when you talk to somebody ( a friend, a colleague, a family member ) try to listen carefully and ask follow up questions. Try to understand their perspective and ask questions that challenge it. Avoid interrupting. If you don’t have a question to ask, repeat what they say in a questionable way. That alone could help.

Use more “I” when you speak. Important one! This could change your perspective and it could actually make you feel more responsible. Taking responsibility and understanding your own importance in what you say is important.

To be clear is to be short. Avoid using jargon or too many technical terms. If you have to? Explain it. You definitely shouldn't expect people to know it all. If you need to talk in front of a team that is not too familiar with the subject, prepare a presentation and some visuals. That is the best way for the human brain to get information.

Be more conscious when using non verbal communication. That is the skill that has the biggest impact. As you probably know, or if you don’t know, this is the best thing you will learn today, the non verbal communication is most of the communication. More than 70% to be exact ( some articles and research point to different numbers, but in total - it’s high ). I recommend researching and buying some books on the subject, because it’s too broad and important to learn from a blog post.

Problem-Solving

As an entrepreneur, you will inevitably face challenges and setbacks along the way. It is important to remember that these challenges are simply a part of the journey and can actually be opportunities for growth and learning. How? Most people hate problems and are easy quitters. You have to be strong to survive. You have to emerge strong and more resilient, cultivate creativity and train your strategic thinking.

Chess. One of the best ways to develop problem solving skills. It requires you to think ahead, plan for the future and consider multiple options and scenarios. It also requires mental toughness and the ability to adapt to change and bounce back from setbacks. Incredible game!

Of Course, it’s not enough. In addition you have to change your mindset about failures. Failure is nothing more than a way to improve. You learn from it. When you encounter a problem, try to focus on the opportunity to find a solution and be extremely positive about it. Try to fake it if you can’t. You will learn. Problems are the best thing that can happen to you!

Here is a possible strategy to solve a problem

Collaboration

Collaboration is a separate skill, because you simply can’t do it all alone. That’s why it’s important to learn how to delegate tasks and work effectively with others. Avoid trying to be a “one man show” - it simply doesn’t work. I have tried it. I failed. And many others as well. Let’s be realistic. You can’t learn it all.

To be a successful collaborator, it’s important to cultivate respect and positivity. Treat others with respect and encourage open and honest communication. Even if you disagree or find potential problems. Talk it out.

In addition to these general collaboration skills, it’s also important to develop leadership abilities. Here are two quick tips to keep in mind:

As a leader, it is important to set a good example and a system for your team to follow. Be willing to put more on the table and push yourself.

Adaptability

The Universe is in a constant state of change, and as an entrepreneur it is important to learn how to adapt and be flexible in response to these changes. Energy is never lost, it simply flows from one state to another, and the same is true of life and business.

To be successful in the face of change, it is important to be agile and take responsibility for your actions. As the saying goes, “be like water, my friend” ( a quote from Bruce Lee ). Water is able to flow and adapt to any situation, and so should you.

In addition to being agile and adaptable, it is also important to be open to new ideas and willing to listen to professionals who have more skill and experience in certain areas. Don’t be afraid to seek out guidance and advice from others - it can help you learn and grow, and ultimately lead to greater success.

Conclusion

To end this article and make a recap, soft skills are an essential part of IT entrepreneurship and can play a major role in success. Communication, problem solving, and collaboration are some of the most important soft skills to develop.

Be open to new ideas, seek out guidance and advice and be proactive about learning and self improvement. You can cultivate the soft skills you need to succeed as an entrepreneur.

Remember, the world is constantly changing and it’s up to you to adapt and grow in response to these changes. By developing strong soft skills, you can position yourself for success in the fast paced world of IT entrepreneurship.