When
it’s about working as a professional, one’s role-specific knowledge and
experience in their respective field, matters a lot. But, it may come as a
surprise that it isn’t the only thing that is important. There are a plethora
of essential traits that play a pivotal role in determining one’s success.
Collectively termed as Soft Skills, they are a blend of communication skills,
social skills, people skills, social intelligence, and emotional intelligence
among others.
Soft
skills are a catalyst that helps one thrive in their workplace and leave a
lasting impression in the onlooker’s mind. They’re often referred to as
transferrable or interpersonal skills. One doesn’t need a degree or a course to
develop soft skills; they are in fact imbibed, observed, and worked upon on a
regular basis. If you may have observed, several job interviews include
requirements such as good communication skills, leadership skills, ability to
work under pressure, and likewise. Let’s take another example of service
operations wherein time-management skills, well-rounded skills, and the
behaviour displayed in different situations become equally important to the
knowledge skillset one possesses. This proves that soft skills are an essential
task that needs to be developed and honed.
In
the field of hotel & hospitality, role-specific skills and soft skills are
like the two sides of the coin and the former isn’t complete without the
latter. Let’s discuss a few examples. Team player attitude enables them to work
together as one team effectively, representing the collective mindset of the
company they’re working with. Adaptability helps an individual to adapt to the
ever-changing dynamics of the hospitality industry. Openness to feedback and
criticism allows one to ponder upon their work and reconsider a better way of
doing it. Stress management ensures that any last moment hassle can be dealt
with a positive and proactive outlook. Great communication skills and effective
conflict management reassures the team/employees/guests of sincerity and trust.
Consistency with innovation keeps the guests coming back to a place that they
are happy with.
For
the above-mentioned scenarios that occur on a day to day basis, it is important
to be equipped with the right set of soft skills to deal with them. To achieve
that, an institute that focuses on enhancing soft skill sets in addition to the
specific knowledge should be ideal. There are quite a few institutes that
fulfil these requirements brilliantly and are known for imparting wholesome
assistance to the students. Indian School of Hospitality in Gurugram is one
such hospitality institute that focuses on building the overall development of
students. With ample courses/modules to choose from, they are tailor-made to
prepare you for a career in the flourishing industry of hotel &
hospitality. Whether you opt for a full-time course or an 11-month fast-tracked
Postgraduate Programme in Service Operations Management, the program is bound
to transform students into passionate and skilled service professionals. The
guidance imparted throughout the tenure ensures a rewarding and fruitful career
trajectory with clear mapped out roles. With the module that includes guest
lectures, individual and group assessments, role-plays & simulations and
live cases & action learning, the Postgraduate Programme in Service
Operations Management is one of the most sought-after courses provided at
Indian School of Hospitality. Not to forget a sought-after campus that is brimming
with like-minded individuals who share their passion for culinary arts and
hospitality management which is a great way for everyone to learn from one
another. The exposure imparted during the tenure at the Indian School of
Hospitality (ISH) is indeed a wholesome one where the experts don’t leave any
stone unturned for student’s growth and prosperity.
Thus,
it will not be wrong to say that soft skills are not just ‘extra’ skills
required in your professional career but an ‘imperative’ skill set that must be
imbibed by an individual for excelling in a field like hotel & hospitality.
There is a slight difference in performing well and performing exceptionally
well and strong soft skills bridge that gap efficiently.