Soft skills, or transferable skills, are the interpersonal competencies that make a technically proficient professional stand out. Employers and clients want technically savvy people who are creative, empathetic, and collaborative team players. Mastering soft skills sets you apart, giving you an edge.
In an AMWA Journal article, Kelleen Flaherty, MS, shares insights about soft skills, including what they are, some examples, and how to cultivate them. Technical skills are essential but only half of what “complete professionals” need, Flaherty writes. “Soft skills were the kinds of things you learned in kindergarten, scouting, church, team sports, and yes, even from your parents and teachers.” Technical skills get you halfway there, but soft skills elevate your brand.
Soft skills make navigating the professional landscape less intimidating and more manageable. Medical writers who cultivate these enhance team dynamics and drive success.
In these days of remote and hybrid work environments, it’s still important to connect with the human beings we work with. Interpersonal skills mean smiling, making eye contact, listening to others, and practicing good hygiene.
Put your phone and earbuds away during conversations and meetings. Be polite, say please and thank you regularly.
Negativity and positivity are infectious. Channeling a positive attitude toward team members and projects goes a long way.
Trust your abilities and problem‑solving skills. No one is perfect, but self‑confident people aren’t afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. They tackle challenges head‑on, and that “can do” attitude is contagious. When you believe in yourself and your skills, others will reflect that energy.
Take your work seriously, give it your all, show up on time, help your coworkers, and take on additional responsibility when possible. Set clear boundaries around time off to maintain your work‑life balance.
Be aware of demographic differences such as age, race, ethnicity, physical ability, marital and family status, and others. Encourage and respect various perspectives. Recognize the unique contribution every team member provides.
Be early to meetings, don’t procrastinate, and never miss a deadline—coworkers need your work before they can do theirs.
Demonstrate your commitment to working toward a common goal. Participate in team‑building events. Collaborate, share ideas, and support coworkers.
Sharpen your communication by working on public speaking and presentation skills. Learn when to speak, what to say, and when to listen, and don’t interrupt. Cultivate flexibility with clients and coworkers, and understand when to compromise.
Keep an open mind, think analytically and holistically, and use critical thinking whether you are a freelancer or an employee. Recognize and set aside biases and judge issues based on merit. Be the team member who calmly and effectively assimilates seemingly opposing views.
Medical communicators must adhere to professional ethics because they safeguard patients’ health and well‑being. Reject all unethical behavior in business, medical, or personal areas. Don’t work for a company you don’t trust.
Flaherty describes several other soft skills, including conflict resolution, grace under pressure, flexibility, and leadership, but she notes that this list isn’t exhaustive, “There is no official list of soft skills. You can find many resources online, but rarely will two of them have the same set of skills, or group the skills the same way, or emphasize the same items as the most important skills.” The critical thing, Flaherty writes, is to identify your soft skill weaknesses and improve them.
“No one has all the soft skills,” writes Flaherty. “You are deluding yourself if you think you do.… You must recognize where you have challenges and try to improve them.”
Think of your coworkers and recognize the qualities you appreciate and those that could use improvement. Then, objectively inventory your soft skills, noting areas of strength and areas to fine‑tune.
Strong soft skills are crucial tools for navigating the modern work environment. Technically savvy people with exceptional soft skills make ideal team members, positioning themselves, the project, and their team for sustained growth and future success.
This content was originally written by Kelleen Flaherty, MS, and was published on the AMWA blog in 2019. It has been rewritten/updated by AMWA for republication. AMWA acknowledges the contributions of Kathy Adamson, DVM, for peer review in the development of this AMWA resource.