Steps to Mastering Soft Skills in the Remote Workplace

Improving Creativity Skills

Cross-Pollination

Creativity is needed to fuel innovation. So how can you generate the next “big idea” when you’re working from home and your co-worker is your dog? Cross-pollinate.

No, this is not some weird experiment with bees. This type of cross-pollination involves content writers talking to programmers and programmers chatting with marketing, and – you get the point. It’s time to jump on video chat and talk to other departments. Pollination of cross-disciplinary roles mixing together keeps everyone on their toes and the ideas flowing.

Zoning Out

Does this sound familiar?

Friend #1 (on the phone): “So please don’t tell anyone, okay?…. Hey…you still there?”

Friend #2: “Yeah, you’re secret is safe with me, I zoned out 10 minutes ago.”

We typically get into trouble for zoning out. But according to one study, this behavior is encouraged. Inc. Magazine revealed the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that physicists and writers came up with their most creative ideas when they were spacing out. Scheduling think time alongside your other work allows space for creativity.

Developing Collaboration Skills

Assess Relationships

It’s time to fine-tune your collaboration skills. In a remote work setting, this begins with assessing your relationships – and your virtual tools.

• Who do you have strong relationships with? What personality traits and skills do you and these co-workers share that helps you work well together?
• What enables ongoing collaboration and what virtual management platforms can help in creating even stronger bonds?

You also need to look at relationships that frankly just irk you. Use tools like personality assessments to help build better team dynamics. It’s important to not only see how well you fit with someone, but how well they fit with you. Using these approaches can help make stronger remote workplace connections.

Lead with Humor

Harvard Business Review cited that laughter relieves stress, but it also spurs collaboration. Social media cranks out some of the funniest content out there. So go ahead and share bizarre TikTok dance videos or work memes from the show The Office. Word of caution: take the lead of what’s considered appropriate humor from managers. And always “read the room” to make sure your virtual co-workers aren’t offended, a.k.a – keep it PG.

Build Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, analyze, and respond to your own emotions and the emotions of others. Inc. Magazine reveals that self-awareness is a critical component of emotional intelligence.

It’s time to jump on Zoom and ask colleagues for feedback. This action will help you understand how you come off to other people. And when you get constructive criticism, don’t freak out. Remember, these conversations are meant to develop your self-awareness.

The Art of Persuasion

According to a Linkedin article, leaders and hiring managers value employees who can explain the “why,” especially when it comes to an opposing view. One way to develop persuasive skills is to become your own devil’s advocate. It’s much easier to accept your argument if you’ve taken the time to think through someone else’s reasoning.

Using these tips and resources can help you master your soft skills, look like a rock star, and make lasting connections with your team in the remote workplace.