Soft Strength:
This term was coined from "Soft Power" which was first introduced by Joseph S. Nye Jr., dean of Harvard`s Kennedy School of Government, in 1990. Soft power is the ability to influence indirectly and attract others by the values, cultures and policies. It differs from hard power, the ability to use the carrots and sticks of economic and military might to make others follow your will.
For a company, soft strength means the power spring from its employees’ positive attitudes and soft skills, including team work, interpersonal, stress management, leadership skills and their professional image.
As many studies revealed, the success of most companies depends on its software---people. And people’s competitive advantage is soft strength, rather than hard skills, such as technical skills, professional knowledge, academic scores, IQ, MBA degrees, etc. Soft Strength. True Strength.
Scientific studies revealed that a successful person normally has three kinds of abilities: hard skills, soft skills and positive attitudes.
Many companies and individuals have spent a lot of time and money in developing hard skills, such as technical training, academic degrees, professional certificates, etc.
However, the studies of Ford Foundation and Carnegie Mellon University indicated, and as Mr. Daniel Goleman stated in his best seller EQ, that hard skills only account for 15% of one’s success, soft skills 85%.
Some companies pay little attention to this area, and it becomes a major bottle neck for further development.
More and more multinational companies and foreign funded enterprises have realized the importance of it. They have invested in their people’s soft skills development and gotten tremendous return.
Coaching:
Coaching is recognized as one of the most revolutionary and effective management approaches for increasing productivity in the business arena in the world.
Originated from sports, coaching has been hot topic of managers and management experts in the West over the last decade.
Coaching is a management skill for realizing potential and improving performance by developing right attitudes and skills.
Through a series of guided, strategic procedures, the coach helps people to be cognizant of their mindsets, to bring out their potential, to discover new possibilities, and ultimately, to achieve their personal and professional goals. |
