According to the Manpower Group’s 2024 Global Talent Shortage Survey of over 40 000 employers, 75% of them are having difficulty filling roles – finding people with what they have identified as the top 5 elusive soft skills for 2024, vital for individual and organisational success. 

Hard skills are always important – specific technical knowledge and training. But businesses are looking beyond that. Heading the list of the skills employers seek are reliability and self-discipline, which provide the basis for trust to be built, commitments met, and goals realised.

These are followed by creativity and originality – the ability to think outside the box, explore fresh perspectives and produce ideas that stand out. Third are critical thinking and analysis – the ability to objectively assess information, question assumptions and weigh different possibilities, to arrive at well-founded conclusions. 

Fourth key skill employers want, according to the survey, is reasoning and problem-solving – the ability to break complex issues into manageable parts and devise workable solutions. And fifth is resilience and adaptability – the ability to accept and even welcome change, to identify and acquire whatever new skills are required and respond with agility and flare to evolving situations. 

In brief, employers today want individuals who can navigate uncertainty with confidence and spirit. It’s this attitude which will enable them to rebound from setbacks, find the lessons in them, and make them a foundation on which they and their business can build success.

“Being a polished professional is to possess a combination of technical skills, soft skills and personal presentation that instils confidence in your colleagues, clients and superiors,” says Philip Sykes, founder of The British School of Excellence (BSE). “The benefits are boundless.”

First impressions truly do count, he says, and a polished appearance and demeanour can make a significant difference in initial meetings, whether for a job interview, a sales pitch or a networking event. “People form judgments in the first few seconds of interaction,” Sykes adds. “Professionals who present themselves well are often perceived as more credible and trustworthy.

Their opinions and insights are more likely to be valued and taken seriously.” This can be a major asset in career advancement: “A polished professional demeanour can open doors to promotion and leadership roles. Employers want employees who can represent them well.”

Being polished can make an individual more approachable and memorable, leading to more networking opportunities and valuable business connections, Sykes says. “Clients are more likely to trust and engage with someone who presents themselves professionally as this is often seen as a reflection of the quality of work they can deliver.

Being polished  also improves their communication skills, ensuring their ideas are conveyed clearly and compellingly.”

In addition, knowing they present themselves in the best possible manner can boost the individual’s self-confidence, which in turn can improve their performance.  And the respect and trust garnered from colleagues and superiors means they will often have more influence in decision-making processes.

In a tight economy like today’s, this enhances job security: “Those who have both technical proficiency and excellent soft skills are often the last to be let go.”

Being polished helps in building a strong personal brand, it distinguishes an individual from others, and can be a unique selling proposition in the professional world, Sykes says. “This can enhance their leadership potential, and broaden their opportunities, leading to invitations to high profile events, speaking opportunities or collaborations, and broadening their professional horizons.” 

Equally importantly, it can give personal satisfaction. As he puts it, “It’s rewarding to know you’re putting your best food forward every day. This can bring increased job satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose in one’s career.”

While technical expertise and core job skills are crucial, the added layer of being a polished professional can substantially amplify your career prospects and personal sense of fulfilment. “It’s an investment in yourself that often yields dividends way beyond your wildest dreams.”

For those choosing to make that investment, the British School of Excellence runs The Polished Professional programme, and the next from April 9 to May 28 on Zoom.

In eight modules, it will cover everything from modern etiquette – the social rules that provide a framework for positive interactions within a culture – to how to negotiate these in today’s diverse workspaces.

Along the way, participants will explore the power of emotional intelligence, learn to master effective communication and public speaking, create personal style, become adept at dining etiquette, and learn to read people accurately and put them at ease.

“It’s about leaving a positive and lasting impression, whatever culture and company you are in,” says Sykes.  “Learning how to be a Polished Professional and demonstrating good business etiquette reflects positively on your character and can open doors.

Adhering to established etiquette norms contributes to a harmonious and productive working environment, making it an indispensable aspect of achieving success in the business world.”

To secure a place or for further information, visit https://thebritishschoolofexcellence.com/courses/tpp/