Soft Skills - Ask a Wharton MBA
Develop Soft Skills – Work Smart & Live More
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Welcome to the first candid conversation with one of our Executive Authors, Louis Johnston. Candid conversations are frank interviews I have with business executives regarding a personal story or some lesson they learned from their career. ...
Workout Objective: Speak up when you are not required to, while feeling uncomfortable – improve your confidence and work reputation.
My team recently submitted a proposal of which I prepared more than 75%. In fact, of the 25% my analyst (who is junior to me) prepared, I had to revise significantly. The final paper was jointly signed by both of us. Our Chief Risk Officer reached out to my analyst commending his great paper, cc:ing my boss. My boss then congratulated the analyst on his great work as well. ...
When I first worked at McKinsey after college, I was pretty scared of speaking up. I distinctly remember sitting in the large conference room with another analyst, our manager, the senior manager, and the Partner on the project, to discuss our strategy for a consumer business client.
The Partner discussed a strategy that frankly didn’t make sense to me, but he had 10+ years of experience, so I didn’t say anything. I was convinced that I didn’t know any better — I was only an Electrical Engineer with little business experience. I had some thoughts and suggestions, but I wasn’t sure if they were sound. ...
On Sunday, I was hanging out with some friends, and one of them complimented me: “Wow, Lei, you have lost a lot of weight. You look amazing…” I felt pretty good, since I had been trying to lose the weight I gained from having a second child. However, I immediately replied, “Thanks, but I still have about 10 lbs. to go. It’s been a process, and this last 10 lbs. has been quite stubborn.” Afterwards, I thought, “Why did I say that? Instead of continuing to feel good, I immediately started focusing on what was not working for me, and re-directed the conversation to something less positive.” ...
Previously, we discussed the first part of this real life situation that Jessica is experiencing. Today, we will finish this topic on how to break into a managerial role with a follow up discussion I had with Jessica a few weeks later. Here is her follow up email updating me on her situation and some new challenges she is facing. ...
Completing your Linkedin profile is probably more important today than even updating your resume. Even when you are not looking for a job, you should complete your Linkedin profile. It is your online marketing tool to show off your skill sets and it can work for you 24/7 to attract attention in the market place. ...