What was once known as “soft skills” are now often referred to as “power skills.” Why the change? The truth is that these skills are quite powerful and worth developing as much as any “hard” skills like software or management systems knowledge. Administrative professionals, in particular, can benefit greatly from developing several power skills as most of their work involves seamless and effective team communication. The following power skills can help set you apart in the workplace. 

Emotional Intelligence 

Daniel Goleman, an expert on emotional intelligence, has identified the four dimensions of this intelligence: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Social Skills or Relationship Management. Social Awareness can be crucial for administrative professionals, as it entails: 

• Knowing others and recognizing our impact on them
• Paying attention to emotional cues when interacting with others and adapting as necessary
• Showing sensitivity and understanding to other perspectives

Leadership

You don’t have to be in a management position to be a leader at work. Instead of always looking to others to forge the path ahead, you can take the lead and do something about what you want to see or make a reality. 

Collaboration 

Collaboration is a bit different from teamwork. Collaboration involves putting your best ideas into the service of something larger than yourself. Knowing how to collaborate successfully with your office’s many different team members will help projects come together faster and more successfully. 

Communication 

Administrative professionals can increase their communication skills by paying attention to the preferred style of communication of their teammates, clients, and anyone else they need to work with. Do they prefer information in nuggets, or do they want the big picture? Do they want all the specifics and details right away? 

It is also important to work at human moments of communication whenever possible so face-to-face meetings or video meetings run smoothly.

Strategic Thinking

This power skill can take time to develop. Strategic thinking for administrative professionals can help clarify the big picture and spot any potential long-term ramifications. Developing this skill will allow you to break large tasks into bite-size pieces, map out a plan, set target dates, and assign duties to your team. 

Self-Management

This power skill is important because while factors at work cannot always be managed, employees can manage their reactions and responses. Power skills such as these can be a huge benefit to the career of any administrative assistant or employee. Building your power skills can help you: 

• Improve business relationships
• Create win-win situations
• Give you the edge over other employees
• Build strategic partnerships
• Eliminate or reduce conflict 

Contact Lewis-Price & Associates Inc. Today to Explore Professional Development Opportunities 

Lewis-Price & Associates, Inc., is a fast-growing mission solutions company supporting federal agencies through premiere training, program management and IT services. Serving federal agencies across the government spectrum, from defense to civilian, we ensure the success of ongoing federal agency operations through effective curriculum development, professional coaching, program management, and administrative and technical services. Lewis-Price is committed to providing high-quality, effective and on-time solutions to partners and customers through a team that values integrity, intention, and excellence in everything we do. Learn about how we can bring our unique approach to success to your organization today at lewisprice.com, and please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.