by Peggy Klaus (Author)

Why do so many smart people find their careers stalled or derailed?

It's rarely a shortfall in technical expertise. The real problem is a lack of soft skills--the critical, nontechnical behaviors needed for successful career navigation. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you can't sell your ideas, get along with others, or manage your workload effectively, you're going nowhere fast.

For years, these essential skills were considered "nice to have" but not critical. That assumption is a career-killer. From self-management and handling critics to mastering communication, these abilities are the true foundation of long-term success. This book delivers the honest truth about what it really takes to thrive in today's workplace.

This is the definitive playbook for mastering the unspoken rules of the workplace, delivering 54 practical lessons and proven tools for:

• Mastering Office Politics: Learn to identify the "shadow organization," find a mentor, deflect gossip, and manage professional relationships without committing political suicide.
• Effective Communication: Discover why listening is a critical skill, how to adjust your style for any audience, and present your ideas with confidence--without needing beta-blockers.
• Developing Your Personal Brand: Think of yourself as a cereal brand to stand out from the crowd, turn your accomplishments into compelling stories, and stop credit thieves in their tracks.
• Handling Critics and Conflict: Stay cool in the hot seat during performance reviews, deal with a bully boss, and understand why you don't need to be everyone's best friend to be respected.
• Strengthening Your Leadership Skills: Avoid the common traps of new managers, delegate effectively, and learn why people aren't mind readers so you can lead your team to success.

Back Jacket

What's the hard truth? Soft skills get little respect but will make or break your career. Master your soft skills and really get ahead at work!

Fortune 500 coach Peggy Klaus encounters individuals every day who excel at their jobs but aren't getting where they want to go. It's rarely a shortfall in technical expertise that limits their careers, but rather a shortcoming in their social, communication, and self-management behaviors. In The Hard Truth About Soft Skills Klaus delivers practical tools and techniques for mastering soft skills across the career spectrum. She shows how to:

• manage your workload
• handle the critics
• develop and promote your personal brand
• navigate office politics
• lead the troops
• and much more!

Klaus reveals why soft skills are often ignored, while bringing their importance to life in her trademark style--straightforward, humorous, and motivating. Perfect for readers at all professional stages--from those who are just starting out to seasoned executives--this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to take his or her career to the next level.

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