Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center indicate 85 percent of job success comes from having well-developed soft and people skills, and only 15 percent of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge (hard skills). Employers are often prepared to teach technical job skills; however, the intangible skills of being a team player, time management, and positive attitude are difficult to teach on-site but are critical to success. 

To address this need, Hickman County Extension Office led an Adulting Series and offered three Positive Employability: Preparing for Financial Success sessions to provide clientele with the personal skill sets and resources to be workforce ready. As part of the Positive Employability program, the Hickman County Extension Office partnered with Hickman County High School, Hickman County KAPS Family Resource Center, Second Baptist Church, Kim Watts, Career Coach, and many local businesses. 

The sessions offered as part of the program delivered through objective-based learning through interactive learning activities included Ten Soft Skills for Success, Communication Skills, and Professional Etiquette as well as resume and interview skills provided from a local career coach. 

The participants received 12 hours of direct hands-on education.  Twenty-eight seniors in high school participated in the Adulting series.  The participants were days from graduating high school preparing to enter technical school, college, or the workforce.  Participants were surveyed following the series. Statistically, significant mean increases in knowledge were reported on the knowledge areas measured: how to set a table, define soft skills, and identify elements of professionalism, banquet dining etiquette, elements of electronic communication.  Additionally, 89 percent planned to use dining etiquette protocols to create positive impressions, 93 percent planned to utilize soft skills to contribute to a more efficient and productive workplace, 93 percent planned to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices.