Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center indicates 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, Grayson County Extension Office offered the Positive Employability: Preparing for Financial Success program to provide clientele with the personal skill sets and resources to be workforce ready. The program consisted of three curriculum sets delivering objective-based learning through interactive learning activities, including Ten Soft Skills for Success, Communication Skills, and Professional Etiquette 

Participants received 6 hours of direct education. The program was delivered via a virtual platform both to the general public and to members of the local Chamber of Commerce. 56 people participated in the workshop series.  Participants were surveyed following the classes.  Statistically significant mean increases in knowledge were reported on 3 knowledge areas measured: 10 Soft Skills for Success, Communication Skills, and Professional Etiquette Skills.  Additionally, 100 percent planned to utilize communication strategies to engage in productive networking conversations, 100% percent planned to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices, and 100% percent planned to utilize soft skills to contribute to a more efficient and productive workplace. Participants expressed the following: 

“I appreciated the "Time Management" segment of this presentation. I am always looking for ways to be "more productive" and "efficient" in my life overall!!”

“thank you so much for the refresher on email etiquette,  CC and BCC for privacy reason especially.  And Also I need to learn how to set that automatic reply message for my email when I am going to be away for a few days. Thank you again for hosting this program!!”