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  • Soft Skills
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Soft Skills

Soft Skills start with Soft Steps

What are soft skills vs hard skills?

  1. Hard skills create things you can count.
  2. Hard skills stay at work, Soft Skills go with you everywhere.
  3. Soft Skills are essential to success in business and life. 
  4. Soft Skills are the Who, What, Where, When, and Why 


Learning Soft Skills requires taking Soft Steps. Keep reading to learn more about Erik's Soft Steps to Success!


If you want to start a conversation with Erik about improving your Soft Skills, please CLICK HERE to schedule a time to talk with Erik.

from Harvard Business Review :

"Research shows soft skills are foundational to great leadership and set high performers apart from their peers. They're also increasingly sought by employers." 


from the U.S. Department of Labor:

"Soft Skills: ...while the three "R's" (reading, writing, and arithmetic) are still fundamental to every employee's ability to do the job, employers view "soft" skills as even more important to work readiness..."


from Investopedia:

"Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills...In the workplace, soft skills are considered to be a complement to hard skills...individuals who demonstrate that they have a good combination of hard and soft skills often enjoy a greater demand for their services." 


from NAIFA.org:

"Without mastering the soft skills of connecting with others, you won’t utilize your hard skills...having excellent soft skills makes a prospect want to become your client." 


from Erik Listou:

"Soft Skills are the who, what, where, when, and why of your business."


Soft Skills starts with taking "Soft Steps"

Scroll down to learn more about the ten "Soft Steps to Success"

More about the 10 Soft Steps to Success

Soft Step #1 - Start with Communication

"The Secret of the Three Little Monkeys"


We have all seen the three little monkeys and their "see-no, hear-no, speak-no" images. Body language expert Erik Listou will share with you their surprising and profound secret. Learn to present yourself with your best foot forward and a smile on your face. Understand how to "read" others. You will instantly become a better communicator, inspiring and motivating everyone around you, even on virtual calls!    


Learning outcomes:  

  1. Discover the true secret of the three little monkeys.
  2. Learn how to present yourself in the best manner.
  3. Create a new, more inspirational, motivational, and likable you!

Soft Step #2 - Organize Your Team

 "The Concept of Expectations" 


Just imagine... the house lights dim, and with ever-growing expectations, the audience grows quiet. Suddenly, circus music fills the air... This entertaining and thought-provoking time together begins with the excitement of an old-fashioned circus and a real circus trick! Erik will help you and your team understand the Concept Of Expectations. Discover the secrets to a productive and thriving work environment. Laugh together and gain practical tips to improve morale and results. Just as the circus promises fun for children of all ages, Erik promises delight, amazement, and inspiration for everyone!  


Learning outcomes:  

  1. Understand the importance and value of fun for your team.
  2. Learn a few new ideas to begin a meeting. 
  3. Discover how expectations of fun will inspire and improve every team.

Video

Soft Step #3 - Find Your Purpose

 "But What Do You REALLY Do?"


In this engaging and eye-opening Soft Skill Step #3, Erik will help you discover how to analyze your business and understand the value of effective vision and mission statements. Then, learn how to apply these to set goals and action steps that inspire and motivate everyone.


Learning outcomes:

  1. Create a clear vision of your future
  2. Understand how to achieve your goals
  3. Create a positive future for those around you


Bonus >>> The Secret of the Six-Second Hook. Learn how to create your perfect elevator speech that hooks any audience in only 6 seconds!  

Soft Step #4 - Tell your Story

 "How Miners Bring Gifts All Year Long"


In this joyful presentation/workshop video, Erik is wearing his red suit, handmade by Mrs. Claus, bringing delight to a collection of esteemed mining industry leaders and inspiring everyone. This unique and fun presentation highlights the need for clarity, consistency, and the value of effective marketing.


Learning outcomes:  

  1. Discover why branding is so important. 
  2. Analyze your brand. 
  3. Learn why to create a personal and company image that brings confidence and more customers. 

Video

Soft Step #5 - Set Goals and Action Steps

"Goals for Tomorrow, Action for Today"


Learn from Erik Listou the fine art of setting goals that will move you and your team forward, true to your mission as you reach towards your true vision.


Hint: Start with Soft Skill Steps #1 through #4 before creating realistic goals for the next decade, plus action steps for today and tomorrow.


Learning outcomes:

  1. Understand the logic of starting with your vision
  2. Create realistic 10-5-3-1 year goals
  3. Apply action plans starting immediately

Soft Step #6 - Keep a True Course

 *Sudden changes in business direction can negatively affect employee morale, productivity, and potentially lead to financial losses. Conversely, a well-managed change can offer opportunities for innovation and growth. Key impacts include confusion, anxiety, and resistance from employees, as well as disruptions to daily operations and potential loss of revenue.  

 

Every business is continually faced with waves of change. Our instinctive reaction is to turn the ship around. But imagine what could happen if you just turned the ocean around? Student & Master of change, Erik Listou, shares the wisdom of staying on course through the never-ending cross-currents of adversity. Learn to be the captain of your ship. 

   

Learning outcomes:  

  1. Discover your true course.
  2. Learn the secret to smooth sailing.
  3. Become the captain of your destiny.

Video

Soft Step #7 - Invite New Ideas

 "Hey, I Have an Idea"


New ideas are incredibly important for driving innovation, progress, and success in various aspects of life, from business to personal growth. They are the foundation of creativity, problem-solving, and the development of new technologies, products, and services.  


Many years ago, in a land far away, Erik learned a new idea. Over time, he came to understand how knowledge transforms new ideas into lasting success. Discover how to motivate your team to listen and accept new ideas. Join the thousands of businesses that have learned from the wisdom of that one idea.


Learning outcomes:  

  1. Understand how to introduce new ideas.
  2. Rediscover how you learned many years ago how to reject or accept new ideas.  
  3. Create an action plan outline to inspire new ideas in your business.      

Soft Step #8 - Listen to Everyone

"What's Your Story?"


*People of all ages often hold different ideas, especially regarding moral values, work ethic, and respect for others. Research suggests that young adults are more likely to be prosocial, while older adults may focus more on their payoffs. Additionally, older adults may show a positivity bias, focusing more on positive experiences and avoiding negative ones, which is not observed in younger adults.
 

When he first entered the business world, Erik was told, “Look for the gray hairs.” He thought that meant those with gray hair. Learn to change your perception of those with different experiences, values, and ideas. Understand the value of learning how from others, no matter their apparent age! 


Open your eyes and discover the most respected color in the business world, the Color Gray.     


Learning outcomes:  

  1. Change your perceptions of age.  
  2. Share a story about learning from someone with more experience.
  3. Describe how you will inspire everyone around you and improve your business by learning from the experiences of others.



Soft Step #9 - Learn, Learn, Learn

 "If you Want to Eat Well, Learn to Cook Well"  


*Continued learning significantly benefits businesses by fostering a more adaptable, innovative, and productive workforce. It equips employees with the latest skills and knowledge, enabling them to adapt to changing market conditions, improve decision-making, and contribute to the company's overall success. 


Imagine... Sitting down for a gourmet breakfast... Fragrances waft from your plate... You fill with anticipation from an amazing presentation of colors and textures... 


If you are a leader, you are the chef. Discover with Erik Listou his recipes that will delight and fill the needs of your team and your customers, leaving them wanting more!


Learning outcomes:  

  1. Creating a business menu to include the whole team.
  2. Understanding how recipes go way beyond your kitchen.
  3. Learn how to apply a Mother's simple recipe for a full life. 

Soft Step #10 - Smile

"Smile When You Say That"


*Smiling offers numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, boost your mood, and even improve your immune system. Additionally, a smile can make you appear more approachable and trustworthy, enhancing social interactions, and it's good for the team and good for business, so become a winning mindset!


In every situation, we must always make an immediate decision that will directly affect our lives. Erik Listou will share a simple method he learned from his parents over seven decades ago. Erik shared this same two-second technique with his daughter, his grandchildren, and professionals throughout his career, plus thousands of children at Christmastime. Discover how your business and your team can control confrontations and create a positive environment in two seconds!


Learning outcomes:  

  1. Learn Erik's two-second trick.
  2. Discover how to control confrontation immediately.
  3. Create a work environment that is always positive.

To learn about Erik as one of the nation's leading practitioners, educators, and public speakers for home safety, click here Home Accessibility Expert.


Learn how Erik brings happiness and joy all year long, to children of all ages, visit Santa and Mrs.. 

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