Abdul Rahman to workers: Be positive and possess soft skills for progress

Possession of soft skills is crucial for individuals looking to excel in their careers, said the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman.

According to Abdul Rahman, while technical skills are important, “it is the mastery of soft skills that truly sets individuals apart.”

The vice-chancellor identified communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, time management, leadership, creativity, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and decision-making as some examples of soft skills.

Abdul Rahman made his point known about soft skills in a paper he presented, recently.

The title of his paper is: “Required Soft Skill for Effective Service Delivery” and he made his presentation during a One-Day Training Programme for Liaison Office Staff.

The training took place at the Conference Room of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Abuja.

The vice-chancellor identified soft skills as those intangible qualities that help individuals excel in their work and personal lives.

Specifically, he said: “Soft skills, also known as interpersonal skills or social skills or people skills, are a set of personal attributes and qualities that enable individuals to effectively interact with others, navigate social situations and succeed in the workplace.”

Abdul Rahman said that employers now, unlike before, placed more value on soft skills as they are crucial for success in modern workplace.

He said that these skills complement technical proficiency and enhance overall job performance and career advancement of workers, adding that these highly versatile skills could be applied in different situations, making them valuable assets in any professional career.

Abdul Rahman, who said that possession of soft skills is necessary for effective service delivery, pointed out that workplaces that prioritise service delivery can differentiate themselves from competitors by providing a superior customer experience, adding that consistent, high-quality service delivery builds strong brand reputation and people’s trust.

He said that the primary role of service delivery is to ensure that the services provided meet client expectations in terms of quality, timelines and performance, urging the liaison office’s staff to ensure good service delivery at all levels and times.

Abdul Rahman, whose paper dwelt on creating a positive work environment, highlighted the need for employers to cater for their employees’ needs to encourage the best performance possible.

He noted that though the needs of the typical worker tends to shift over time, employers must be resilient and continue to innovate with a view to dealing with emerging technologies and realities.

Many people, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Partnerships, Prof. Samaila Dakyes, Registrar, Nuradeen Abdu, Bursar, Daniel Wilson, attended the one-day training programme.