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📌Learn your Soft Skills in 5 minutes each for FREE!

Soft skills, or cross-cutting skills, refer to the interpersonal skills and characteristics that enable effective communication and cooperation with others.

1 %

of employers consider horizontal skills to be as important or more important than technical skills

1 %

is due to good horizontal skills, while only 15% is due to technical knowledge

1 %

workers with well-developed horizontal skills are more productive 

1 %

of recruitments that fail within the first 18 months, fail due to a lack of horizontal skills

🔍 How does it work?

  1. Choose as many skills as you want from the list below.
  2. Reply the questions in our short questionnaire.
  3. Learn your results instantly and see where you are in each skill.
  4. Discover your strengths.

Discover your Skills today for FREE!!

Assignment of tasks

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Delegation is a key skill that allows individuals to effectively distribute responsibilities and accountabilities among team members. It involves delegating specific tasks and responsibilities to others, while providing them with the necessary guidance and support to achieve their objectives. Contractors have a high level of communication skills, confidence in the abilities of their team members, and the ability to allocate tasks on the basis of their respective strengths and expertise. Allowing others to take responsibility for their work promotes collaboration, increases productivity and frees up time for strategic planning and more demanding tasks. For effective leadership, team effectiveness and overall organizational goals, successful delegation is essential.

Providing Feedback

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Providing feedback is a key skill that involves providing useful and applicable knowledge to help individuals in their development. Effective feedback requires clear and specific communication, together with a balance between positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. It is important to take into account the recipient's point of view, to use appropriate language and tone of voice, and to ensure that feedback focuses on behaviours rather than personal characteristics. Ultimately, the aim is to inspire and help the recipient on their developmental journey, while maintaining their dignity and respect.

Adaptability

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Adaptability is the ability to seamlessly adapt to new conditions, environments or unforeseen changes. It requires receptiveness to new ideas, a willingness to face challenges and the ability to adjust one's attitude, approach or outlook in good time. Key elements of adaptability include maintaining composure in stressful situations, creative problem solving and effective management of transitions. This skill enables individuals to excel in dynamic and uncertain environments, promoting organisational resilience and innovation. Adaptability plays a key role in successfully responding to change, fostering collaboration and achieving sustained success in both personal and professional endeavours.

Self-efficacy

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Self-efficacy is the belief in our own abilities to organise and carry out the actions needed to achieve specific goals. It involves confidence in our abilities and perseverance in overcoming potential difficulties. Self-efficacy is critical to success in various areas of life, as it enhances our ability to remain committed to our goals and to face challenges with courage. In addition, it helps to improve professional performance and develop leadership skills. By developing self-efficacy, we can achieve greater achievements and live a fuller and more satisfying life. 

Durability

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Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties and adapt to changes and challenges. In particular, it includes perseverance, flexibility and a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Resilience helps individuals face difficulties with strength and determination. In addition, it enhances mental health and promotes well-being in times of increased pressure and stress. At the same time, it facilitates the maintenance of interpersonal relationships and the building of a support network. By developing resilience, we can face life's challenges with greater confidence, strength and optimism. 

Competitiveness

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Competitiveness reflects the ability to pursue success and excellence, often in comparison to others. It includes perseverance, determination and a strong desire for distinction. Healthy competitiveness can encourage personal and professional growth and promote innovation and excellence. In addition, it can motivate individuals to deal more effectively with the challenges and adversities they encounter, strengthening their resilience and perseverance and thereby promoting the fulfilment of long-term goals. At the same time, well-directed competitiveness can enhance cooperation and teamwork, facilitating the achievement of collective goals and achievements.

Courtesy

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Civility refers to the ability to behave with respect and kindness towards others. In particular, it involves using appropriate manners, showing respect and acknowledging the needs and feelings of others. Civility promotes positive social interactions and harmony in interpersonal relationships. At the same time, it is a key element in fostering mutual trust and cooperation, thus facilitating the effective resolution of disputes, conflicts and challenges.

Intercultural Competence

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Intercultural competence is the ability to interact effectively and respectfully with people from different cultures. It involves understanding and accepting cultural differences, developing intercultural communication skills and adapting behaviour to the cultural needs of others. Intercultural competence promotes cooperation and mutual understanding in multicultural environments, while fostering creativity and innovation through the interconnection of different cultural approaches and ideas. Finally, familiarity with different cultures and civilisations fosters the ability to reflect and address challenges with alternative ways of thinking. 

Agility

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Agility is the ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changes and new situations. Specifically, it includes flexibility, speed in decision making and the ability to face challenges in an innovative and resourceful way. The skill of flexibility is highly important for success in dynamic and uncertain environments. Besides, the ability to manage unpredictable and volatile situations enhances innovation and creativity, promoting the development of new ideas and approaches in a variety of environments.

Verbal Communication

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Verbal communication is linked to the ability to convey information, thoughts and ideas effectively through words and speech. It requires clarity, consistency and correct articulation to ensure that the listener fully understands the message. The most important elements of verbal communication include active listening, using the correct tone and rhythm, and adapting the message appropriately to the audience. Individuals who communicate effectively verbally excel at engaging others in activities, leading conversations and giving clear instructions or comments. This skill is vital in both personal and professional contexts for forming relationships, resolving conflicts and promoting mutual understanding. 

Non-verbal Communication

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Non-verbal communication is associated with the transmission of messages without words, using body language, facial expressions, gestures and eye contact. This form of communication is vital to complement and enhance verbal communication, often expressing feelings and attitudes more effectively than the exclusive use of words and speech. Key elements of non-verbal communication skills include accurately understanding and interpreting non-verbal signals, respecting the personal space of others, and using gestures and expressions that match the verbal message. Effective nonverbal communication helps individuals build relationships, foster empathy and ensure clarity in interactions, making it essential at both a personal and professional level.

Acceptance of Criticism

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The ability to accept criticism involves receiving feedback - either positive or negative - and being willing to use it in a constructive way. It involves actively listening to feedback, recognising its validity and limiting defensiveness towards it. Important aspects of accepting criticism involve remaining calm and composed, asking clarifying questions to fully understand the feedback, and showing a willingness and readiness to learn and develop through it. This skill promotes personal growth, strengthens interpersonal relationships and demonstrates maturity and responsibility both personally and professionally.

Goodness

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Kindness refers to the ability to show sincere sympathy, care and generosity to others. In particular, it includes the offering of help, selfless support and the willingness to do good to others without expectation of reward or consideration. Kindness enhances positive interpersonal relationships and promotes social well-being. At the same time, it strengthens one's self-esteem and mental balance and well-being, as altruistic behaviour often leads to feelings of satisfaction, happiness and fulfillment.

Meeting Management

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Meeting management skills are linked to the ability to plan, organise and conduct meetings efficiently and effectively. They include setting agendas and topics for discussion, actively facilitating discussion, managing time effectively and ensuring that decisions and actions agreed during meetings are accurately recorded and followed up. Meeting management skills promote productivity and decision making, while the ability to create a climate of encouragement and cooperation in a meeting helps to develop positive and harmonious relationships between participants. 

Assertiveness 

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Assertiveness is the ability to express one's views, wishes and feelings in a decisive, clear and direct way, without threatening or violating the rights of others. In particular, it includes the ability to say 'no' when necessary, but also to persist in one's attitudes and opinions, always with respect for others. Assertiveness promotes effective communication and personal empowerment, while contributing to the development of balanced relationships between individuals and groups, fostering mutual understanding and recognition. As such, it is a skill that enables individuals to deal effectively with challenges and obstacles that arise in their lives.

Problem solving

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Problem solving involves identifying challenges, analysing them thoroughly and developing effective strategies to address them. This process involves systematically understanding the underlying causes, evaluating different solutions and applying the most appropriate approach. Successful problem solvers typically demonstrate critical thinking, creativity and resourcefulness in order to address complex issues and achieve desired outcomes. Ultimately, enhancing problem-solving skills aims at finding solutions that are feasible, sustainable and consistent with organisational or personal goals.

Time Management

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Time management refers to the ability to organise and use one's time in a way that maximises productivity and efficiency. In particular, it involves planning, prioritising tasks, avoiding procrastination and maintaining focus on the goals at hand. Time management is essential for achieving personal and professional goals and achievements. In fact, the ability to adapt the way an individual adapts his or her time allocation to different types of tasks and challenges enhances resilience, as well as the skills of effectively managing stress and pressure.

Empathy

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Empathy is the ability to understand and feel deeply the feelings and experiences of others. It involves active listening, sensitivity to the needs of others and showing empathy, compassion and understanding towards others. In addition, empathy promotes the creation of constructive interpersonal relationships, fostering mutual understanding and achieving emotional alertness. At the same time, it facilitates intercultural communication, as it contributes to the perception and recognition of different visual and cultural realities. 

Anger Management

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Anger management is the ability to recognise and regulate feelings of anger, both in oneself and in others. It includes tactics and methods that help the individual to remain calm and restrained, to respond carefully rather than impulsively, and to resolve conflicts in a constructive way. Important aspects of anger management include self-awareness, recognizing the triggers that tend to trigger anger, and using techniques such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, and effective communication to defuse tense situations. Learning how to manage anger is vital to maintaining emotional health and achieving positive outcomes in a variety of circumstances and environments.

Project Management

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Project management is the ability to plan, organise and execute projects effectively and efficiently. It involves setting objectives, allocating resources, monitoring progress and solving problems. Project management ensures that a project is successfully completed within specified deadlines and budgets. It also promotes the development of collaboration and leadership skills among team members. Finally, the application of project management methods and techniques enhances transparency and efficiency of work. 

Self-esteem

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Self-esteem is the value we place on ourselves and the perception of ourselves as worthy and capable. It involves acceptance of ourselves, recognition of our strengths and weaknesses and a sense of personal worth. High self-esteem is fundamental to mental health and well-being, as it enhances our ability to face challenges and pursue our goals with determination. In addition, it helps to build healthy interpersonal relationships and develop our emotional resilience. By cultivating self-esteem, we can live with greater confidence, fulfillment and satisfaction.

Influencing (Influencing) 

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To manage relationships effectively and achieve goals, the ability to influence others is essential. Specifically, the skill of influencing refers to one's ability to persuade and motivate others effectively. Its key aspects include developing a climate of trust and credibility, using supporting evidence to reach agreement, and using persuasive communication strategies. Influencing skills also require leadership and the ability to create a collaborative climate, using empathy and authority as useful and helpful tools.

Eutrophilia

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Wit is the ability to think and react quickly to conversations or situations that require intelligence, humour or ingenuity. It requires quick thinking, creativity and spontaneity to provide timely and effective responses. Important aspects of wit include a keen sense of humor, connecting ideas quickly, and adapting humor or witty remarks as circumstances dictate. This ability enhances interpersonal interactions, encourages social participation, and mitigates tense situations. Quick-witted individuals often stand out in social gatherings, public speaking and negotiations, where quick thinking and effective communication are highly valued. 

Conflict Resolution 

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Conflict resolution is a vital skill that allows individuals to work effectively through confrontations and disagreements. It is the ability to identify, address and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner, with the aim of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. Conflict resolution specialists have strong communication skills, empathy and the ability to remain calm and cool under pressure. Conflict resolution promotes healthy relationships, facilitates team dynamics and contributes to a positive and effective working environment by promoting understanding, cooperation and mutual compromise.

Customer-centric approach

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The customer-centric approach refers to the ability to recognise and meet customer needs and expectations, creating positive experiences and enhancing customer loyalty. It involves understanding customer wants and requirements, providing personalized and effective service, and continuously improving services or products based on customer feedback. Customer-centric skills promote the development of strong and long-term relationships with customers, which is critical to business success and competitiveness. In addition, continuous adaptation to changes and new market trends, as well as proactive management of customer needs, enhance customer satisfaction and promote customer loyalty. Overall, an effective customer-centric approach leads to increased customer satisfaction, improved business reputation and greater success.

Strategic Planning

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Strategic planning is a methodical approach used by individuals and organisations to set priorities, focus energy and resources, improve operations and achieve common goals for all stakeholders. It involves defining the organization's vision, mission and goals, and formulating strategies and action plans to achieve them. Strategic planning involves analysing internal and external factors, anticipating relevant trends and identifying potential opportunities and challenges. Finally, it serves as a key framework for informed decision-making and the achievement of sustainable and long-term success.

Diplomacy & Negotiation

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Diplomacy and negotiation skills include the ability to understand and respect different perspectives, communicate clearly and accurately and reconcile conflicting interests. These skills require flexibility and adaptability, allowing the individual to handle and resolve conflicts in a diplomatic and discreet manner. Effective negotiators build and maintain long-term relationships by using persuasive means and adopting a calm attitude, even under pressure. They also aim for solutions that benefit all parties involved, while maintaining transparency, building trust and ensuring open and honest communication.

Active Listening 

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Η ενεργητική ακρόαση συνεπάγεται την πλήρη συγκέντρωση, κατανόηση, απόκριση και ανάκληση του περιεχομένου μιας συνομιλίας. Πηγαίνει πέρα από την απλή ακρόαση, ερμηνεύοντας το μήνυμα, τα συναισθήματα και τις προθέσεις του ομιλητή. Οι βασικές πτυχές της ενεργητικής ακρόασης περιλαμβάνουν τη διατήρηση της οπτικής επαφής, τα νεύματα, την παροχή ανατροφοδότησης και την αναζήτηση διευκρίνισης μέσω ερωτήσεων. Αυτή η ικανότητα προάγει την αποτελεσματική επικοινωνία, καλλιεργεί την εμπιστοσύνη και προλαμβάνει τις παρανοήσεις και τις παρεξηγήσεις σε μια συζήτηση. Επιδεικνύοντας γνήσιο ενδιαφέρον και ενσυναίσθηση, οι ενεργοί ακροατές καλλιεργούν μια υποστηρικτική ατμόσφαιρα που ευνοεί τις ειλικρινείς και ουσιαστικές συζητήσεις.

Coaching

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Coaching is a key skill that enables individuals to reach their full potential and pursue their goals. In order to help individuals develop their skills, knowledge and confidence, effective coaching involves providing guidance, support and encouragement. An experienced coach has active listening skills, empathy, and the ability to ask thought-provoking questions that stimulate reflection and development. By fostering a collaborative environment that empowers individuals, coaching promotes personal and professional growth, enhances performance, and fosters long-term relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Mentoring

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Mentoring skills include the ability to guide, assist and empower others to maximise their potential and achieve their goals. An experienced mentor cultivates a supportive bond with their mentees, based on trust and mutual respect, providing guidance, advice and valuable feedback. Successful mentors inspire and encourage, imparting wisdom, personal experiences and useful perspectives, and helping mentors to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional development. Key elements of mentoring skills include active listening, empathy, goal setting and creating an environment conducive to learning and growth, motivating mentors to explore and enhance their strengths.

Supervisory skills (Supervising) 

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Supervisory skills refer to the effective supervision and management of the work of others. The role of the supervisor is vital in ensuring that tasks and projects are completed on time and to the set standards. Key elements of these skills include effectively delegating tasks, providing clear guidance, monitoring progress and providing constructive feedback. Effective supervisors foster a positive and productive workplace by addressing challenges, resolving conflicts and encouraging teamwork. They also promote the professional development of their team members, build trust and set an example for others to drive strong performance and achieve organizational goals.                    

Management Skills (Managing)

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Management skills cover a wide range of competencies vital to successful leadership and organisational achievements. Specifically, these skills include strategic planning and goal setting for the efficient organisation and prioritisation of tasks and responsibilities. Effective decision-making and risk management ensure the smooth progress of the project, with an emphasis on resource allocation and adaptability in the event of unexpected difficulties. Seeking feedback in advance, anticipating any challenges and creating alternative action plans form a proactive management style.

Friendship

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Friendliness refers to the ability to be pleasant and approachable to others. Specifically, it includes kindness, goodness and a person's willingness to help and support others. Friendliness enhances positive social interactions and promotes the creation of strong and supportive relationships. Moreover, it highlights the importance of kindness and mutual respect, thus contributing to social cohesion and harmony. Finally, friendliness facilitates the release of tension in social interactions and contributes to the creation of a pleasant and welcoming environment. 

Emotional Adjustment

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Emotional regulation refers to the ability to manage one's emotions in a way that is appropriate to the situation. It involves controlling impulses, maintaining composure and using strategies to deal with negative emotions. This skill is important for maintaining emotional well-being and managing challenges effectively. In addition, it helps to enhance resilience, promote well-being, improve interpersonal relationships and strengthen one's self-confidence.

Emotional Intelligence 

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Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It includes self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy and interpersonal communication skills. Emotional intelligence strengthens interpersonal relationships and leadership skills, while helping to effectively manage stress and pressure in personal or professional life. Finally, high emotional intelligence can enhance an individual's creativity and innovation in the professional field. 

Confidence

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Confidence is the belief in our own strengths and abilities and the feeling that we can achieve our goals. It includes self-esteem and the ability to make decisions with confidence. Self-confidence is important for achieving personal and professional success and developing leadership skills. It enhances our ability to face challenges with vigour and persevere in difficult situations. In addition, self-confidence facilitates effective communication, as well as building healthy and harmonious relationships. By strengthening our self-confidence, we can live a more meaningful, satisfying and fulfilling life. 

Teamwork

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Teamwork skills refer to the ability to work effectively with others to achieve common goals. In particular, they involve contributing and sharing ideas, supporting other team members and maintaining a positive and productive dynamic within the team. Teamwork skills promote effective collaboration and the success of team projects. At the same time, the ability to communicate effectively and manage any disagreements and conflicts within the team helps to create a positive, harmonious and collaborative environment.

Decision making 

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Decision-making is a key skill, which plays a central role in both the personal and professional spheres. It involves the careful evaluation and consideration of available information, resources and possible outcomes, and the selection of the best course of action through a range of alternatives. The best decision-makers possess analytical thinking and critical reasoning skills, as well as the ability to evaluate the risks and benefits of each alternative. They can collect relevant data, conduct an objective assessment of the situation and make informed decisions in a timely manner. Decision-making ability enables individuals to solve problems, take advantage of opportunities and achieve the goals they seek in order to contribute to success and progress through sound judgement and responsibility.

Stress Management

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Stress management refers to the ability to recognise and deal with one's stress in functional and constructive ways. It involves recognising the factors that cause stress, using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and physical exercise, and developing problem-solving skills. This skill helps to improve mental well-being and overall performance of the individual. It enhances resilience in difficult situations and significantly reduces the risk of mental disorders. In addition, it helps improve concentration and productivity in daily life, while promoting a sense of calm and balance in one's life. 

Self-awareness

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Self-awareness refers to the ability to recognise one's own feelings, thoughts and behaviours, and to understand how they affect others. It involves self-observation, recognition of personal strengths and weaknesses, and honest evaluation of oneself. Self-awareness is critical for personal growth and improving one's interpersonal relationships. It enhances decision-making skills and helps to manage stress effectively. In addition, it helps to enhance empathy and understanding of the feelings of others.

ISON was delighted to receive the Key Innovator award for the development of new innovative tests from the European Commission. 

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