Soft skills gap and our life skills academy

Did you hear people talking about the soft-skills gap? In discussions about the soft-skills gap in the workforce in Rwanda, it is important to recognise that this is not a problem unique to Rwanda. All over the world employers expect potential employees to possess the precise set of skills required for their specific needs. However, it is equally important for companies to consider investing in training and development programs for their workforce.

Having spent eight years in Rwanda, I still find it challenging to deal with the way security guards address me with one-word sentences. For instance, when a security guard wants to inspect the trunk of my car at a car park entrance, they simply say, “Open!” I have to bite my tongue not to respond, “Could you please say, ‘Good morning, can you open your trunk, please?'” I understand that security guards may not be fluent in English, and they may not be aware that their manner could be offensive. However, it is clear that soft-skills training is not a priority for security companies.

At Three Mountains we provide soft skills training for employees of companies. Last week I attended a training in presentation skills, given by two of our trainers. It was an inspiring experience to see people step up to the stage, take a deep breath, make contact with their audience, and then have a go at whatever message they want to deliver. People need to learn different things: talk slower, stand still, use effective gestures, and be to the point. Others have to focus on matching the content to their audience and involving the audience. Practice makes perfect. By doing it and redoing it, you see people grow and become better presenters. It works.

Which companies take action rather than just complaining about the perceived skills gap? Many companies are often overwhelmed by internal day-to-day matters, leaving little room to address important but non-urgent issues such as training.

In our course “Manage your work”.  We explain that “eating the biggest frog first” helps against procrastination; DO IT NOW! Is about deciding each moment how to deal with a task.

Tasks can be divided into categories. Important and Urgent (represented by the pink square), includes the daily tasks that keep an organization running smoothly. Important but Not-Urgent (represented by the green square) includes tasks like training. To ensure that there is enough time allocated for Important but non-urgent tasks, planning is crucial.

Unfortunately, many people tend to focus on tasks in every square except the green one. Accomplishing the tasks in the green square, such as providing necessary training for employees, requires commitment and proper planning.

Training people in work-life skills is our passion. Let’s do this together. We are here and ready for it. Call us when you are ready too!

Gerry van der Hulst