This Facilitator Guide serves as an essential companion for the book What Your Employer Expects—How to Apply Soft Skills at Work. It provides a thorough overview of the chapter contents, recommendations for engaging discussions, and suggested answers to critical thinking activities. Notably, it includes concrete answers for certain activities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material.

The full text of What Your Employer Expects—How to Apply Soft Skills at Work is also included within the Facilitator Guide itself, making it a valuable resource for both instructors and learners.

In this indispensable guide, you will uncover the fundamental expectations that employers have for all employees—these are the “Must Haves” that span from new hires to seasoned executives. Imagine you are about to begin a new role; the excitement of new opportunities can often be accompanied by apprehension. However, understanding precisely what employers require can ease that anxiety and empower you to excel from day one.

The primary expectation from employers is that you contribute effectively to the organization’s goals on a daily basis. To achieve this, you must:

• Be productive in your role
• Integrate seamlessly into the company culture
• Deliver exceptional customer service
• Build strong relationships with colleagues and supervisors
• Exhibit outstanding ethics in all your dealings
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Practice active listening
• Show enthusiasm for continuous learning
• Utilize technology efficiently in your daily tasks
• Take accountability for your performance
• Adapt to changes within the organization

Employers emphasize the importance of delivering consistent, high-quality work throughout each workday. They look for initiative, organization, effective time management, and the ability to learn from constructive criticism. To build your credibility, it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude at all times.

One of the key focuses of this guide is enhancing your communication skills. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively in various situations, whether in one-on-one discussions, team settings, virtual meetings, or through written correspondence such as emails and reports. Competent listening and conflict resolution skills are particularly crucial, and this guide will equip you with the tools necessary to apply these skills in your everyday interactions.

Through What Your Employer Expects—How to Apply Soft Skills at Work, you will learn how to present yourself as a professional. The guide outlines specific actionable steps that can help you optimize your hours on the job, thereby attracting the attention of key decision-makers regarding pay raises and promotions.

This guide begins with a self-assessment, allowing you to identify existing skills and abilities that align with employer expectations while also highlighting areas for growth. By reflecting on your current capabilities, you can better prepare yourself for the demands of the workplace.

Additionally, be sure to explore the companion books within the Quick Skills Series, which further enhance your professional skill set, paving the way for you to become a top achiever in your career: