cover image The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They'd Learned Sooner

The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They'd Learned Sooner

Peggy Klaus, with Jane Rohman and Molly Hamaker. . Collins, $14.95 (190pp) ISBN 978-0-06-128414-4

Whether near the beginning or end of a career, Klaus (BRAG! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It ) sees future professional growth dependent upon identifying and correcting self-sabotaging interpersonal behavior. Klaus illustrates each behavior's professional importance with stories from her work as a career coach. These “soft skills” run the gamut from handling critics (including one's own internal critic) to bragging. Her practical advice is delivered in the conversational style of a one-on-one session with a personal coach. The learn-by-example counsel may be helpful for those entering such situations as annual performance reviews—whether giving or receiving them—and public speaking. The volume is recommended for those who are in need of a more personable approach to rising up professionally. (Feb.)