Duncan's Five Soft Skills Clusters

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Duncan Nugget® #144: Soft skills are personal abilities that help you perform better and interact better with other people.

For a few years, I actually tried to create a list or directory of all soft skills. An initial list of 10 grew to 107. That's when I thought to myself "This is ridiculous!" 

It was the wrong approach to soft skills development. It is better to focus on skill clusters and the behaviors that demonstrate proficiency in those areas. For example, in the Decision Making & Problem Solving Cluster the key behavioral indicator is: The ability to recognize, create, and choose effective options and solutions.

There are dozens of skills and character traits in each cluster. You don't need to know them all. Some will be strengths for you, others will be weaknesses. And that's the journey: finding your unique combination of skills that will help you build an exceptional life.

NOTE: Many soft skills are active in multiple clusters. So, at some point you will find yourself thinking, “With this skill, activity, or character trait, I am using multiple soft skills clusters.”

THE FIVE SOFT SKILLS CLUSTERS

(Click here to download pdf.)

Communication: The ability to send and receive clear messages

Decision Making & Problem Solving: The ability to recognize, create, and choose effective options and solutions

Teamwork & Collaboration: The ability to work with others toward a common goal or objective

Self-Management & Professionalism: The ability to demonstrate behaviors & character traits on par with the highest standards of your role or position

Leadership, Influence, & Persuasion: The ability to inspire and move people to action