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eadership Presence! How do you relate to Self-Awareness and Mindfulness?
Most of all, how are these intangible soft skills uniquely relevant in this tough job market?

To understand the importance, Harvard has courses on Authentic Leadership Development, as noted in Bill George’s HBR article, “Leadership Mindfulness”.

If you’re in jobsearch, today, expect to be considered for the ways you reflect soft skills at least equally to how you demonstrate hard skill experience. Interviewers won’t typically inquire directly, but remember that most interviewers will gather their decision-making observations from the quality of your conversations with them and their team. Studies reveal that the majority of communication is non-verbal. When our body language doesn’t match what we say, it's reasonable to expect the listener to make decisions on how we act too.

Key Points - To Ensure You’re Well Understood

Practice mock interviews with mentors who can provide objective feedback. You only have one opportunity to make a good first impression.

Develop Self-Awareness by learning to self-observe yourself accurately. Practice being a non-biased witness by noting intricate details of your behavior. Start with the first interaction and continue until you’ve accepted a job offer. Others are watching and every facial gesture tells your story.

Develop mastery in conversations. In email conduct, interviews, arranging appointments - infuse each activity with a consistently agreeable style and tone. Are you an active or a passive listener?

Notice how and when you assimilate information to prepare for responses. Be especially aware of questions that you may not understand or that provoke tension. Note any defensive reactions – then make mindful adjustments.

Studies show that employers are interested in way more than competence, and tend to hire candidates who develop common ground, stay pleasant, and smile a lot. Little things can make big differences.

To learn more contact…

Ruth Simone, Principal and Leadership Coach, Luminare Coaching & Consulting. She offers a no-obligation consultation before all client engagements.