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BUS 197

Are you ready for your most valuable class at Palomar College?  

Do you want to become a better thinker, communicator, presenter, resilient problem-solver, job candidate, employee, manager, and/or leader?    

Then sign up NOW for this one-time, in-person course, BUS 197 (Soft Skills Intensive), before it is too late.  This will be your best class of Fall 2023 and you will earn a certificate of completion that will stand out on any resume!    

BUS197 #73623 (SOFT SKILLS INTENSIVE) – Later start by 4 weeks

9/19/23 – 12/14/23,

Tue & Thu, 12:45pm-2:50pm, MD-321,

Instructor: L. Reza Wrathall

In fact, I guarantee this class will be so valuable to your professional development, employability, and workplace success that you will reflect on it for the next 20 years or more!  

This is no exaggeration.  Google “importance of soft skills” and then take a look at some of the topics we will cover in different settings all around campus this Fall (e.g., performance stages, outside on the lawn, conference rooms, and classrooms):  

  1. Time management & communication fundamentals. 
  2. Employing an entrepreneurial mindset: adaptability; creativity; problem-solving; and leadership. 
  3. Excelling in teamwork & working independently. 
  4. Effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communications. 
  5. Refining your analytical approach. 
  6. Rhetorical analysis & the art of persuasion. 
  7. Honing your presentation skills. 
  8. Negotiation & conflict resolution. 
  9. The psychology of sales: Let’s make a deal!  
  10. Integrating interpersonal skills: active listening; the ability to identify, summarize and resolve problems; and persuasive communication. 
  11. Customer service training & models of excellence: I value you! 
  12. Basic geography & infrastructure you need to know!  
  13. Conducting evaluations of self & others. 
  14. Best practices for self-improvement. 

The reading list for BUS 197 will be finalized shortly — all highly relevant & entertaining materials, I promise! 

In the meantime, feel free to contact me at lwrathall@palomar.edu if you have any questions.  I look forward to the most valuable course of Fall 2023!  

The list of topics above incorporates many different soft skills that employers are currently looking for.    Again, Google the “importance of soft skills” and confirm for yourself. 

What are soft skills?  

Soft skills relate to how individuals interact with others, communicate, and navigate their work and personal lives. They are often referred to as interpersonal or people skills and involve the following: 

  1. Effective Communication: Verbal, nonverbal and written communication, listening, and empathy are all crucial to express ideas clearly, understand others’ perspectives, and build strong relationships based on trust and understanding. 
  2. Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaboration, teamwork, and conflict resolution are essential for working effectively in teams and can lead to improved problem-solving, innovation, and overall team performance. 
  3. Adaptability and Flexibility: Adaptability, flexibility, and resilience enable individuals to embrace change, learn new skills, and navigate through uncertain situations. Being adaptable allows individuals to thrive in diverse work environments and respond effectively to unexpected challenges. 
  4. Customer Service and Relationship Building: Employing empathy, active listening, and problem-solving in customer service roles helps create positive customer experiences, build long-lasting relationships, and enhance customer satisfaction. 
  5. Personal and Professional Development: Skills like time management, self-motivation, and self-awareness contribute to personal and professional growth and help individuals manage their own development, set goals, and enhance their overall effectiveness and productivity. 
  6. Career Advancement: While technical skills may get you in the door, it’s often soft skills that differentiate individuals and contribute to long-term success in their careers. 
  7. Leadership and Management:  Skills such as decision-making, emotional intelligence, and the ability to motivate and inspire others are key for successful leadership. Effective leaders are able to communicate their vision, delegate tasks, and build cohesive teams that achieve goals. 

In summary, soft skills are crucial for effective communication, collaboration, adaptability, customer service, personal development, career advancement, and leadership. They are highly sought after by employers and play a significant role in building strong relationships, fostering teamwork, and achieving professional success. 

Lawrence Wrathall
Professor L. R. Wrathall        
Assistant Professor, Business Administration  
Room MD-350
1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069
P. 760.744.1150, Ext. 3616 
lwrathall@palomar.edu