ABSTRACT
Today's rapidly evolving society has created significant differences from the past, where possessing strong professional knowledge alone could propel an individual to great career success.
In today's competitive corporate landscape, possessing professional knowledge alone is insufficient for achieving significant success The increasing complexity of the business world demands employees to have a strong foundation in both hard and soft skills As a result, soft skills have become essential for students aiming to maximize their potential in various university programs Key soft skills include time management, effective communication, and positive thinking, all of which are crucial for personal and professional development.
Upon completing the Skill Development course at FTU, we aim to present a comprehensive report detailing our group's entire workflow, from the inception of ideas to the final product—a short film.
INTRODUCTION
Summary of the clip
A freshman embarks on a transformative journey in Hanoi, the vibrant capital city, where he initially struggles with disorganization and ineffective social interactions Overwhelmed by the new environment, he grapples with a pessimistic outlook on life.
The protagonist's journey took a turn when he engaged in a soft skills group work, where he confronted his shortcomings Despite his efforts to improve each day, he struggled due to inadequate time management and ineffective communication, leading to task incompletion and rejected ideas from his team This rejection plunged him into despair, contemplating suicide However, a sudden positive thought motivated him to learn from his mistakes, ultimately leading to success He realized that achieving goals is fraught with challenges and that mastering soft skills, such as time management and teamwork, is crucial in today's integrated and modern world Remember, while soft skills may often be overlooked, they are essential for career success.
Educational significance
This video addresses the prevalent deficiency of soft skills among young people, particularly first-year students, who often struggle with time management and personal organization Without parental guidance, many of these students lead disorganized lives, which negatively impacts their work efficiency and sense of responsibility It is only when they enter collaborative environments that their inability to cooperate becomes evident, leading to criticism from peers.
Therefore, in this video, we would like to emphasize the great importance of building up the soft skills to become a confident person.
Research objectives
Express our message through the story in the video.
Encourage students to appreciate their ability to manage their busy life,gaining the most crucial skills to enjoy a better and happier life and learning many useful lessons.
Research methods
The mid-term assignment of creating a short video to showcase skills learned in the courses is an effective educational approach This collaborative task encourages team members to brainstorm ideas, engage in discussions, and work together to achieve their common goals.
Scope of the study
During the process to make this video, our group need to apply all of the soft skills which we have achieved in the course, including:
Work organization and time management skills
Structure of the report
The content of the report is allocated in five main parts:
LITERATURE REVIEWS
Soft skill and each of the skills studied
Soft skills, often referred to as people management skills, have been defined in various contexts by numerous authors over time, including John Stephan and Randy Brown in 2012.
Soft skills are essential people management abilities, as defined by Parente, John Stephan, and Randy Brown (2012) Fogle (2011) expanded this definition to include teaming skills alongside communication and social skills Additionally, Hargis (2011) identified work ethic, critical thinking, and problem-solving as integral components of soft skills.
Soft skills are essential personal attributes and communication abilities that contribute to professional success They define how individuals interact with others and approach their work and personal relationships, playing a crucial role in overall effectiveness in the workplace.
In the 21st century, soft skills have become essential for employability and success, with research from Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and the Stanford Research Center revealing that 85% of job success is attributed to strong people skills and soft skills, while only 15% is linked to technical knowledge and hard skills.
After completing a "Skill Development" course at Foreign Trade University, we identified four essential soft skills: Positive Thinking, Communication, Time Management, and Teamwork These skills are crucial for personal and professional growth, enhancing our ability to collaborate effectively and manage our time efficiently.
Communication, derived from the Latin term "commūnicāre," meaning "to share," refers to the process of transmitting intended meanings between individuals or groups This exchange relies on mutually understood signs and semiotic rules to ensure clarity and understanding.
The first key word in this definition is "process" A process is a dynamic activity that is hard to describe because it changes (Pearson &
Nelson, 2000) When we interact, there are many factors that influence the process of communication.
The second key word is "understanding": “To understand is to perceive, to interpret, and to relate our perception and interpretation to what we already know” (McLean, 2003).
Next comes the word "sharing" Sharing means doing something together with one or more people In communication, sharing occurs when you convey thoughts, feelings, ideas, or insights to others.
"Meaning is conveyed through communication, and by examining the context in which a word is used and asking relevant questions, we can uncover its shared meaning and grasp the intended message."
There are two basic types of communication: verbal and non-verbal communication
Verbal communication: Some definitions of verbal communications are as follows:
According to Bovee and others, verbal communication is the expression of information through language which is composed of words and grammar.
According to Penrose and others, verbal communication consists of sharing thoughts thought the meaning of words.
Verbal communication refers to the exchange of messages or information using words, and it occurs in various forms such as face-to-face conversations, group discussions, counseling sessions, interviews, and through media like radio and television Additionally, it encompasses communication methods including phone calls, memos, letters, reports, notes, and emails.
When verbally communicate with others, clarification is the key
Effective verbal communication is essential for clear expression and understanding, as misunderstandings can arise from unclear articulation In his 2001 article, "The Psychology of Verbal Communication," Robert M Krauss emphasizes that a species' survival hinges on its communication abilities, significantly influencing the quality of its social interactions.
Moreover, to conduct effective verbal communication, principles such as the ABC, the 5C and the 7C should be applied.
The 5C includes: Clear, Concise, Complete, Correct, and Courteous; and the 7C is the same as the 5C with Consistency and Cautious in extra.
Non-verbal communication: There are various ways to define Non-verbal communication:
Nonverbal communication encompasses all forms of interaction that do not involve spoken or written words, including body movements, spatial dynamics, temporal cues, touch, vocal tone, color, and the arrangement of the environment As defined by experts Lesikar and Pettit, as well as Himstreet and Baty, this type of communication plays a crucial role in conveying messages and emotions effectively.
The Business Dictionary defines non-verbal communication as the transmission of message by some medium other than speech or writing.
Body language and non-verbal cues account for 93% of communication, with speech comprising just 7% This non-verbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and physical proximity, as well as the sound of a speaker's voice, which encompasses pitch, tone, and volume Additionally, visuals play a crucial role in conveying information, while architectural choices, colors, and textures in home and office environments reflect personal interests and preferences.
In "Bodily Communication," Michael Argyle outlines five key functions of non-verbal communication: expressing emotions, conveying interpersonal relationships, enhancing verbal interactions, reflecting personality, and performing rituals like greetings and farewells For instance, a warm smile while saying "congratulations" can enhance the sincerity of the message, whereas a stern expression may undermine it.
Time management involves strategically planning and consciously controlling how time is allocated to various activities, aiming to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity It requires balancing multiple demands from work, social life, family, hobbies, and personal interests while recognizing the limited nature of time.
Using time effectively gives the person “choice” on spending/ managing activities at their own time and expediency.
Effective time management involves utilizing various skills, tools, and techniques to efficiently handle tasks, projects, and goals while adhering to deadlines It plays a crucial role in project development, as it directly influences both the completion time and the overall scope of the project.
Some scholars such as Macan (1994) stated that time management training programs lead to three types of time management behaviors:
setting goals and priorities mechanics of time management preference for organization
Teamwork is the collaborative process where a group of interdependent individuals work together to achieve a shared goal or complete a task efficiently and effectively This concept emphasizes the importance of cooperation within a team to enhance productivity and success.
The importance of Soft skills
Soft skills encompass a range of personal qualities and habits that enhance a student's compatibility with academic demands These skills, which include effective communication, body language, active listening, and self-presentation, enable students to navigate their educational environment more effectively Students who develop strong soft skills are better equipped to comprehend assignments and engage with their studies, ultimately gaining greater control over their learning experience.
Soft skills are essential for students, providing them with a solid conceptual and practical foundation to effectively build, develop, and manage teams These skills encompass effective communication, clear presentation of information, team-building, leadership, time management, and interpersonal abilities By honing these skills, students enhance their overall personality and significantly improve their career prospects, ultimately aiding them in their professional journeys.
2.2 The importance of Communication skill
Effective communication is fundamental to the success of any organization, as all workplace activities stem from it To ensure tasks are completed and objectives are met, it is crucial to develop strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Every day whether we want to or not we must communicate with others.
But a lot of people are extremely subjective when communicating, in particularly, they do not focus on sympathy and even have a lot of bad habits affecting their relationships.
Effective communication is a vital skill that enhances our interactions and leaves a lasting impression on those we meet When I communicate well, I exude confidence, making it easier to engage with others Unfortunately, many individuals lack communication techniques, leading to fear and nervousness, particularly in first-time encounters This often results in missed opportunities to connect with valuable communicators, potential business partners, or supportive consultants.
Effective communication enhances your professional image and leaves a lasting impression on others By understanding the psychology of those you interact with, you can adapt your approach to foster trust and engagement, regardless of the complexity of the topics discussed This ability to connect deeply with your audience ensures that your words resonate and create a positive impact.
Not only that, when the ability to communicate is trained at higher levels, you can completely improve the ability to convince and create an
15 intense attraction to business partners, thereby bringing the results
Best results for your career.
2.3 The importance of Time management
Effective time management significantly boosts productivity, enabling you to gain additional focused hours each week For instance, by enhancing your organization and discipline, you could secure an extra hour of productive work daily, which totals approximately 250 hours annually—equivalent to nearly a month and a half of extra work time.
Effective time management skills enable you to prioritize tasks confidently, reducing stress about what needs to be accomplished With a clear plan in place, you'll know the next steps to take and how to address any obstacles that arise, whether by delegating tasks or shifting focus to other priorities, ultimately enhancing your overall efficiency.
You’ll learn to delegate more efficiently Rather than forcing yourself into a role you don't care for, you should try to delegate your tasks instead
By delegating to someone who has the required skill set, you'll get the task done, reduce your stress levels, and stay a happy employee, thus increasing your productivity.
By managing your time effectively, you can create more opportunities for personal pursuits and focus on what truly matters to you Whether it's advancing a work project or addressing lingering tasks, optimizing your time allows you to tackle important responsibilities and enjoy a greater sense of accomplishment.
Effective time management is a crucial skill that impacts all aspects of your work By mastering this skill, you can enhance decision-making and achieve greater productivity with less effort Although we cannot extend the hours in a day, efficient management of your available time will lead to improved results and increased accomplishment.
Effective teamwork is essential for the success of any business, as it fosters collaboration and enhances overall productivity In today's professional landscape, the ability to work well with others is crucial for building a meaningful and lasting career Emphasizing teamwork not only drives individual performance but also contributes to the collective success of the organization.
To succeed in today's competitive landscape, businesses must embrace new and innovative ideas Your unique perspective can significantly enhance the overall success of the organization A diverse team, where each member contributes individual insights, fosters an environment where creativity flourishes and drives business growth.
Teamwork is essential for effective problem-solving, as collaboration within a group fosters the exchange of ideas and innovative solutions Brainstorming sessions provide valuable opportunities for team members to share their thoughts and develop creative approaches, ultimately leading to the discovery of the most effective solutions By working together, teams can navigate complex challenges more efficiently.
Teamwork fosters a supportive environment that ensures deadlines are met and work quality remains high When a team member struggles, others step in to help, allowing tasks to be completed more quickly and enhancing overall business efficiency As team members collaborate towards a common goal, they develop a strong sense of camaraderie.
Effective teamwork enhances morale by making individuals feel valued for their contributions When team members share ideas that boost productivity, like implementing a new filing system, it fosters confidence and trust among the group Every member brings unique strengths to the table, enriching the collaborative effort.
By working together, members of a team feel a strong sense of belonging and deep commitment to each other and the common goal.
It's one thing to have a team, it's a whole other thing to have teamwork A team that works well together can succeed together and produce great results.
2.5 The importance of Positive thinking skill
Positive minds are powerful minds We can do and achieve almost anything with a mind that has the willingness and determination to do it
Recognizing the need for a paradigm shift in our thinking can profoundly impact our lives Many individuals may not realize that the misfortunes and tragedies they face are often a result of their own actions and mindset Embracing this awareness can lead to significant personal growth and transformation.
An individual with a positive mind can do a lot of positive things
Approaches
The course emphasizes interactive learning through quizzes, short questions with bonus marks, group assessments, and effective presentation methods Students receive guidance from lecturers on developing essential soft skills, engaging in a variety of beneficial and interesting activities, including writing formal emails and letters.
brainstorming critical thinking public speaking presentation games to enhance team spirit writing skills
In addition to the knowledge we acquire from the course, the sources which we used to collect information are books, academic reports, and online documents.
Methods
We opted to produce a short video clip to highlight the significance of essential skills such as communication, time management, positive thinking, and teamwork This method was chosen because it effectively showcases these skills in an engaging and accessible format.
Filming is an effective way to convey complex lessons in an engaging and interesting manner A well-crafted video can deliver multiple meaningful messages, allowing viewers to absorb and retain information more easily By leveraging the power of video, creators can spread their messages in a way that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impact.
Achieving a team goal in video production involves collaboration, with each member assigned specific roles To create high-quality videos, team members must work seamlessly together, think creatively, and take responsibility for generating innovative ideas related to the subject matter.
Illustration
Practice, develop and apply learned soft skills
Create group on Facebook and Messenger:
Notify about topic and division of work
Notify about shooting schedule and deadline
Submit and review individual parts of work
Division of work Our group divided work among 6 members into below parts:
Writing script for video: Thái Mỹ Hạnh, Hoàng Thu Thuỷ, Nguyễn Minh Châu, Hoàng Hương Giang.
Main actors: Phạm Đức Nam.
Supporting actors: Công Hoàng Long, Thái Mỹ Hạnh, Hoàng Thu Thuỷ, Nguyễn Minh Châu, Hoàng Hương Giang.
Recording the video: Công Hoàng Long, Nguyễn Minh Châu.
Editing the video: Phạm Đức Nam.
3/6 - 8/6/2019 Brainstorm ideas for the video, discuss the main plot and decide which details appear in the story's timeline
8/6 - 11/6/2019 Write script for the video
14/6 - 18/6/2019 Finish the report 19/6 - 20/6/2019 Review the video and report
3.2 Difficulties in the process of making the video
Achieving high video quality is challenging for our group, as not all members possess specialized filming cameras Initially, we focused on the editing phase, which involves manipulating and rearranging video shots to produce a cohesive final product This stage also requires color correction, title adjustments, and sound mixing, making it the most difficult aspect of completing our video project.
Member’s conflict in idea and timetable
We encountered scheduling challenges while coordinating the filming date, but ultimately decided to prioritize the project by rearranging our personal commitments and sacrificing our free time to ensure our attendance.
In the initial brainstorming session, each team member presented their ideas, leading to a spirited discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of each concept Ultimately, after considering various perspectives, the group reached a consensus on the best idea to pursue.
Time limit: Because of differences in curriculum, upcoming exams, our group only had little time to spend for this teamwork project.
Weather: There were some scenes which must be shot in the outside
Nevertheless, bad weather prevented us from bringing the best quality of the video with high sound-effects and stunning background.
FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
A first-year university student embarks on a transformative journey in the bustling city of Hanoi, initially struggling with disorganization and haste, which leads to various challenges His participation in a soft skills group reveals his shortcomings, prompting a daily process of self-improvement Each morning, he metaphorically "wakes up" to confront his flaws, striving to break free from a seemingly endless cycle As he navigates daily tasks, such as waking up, planning, and collaborating with peers, significant personal growth becomes evident, illustrating his evolution from disbelief to determination.
The video features five key scenes highlighting the importance of four essential skills: time management, communication, positive thinking, and presentation In the initial four scenes, the protagonist struggles with these skills, but by the final scene, he successfully masters them, leading to a boost in his self-confidence and the completion of his tasks His remarkable transformation impresses his peers, who enthusiastically commend him and select him as the next presenter for their upcoming group project.
Poor time management skills led him to use his time ineffectively, often sleeping in during the mornings and arriving late to meetings Additionally, he frequently justified his tardiness and unfinished tasks with aggressive excuses directed at fellow team members.
The short of communication and presentation made him demonstrate his task unclearly and confused everybody, which made the members
Disappointed by the group's rejection despite his hard work to improve himself, he fell into a deep depression and contemplated suicide However, upon waking the next morning, he found himself still troubled by his efforts Fortunately, a sudden surge of positive thinking transformed his mindset completely, offering him hope and a new perspective on his situation.
He experienced many lessons, as a result he succeeded in group work and overcame his boundaries.
In today's globalized and modernized world, the significance of soft skills is increasingly evident We often encounter unexpected challenges and dilemmas; however, the skills imparted by our instructors enable us to navigate these difficulties systematically The obstacles faced by both ourselves and the characters depicted in the video serve as clear examples of the essential role that effective soft skills play in overcoming adversity.
In the near future, individuals with strong soft skills will emerge as leaders, effectively enhancing their careers and social interactions Conversely, those lacking these essential skills risk falling behind and failing to reach their goals This conclusion, supported by both our research and real-life experiences, underscores the critical importance of soft skills in achieving success.
RECOMMENDATION
In light of our analysis and findings, we present essential recommendations aimed at helping students enhance their soft skills, improve their academic performance, and prepare for future careers By focusing on the development of key soft skills and implementing practical tips, students can significantly boost their personal and professional growth.
Interpersonal communication is fundamental to all soft skills, as it encompasses clear communication through various mediums such as emails, phone calls, and face-to-face interactions To enhance this essential skill, focus on practicing clarity in your messaging and actively engaging with others.
Don’t send mixed messages Make your words, gestures, facial expressions and tone match.
Be aware of your body language.
Manifest constructive attitudes and beliefs.
Develop your writing skills and always proofread before hitting the
Secondly, effectively managing time is a significant factor in a person’s skill set for achieving both personal and professional success To improve this skill, you should:
Create a to-do list Decide on your priorities Set goals for each study session Create a schedule
Start early in the dayDelegate tasks
Teamwork is a crucial element in both academic and business environments, significantly enhancing performance Collaborating effectively with others boosts efficiency and productivity, resulting in superior outcomes To develop this essential skill, it is important to focus on improving collaboration techniques.
Build up trust and respect
Never make assumptions and always praise when possible
Positive thinking significantly enhances your productivity by boosting your mindset, motivation, concentration, and energy levels Maintaining a positive attitude is essential, not only for your own growth but also for inspiring those around you To effectively incorporate positive thinking into your life, consider these helpful strategies.
Always look on the positive side of an issue
Always find at least one more thing to learn from colleagues around
Be confident in yourself in work and life
If you have problems and not pass, ask those more experienced
Make connections with people who have positive thoughts
Engage yourself in enjoyable recreational activities
CONCLUSION
During over 2 months attending Skills development course, our group has acquired and developed 5 useful soft skills: Communication, Time management, Teamwork, Positive thinking and Presentation.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed lecturers, Mr Hoang Anh Duy and Ms Dau Thu Huong, for their unwavering support and dedication throughout the course.
Collaborating on assignments provides a valuable opportunity to practice essential skills Teamwork enables us to articulate our ideas, resolve internal conflicts, and distribute responsibilities fairly among members Additionally, effective time management allows each individual to align their personal schedules with group activities Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial, as it helps us overcome challenges and keep our team spirit high, ensuring we meet deadlines for our projects.
While our group members have not yet fully mastered all five soft skills, this course has significantly contributed to our understanding, allowing us to gradually improve these skills for application in our studies, work, and daily lives.