Goldman Sachs Exec: The No. 1 Soft Skill Successful People Use to Advance at Work—And How to Develop It

 

Goldman Sachs Exec: The No. 1 Soft Skill Successful People Use to Advance at Work—And How to Develop It

Shekhinah Bass cut her teeth—and built her career—at one of the most competitive and powerful firms on Wall Street: Goldman Sachs. After 17 years at the firm, the mother of five is now Goldman Sachs' head of talent strategy in the firm's human capital management division.

She found that the most important soft skill that distinguishes high performers at Goldman Sachs and propels people to successful careers on Wall Street in general is not creative deal-making or "a passion for stretching and sticking with it, even (or especially) when it's not going well well, is the hallmark of a growth mindset," Dweck wrote in her 2006 book, "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success." "This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives."

In the workplace, Bass says, you can measure your growth mindset based on how you respond to feedback from your manager and co-workers. “Feedback can help you identify your blind spots so you can shift or change how you perform in certain work situations,” he explains. "With a growth mindset, you see these blind spots as things you can improve."

To develop and practice a growth mindset at work, you need to set challenging goals, be willing to take risks, and seek feedback and coaching from others. The next time you receive constructive criticism, consider one of the following responses that show you're open to feedback rather than "shutting it down," says Bass:

"I have heard your feedback. Here are the things I will do to try to improve this area of ​​development:" “It's not my strong suit yet, but it's something I'll focus on. confident attitude - has a growth mindset. It's also one of the most in-demand skills companies look for in the people they hire, Bass adds.

"Are you open to improving, or are you the type of person to walk out of the room and say, 'Whatever, nothing's going to change'?" Bass says. "Being thoughtful and willing to try something new or different goes a long way."

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In today's fast-paced professional environment, achieving success goes beyond technical expertise. Soft skills have proven to be a critical factor that differentiates successful individuals from others. We sat down with a seasoned executive from Goldman Sachs to dive into the #1 soft skill that drives career advancement and uncover strategies for developing it.

Understanding Vital Soft Skills:

The modern workplace requires a diverse set of skills, but one soft skill continues to take the lead in propelling professionals forward: "Emotional Intelligence." Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, is the ability to recognize, understand and manage both one's own emotions and the emotions of others. This skill proves invaluable in promoting effective communication, building strong relationships and navigating complex work dynamics.

Why emotional intelligence is important at work:

According to our Goldman Sachs manager, individuals with high levels of emotional intelligence tend to excel in collaborative environments. They show empathy, are skilled in conflict resolution and adapt to change without problems. These qualities make them valuable team members, effective leaders and problem solvers – all of which are key to career growth.

Developing emotional intelligence:

Self-awareness: Start by understanding your emotions and their impact on your actions. Regular self-reflection and journaling can help you identify patterns and triggers. Active listening: Pay close attention to verbal and non-verbal cues when interacting with colleagues. Practice empathic listening to truly understand their perspectives.

Cultivating Empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of others to understand their feelings and opinions. This promotes stronger connections and improves your ability to relate to different teams. Stress Management: Learn constructive stress management techniques. Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, and time management can help keep you calm under pressure.

Conflict Resolution: Develop diplomatic conflict resolution skills. Focus on finding common ground and keeping the lines of communication open. Continuous learning: Emotional intelligence is a journey. Invest in personal development through workshops, courses and reading materials that explore the intricacies of human behavior and emotions.

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership:

Our Goldman Sachs executive emphasized that emotional intelligence becomes especially important as you climb the career ladder. Leaders with high EQ instill trust, foster a collaborative culture, and motivate teams to achieve common goals. Such leaders are adept at managing their emotions when making important decisions, which reinforces their reputation as reliable and visionary.

As the professional landscape continues to evolve, emotional intelligence remains a cornerstone of career advancement. Insights from our interview with a Goldman Sachs executive underscore the importance of this soft skill in building a successful career. 

By honing your emotional intelligence through self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication, you can achieve growth, leadership, and lasting success in any industry. Emotional Intelligence, EQ, Soft Skills, Career Development, Goldman Sachs Executive, Successful Career, Effective Communication, Leadership, Self-Awareness, Empathy, Conflict Resolution, Stress Management, Professional Growth.

In today's fast-paced corporate environment, the road to success is paved with more than technical knowledge. Soft skills have come to the fore as critical differentiators that move professionals up the career ladder. A Goldman Sachs executive sheds light on the most fundamental soft skills that pave the way to success and provides actionable insights on how to effectively cultivate them. Goldman Sachs exec, soft skills, career progression, cultivate soft skills

The power of soft skills in career advancement

While technical prowess remains key, it is the area of ​​soft skills that sets exceptional individuals apart in the professional world. According to an experienced Goldman Sachs executive, the #1 soft skill for achieving career advancement is "emotional intelligence." emotional intelligence, career progression, soft skills

Understanding emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) involves a person's ability to perceive, understand, manage, and regulate one's own emotions while empathizing with the emotions of others. It plays a key role in promoting effective communication, building strong relationships and managing conflict in the workplace. emotional intelligence, effective communication, relationships, conflict management

Development of emotional intelligence

Self-awareness: Start by tuning in to your own emotions and becoming aware of their impact on your thoughts and actions. Regular self-reflection and mindfulness practices can improve your self-awareness.

Self-regulation: Learn to manage your emotions, especially in high-pressure situations. Practice techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk to keep yourself calm. Empathy: Walk in the shoes of others to understand their perspectives. Actively listen and show genuine interest in colleagues' feelings and opinions.

Social Skills: Improve your ability to communicate clearly, resolve conflict and work seamlessly with diverse teams. Networking and relationship building are an integral part of this skill set. self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, development of emotional intelligence

Using emotional intelligence for career growth

Effective Leadership: Leaders who understand and manage their emotions can more effectively inspire and lead their teams. They create an environment where open communication and trust thrive. Enhanced Collaboration: Emotionally intelligent professionals excel in teamwork and value the contribution of each team member. This skill fosters innovative thinking and drives collective success.

Conflict Resolution: The ability to empathize and understand conflicting viewpoints is invaluable when dealing with workplace disputes. Emotionally intelligent individuals find solutions that satisfy all parties involved.

Adaptability: Change is constant in today's business world. People with high EI can navigate uncertainties with flexibility, making them invaluable assets during transitions. effective leadership, cooperation, conflict resolution, adaptability, emotional intelligence in the workplace

In career advancement, technical skills provide the foundation, but soft skills like emotional intelligence are the glue that binds success stories together. Insights from a Goldman Sachs executive shed light on the power of emotional intelligence to propel professionals forward. By developing and applying emotional intelligence, you can cultivate a thriving career characterized by effective leadership, harmonious collaboration, and adaptability in the face of change. career progression, soft skills, emotional intelligence, success, effective leadership

Incorporating these insights into your career path can set you on a trajectory of growth and success not just in the financial sector, but across industries. Embrace emotional intelligence as your guiding light to unlock unparalleled success in your career. professional growth, success, emotional intelligence, career success