These increasingly essential skills are being closely examined by both companies and recruiters. They complement technical skills. At Club Med, savoir-être (interpersonal skills) is just as important as savoir-faire (technical know-how). What are soft skills? Why are they important in the recruitment process? Which soft skills are essential, and how can they be developed? Discover everything you need to know and why it’s vital to focus on them.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills, also referred to as interpersonal, behavioral, or "people" skills, are personality traits, qualities, and relational abilities. These competencies enable professionals to adapt to various situations and better interact with others, making them a valuable asset for collaboration, productivity, and project success. Soft skills differ from technical or job-specific skills (hard skills), serving as a complement. While technical skills were once heavily favored, they are no longer sufficient on their own. Combining both types of skills has become fundamental for optimal work performance.

The Importance of Soft Skills in Club Med Recruitment

At Club Med, soft skills are an integral part of the selection criteria during recruitment. Recruiters look for candidates who possess not only technical abilities but also strong soft skills, which are closely assessed during job interviews. G.O.s (Gentle Organisers) and G.E.s (Gentle Employees) must not only excel at their jobs but also demonstrate essential human qualities. These skills have a significant impact on performance and integration within a team. Consequently, soft skills are a focus of interview questions. Traits like communication, customer service orientation, teamwork, and empathy are indispensable for joining Club Med, a dynamic organization where team cohesion and service excellence are central values.

What Soft Skills Are Essential at Club Med?

Soft skills enhance social interactions and professional relationships. They include abilities like communication, teamwork, and emotional regulation. At Club Med, these skills are vital for effective collaboration and fostering a positive work environment. Some of the most sought-after soft skills include:

Communication: Active listening helps better understand G.M.s' (Gentils Members) needs.
Teamwork: This is vital for thriving in a collaborative, dynamic, and positive environment.
Leadership: The ability to make decisions and motivate colleagues.
Problem-solving: Crucial for managing team conflicts or handling incidents with G.M.s.
Stress management: Essential for navigating intense and demanding situations.

Other highly valued soft skills include:

Emotional intelligence
Adaptability
Critical thinking
Creativity
Time management
Organization
Autonomy
Initiative
Self-confidence
Empathy
Customer service orientation
Attention to detail
Negotiation skills
Conflict resolution
Work ethic

How to Develop Soft Skills at Club Med?

At Club Med, various methods and training programs are available to help develop and enhance soft skills. G.O.s and G.E.s can participate in personal development workshops and training sessions. These programs cover essential topics like communication, leadership, adaptability, stress management, self-confidence, and empathy. Additionally, they can leverage online resources and books to improve their soft skills. Regular feedback helps identify areas for improvement and provides opportunities for growth. Personal self-development efforts can also add immense value. According to a 2022 internal survey, 87% of G.O.s and G.E.s reported noticeable improvement in both their soft and technical skills thanks to their experience at Club Med.

Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Soft skills and emotional intelligence (EI) are closely linked. EI is defined as the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions as well as those of others. It is a key competency in managing emotions and interpersonal relationships. A solid team dynamic is crucial for both well-being and productivity. Core emotional skills—considered part of soft skills—include self-confidence, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship management. Emotional intelligence is as predictive of professional success as soft skills themselves.

The Challenges of Learning Soft Skills

Developing soft skills comes with its challenges. These skills are difficult to measure and evaluate, often due to their subjective nature. Recruiters frequently encounter challenges in assessing them effectively. Developing soft skills requires regular practice and real-world application. Patience and perseverance are essential to achieve meaningful results. It’s important to consistently develop and maintain these skills to contribute to a high-performing work environment.

Soft skills are invaluable for both personal and professional growth. They enhance the ability to manage relationships, reduce stress, and adapt to new situations. Highly sought-after by companies and recruiters, soft skills are now just as critical as technical skills. Developing these abilities benefits both individuals and organizations. By cultivating these qualities, individuals foster personal growth and contribute to creating a harmonious, success-oriented work environment.

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