Soft Skills

It is easy to lecture on soft skills and then for students to pass a test showing that they have learned the material. But will behavior really change as a result of the lecture and testing? Do role plays result in behavioral change? Research shows that behavior changes at a minimum require repeated practice with extensive feedback. Simulation technology now offers the capability to go past traditional training and produce effective soft skills training.

Do you remember taking a “soft skills” training class earlier in your career? Perhaps a sales skills training course? A leadership communication skills class? I’m betting you spent the majority of your training time listening to an instructor, watching a few video segments and taking some notes. What percentage of the time in your class was focused on role plays or other behavioral learning activities that allowed you to practice the skills you were supposed to learn?