Soft Skills, Strong Future: Gen Z Grads & Mastering Interpersonal Connections
Gen Z are making waves as they enter the workforce as tech savvy and ready to challenge the status quo but do they have the interpersonal skills to back it up?
Deloitte suggests that by 2030, demand for social skills such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence will grow by 10-15% in Australia.
Most graduate program managers recognise this need and are hearing from their leaders that the new cohort’s of grads are lacking in these important skills.
So why are they so important?
The Impact of Interpersonal Skills
1. They’re at the core of every great team
Team dynamics play a huge role in an effective team and with more fluid ways of working collaboration is a necessity. Understanding how to work with people, navigate team dynamics and have the confidence to step into difficult conversations is a skill that grads need to actively focus on developing.
2. Becoming a great leader
There is a demand for empathetic and adaptive leaders in the workplace and that’s only going to continue to grow. Interpersonal skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution are essential for guiding teams through change and inspiring innovation.
3. Building client and stakeholder relations
A study by Harvard University found that 85% of job success comes from having well-developed soft skills, with interpersonal skills leading the pack.
Whether engaging with clients, stakeholders, or partners, the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively is key. Grads with strong interpersonal skills are more likely to adjust to the working rhythms, build connections with colleagues and be great advocates to your clients.
4. Conflict resolution and problem-solving
Research from the Center for Creative Leadership found that 60-80% of workplace conflicts stem from strained relationships.
Interpersonal skills empower grads to navigate conflicts constructively, leading to quicker resolutions and a more harmonious work environment. Additionally, these skills enable employees to approach problem-solving collaboratively, drawing upon diverse perspectives.
5. Boost to employee engagement
Did you know highly engaged teams show 21% greater profitability (according to Gallup).
Interpersonal skills contribute to a positive workplace culture, where employees feel heard, valued, and respected. This, in turn, boosts morale, productivity, and employee retention rates within your graduate program.
So this all sounds great, but how do you actually nurture interpersonal skills in your grad programs?
🔥 Structured Training Programs: Incorporate workshops, seminars, and training sessions focusing on communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence.
🔥 Mentorship: Pair graduates with seasoned professionals who can serve as mentors, providing guidance on navigating complex interpersonal scenarios.
🔥 Experiential Learning: Encourage real-world projects, team-based assignments, and simulations that require collaboration and communication.
🔥 Feedback and Reflection: Create a culture of feedback where grads can receive constructive criticism and reflect on their interpersonal interactions.
🔥 Lead by Example: Walk the talk! Show your own effective interpersonal skills in your interactions with grads, serving as a role model for behaviour and communication.
And even better than this - incorporate the structured learning into a mentoring program so they get the best of both worlds 🌏
This is the very thing we help our clients implement. A fully outsourced mentoring program that supports the growth of their grads through a comprehensive learning experience building interpersonal skills, confidence and leaving them job ready.
And the best bit … we do it all for you - meaning as a program manager you get to spend your time focusing on the important stuff like securing more grad placements and recruiting the best talent out there 🙌🏻
Book a call and let’s build a strong future for your Gen Z grads 😎
