Hard skills get you hired, but soft skills get you promoted. My journey stands as proof!
I still remember my first job in 1991 as a school teacher at All Saints School, Ajmer. I was a class teacher for Grade IV. While subject knowledge was easy to gain from textbooks, what truly set me apart was my clear and confident communication—with students, colleagues, and parents. This skill helped me earn a promotion within a year, proving that effective communication is very important for all types of jobs. In fact, research shows that 91% of employers prioritize communication skills over technical abilities when hiring and promoting employees.
Balancing a teaching job with evening classes wasn’t easy, but self-discipline kept me going. My mother played a crucial role—waking me up early with my favorite breakfast, giving me a separate room to study, and encouraging me to celebrate small wins. This helped me master time management and goal-setting, skills that continue to shape my work ethic today. Studies reveal that employees with strong time management skills are 45% more productive than those who lack them.
After completing my post-graduation in Management, I entered the corporate world in Ahmedabad—a new city, new job, new culture, and new challenges! Under the mentorship of Mr. Grenville Dcosta, I honed my negotiation skills, learning how to create win-win solutions that ensured long-term business success. Embracing change with a positive mindset and actively seeking feedback helped me adapt quickly, and adaptability is critical in today’s workplace, with 60% of employers considering it a top skill for career growth.
Moving to Jaipur after marriage, I joined a management institute as a Lecturer. When our Director, Late Dr. Ashok Gupta ji, sought revenue-generating ideas, I researched, networked, and proposed corporate training and consultancy services. I realized that taking initiative was much appreciated by seniors , proving that being result-oriented matters more than just having great ideas. According to Harvard Business Review, proactive employees are 30% more likely to be promoted than their passive counterparts. And I grew too.
Stepping into an international role in Eritrea, I was promoted to Chair within months of joining the College of Business & Economics—thanks to my leadership skills. I led by example, empathized with colleagues, and managed with emotional intelligence, which was crucial for dealing with cultural differences and office politics. Studies confirm that 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence, a key trait for workplace success. Mentors like Prof. Abraham Kidane and Dr. Yemane challenged my thinking, pushing me to develop strong critical thinking skills, an ability that 82% of hiring managers say is essential in decision-making roles.
Back in India, I joined Amity University and collaborated across departments, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation. Maj. Gen. R.S. Chhatwal (retd), my immediate senior taught me the value of workplace ethics. Exploring new initiatives like consultancy for Rajasthan Police was proof that taking calculated risks can lead to remarkable opportunities. Creativity and collaboration played a key role here—two skills that companies with innovative cultures prioritize 5 times more than traditional businesses.
A consultancy project led to a job offer as HR Head for a five-star hotel chain, where resilience became my biggest asset. Many a times when I was bogged down, my husband Mr. Rajan Arora helped me bounce back, in the face of adversity. Introducing change in a traditional industry met with resistance, but my ability to communicate, adapt, and lead with a growth mindset set the ball rolling in the right direction. Research indicates that employees who embrace change are 42% more likely to succeed in leadership roles.
Today, as a woman entrepreneur and soft skills trainer, I help professionals unlock their full potential. My sessions resonate because they stem from real-life experience, not just theory. If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s this: Hard skills may get you in the door, but soft skills will take you all the way to the top!
What soft skills have helped YOU succeed?
