​So, you're proficient in or even excel at the skills that helped you land your current job. However, if you're ready to elevate your career and climb the corporate ladder, it's time you expand your view of what makes a key employee, and that means turning your attention to developing your soft skills.

The rules have dramatically changed in the modern world of work. It's no longer enough to have one skill set, no matter how good they are. Organisations want employees who can add value in many different areas, whether that's providing excellent customer service or taking the lead in helping your team solve a tricky problem.

What stands out in these situations is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. No matter what role you're in, there are bound to be instances where you have to interact with people whose technical knowledge is less comprehensive than your own. Or, perhaps, you'll face a situation where your colleagues know more, or less, about a certain subject than you do.

In either case, the key is to draw on emotional intelligence in order to convey your message. If you're speaking to a non-technical person, this may mean using tools like diagrams in order to make yourself more clearly understood, or making sure that you are able to get that message across clearly in writing. When dealing with team members, it may simply mean adopting a more collaborative and cooperative approach.

As an individualist, you might find this difficult at first – which is why you'll find it helpful to practice the skill of active listening. The development of this skill means that you'll be able to find common areas with whomever you are engaging with, and will, therefore, be able to respond to their concerns with empathy.

Traditionally, less weight has been placed on soft skills; even the term 'soft' skills imply that they can be easily dismissed if the core competencies are in place. However, as a professional with well-developed soft skills, you'll be able to add more value to your organisation. After all, that's precisely what today's organisations need.

Are you looking for an IT job, Finance job, Engineering job, or a Contracting assignment? Contact Network Recruitment, your trusted partner in specialist IT, Finance and Engineering placements for 30 years.