When it comes to preparing for a career people often spend ten's of thousands of dollars on their education, clothing and development. Yet once they get into their job they find out that everything they needed to succeed wasn't taught to them in school. Those "soft" skills are what determine if you are going to be chosen to move ahead in your career. Amazingly, managers are not simply looking for the quantity of work a person can do before offering a promotion. Therefore, slaving over paperwork into the late hours of the evening isn't going to help you. Managers want people with substance and social grace. Here is what you need to know:

1.) Productivity isn't everything. Even though it is important to be productive this is not what separates you from other people. One must be both productive and efficient. Make sure that you are precise in your work with few mistakes. 2.) Learn how to write. Many managers complain that employees don't know how to write. Even though people are more educated than they were in the past they still can't express themselves in clear and concise language. 3.) Express your opinions. A sure way to get "sidelined" is to be a quit mouse in every meeting. It is necessary to speak your mind even though many people disagree with your logic. However, don't speak to simply be heard or contradict someone. 4.) Don't get involved in people's personal affairs. One sure way to kill your career is to get involved in the problems of other coworkers. When they start arguing over trivial topics simply stay away and don't comment. 5.) Be a team player. Being a team player means that you are willing to work with other people in both an efficient and collaborative manner. By working with others you begin to make the necessary business connections. 6.) Volunteer for special projects. Volunteering for special project is important. You don't want to overload yourself with work but it is important not to shy from it either. Employees who avoid work are likely to be let go in times of financial adversity. 7.) Don't be a suck-up. No one likes "yes" men. You will put yourself at odds with other workers and you will lower your credibility as the person who knows what he/she is talking about.

When I graduated from my MBA program I thought I was going to tackle the business world. Eventually I learned that my education was only half of what I needed. The other half lay in the psychological ways of thinking. Yes-I was smart, motivated, and arrogant. Yet I didn't progress in my career that way I wanted to. Every time a promotion came by I was "sidelined" for someone I though was less worthy. Now I know that the soft skills are as important as the hard skills.