Why a Degree is no Longer Enough

By Brian Maynor

 

Just a couple of decades ago, when I was matriculating, earning a college degree carried a lot more weight when it came to setting yourself up for success than it does today.

Now the workforce is filled with smart, educated, hard working peers and a degree is more of a prerequisite than a qualification.  So how are you supposed to set yourself apart?

The new ‘it factor’ is now something rarely taught in school, emotional intelligence.  This idea of a non-tangible skill around emotions and interpersonal skills becoming valuable, social capital if you will, is not new, but definitely gaining momentum.  Here’s a short list of what you need to know about emotional intelligence:

1.    What is it?  Emotional intelligence is the ability to not only monitor your emotions as well as the emotions of others, but to also identify and utilize them in your thinking and behavior.

2.    It’s more than personality and charm.  The true value of your emotional intelligence is found in your to ability to adapt, collaborate and empathize with yourself, your colleagues and your clients.  Since emotions factor into thoughts and behaviors, it’s critical to recognize them and the role they play.

3.    How to develop it?  The short answer is to brush up on your non-verbal communication skills.  Since very little communication is actually conveyed through words, developing a working knowledge and skill set in non-verbal communication is no longer a luxury.  Just like fluency in a foreign language, it is always preferable to have multiple communication skills in your repertoire.

4.    Why it matters?  While hard work, studying and general intelligence helped you land the job they are no longer going to be a prominent factor in advancing your career.  In a pool of smart, hard working, intelligent people those factors become moot.  Real advancement is made through developing and managing interpersonal relationships.

In the past emotional intelligence was seen as a soft skill that is nice to have, but not essential to success.  That is no longer the case.  It’s the soft skills that will set you apart and either move your career forward, or keep you in the background.

 

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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.