Have you ever come across someone, who perhaps does not work as hard as you, but always seems to be favoured by your colleagues? You are both in the same grade, but somehow the just seem more confident than you.

 In the workplace, It is not just about the clinical skills that make you stand out, it is a combination of soft and hard skills. What are soft skills? Soft skills are character traits and interpersonal skills that characterize a person's ability to interact effectively with others. In the workplace, soft skills are considered to be a complement to hard skills. But the key lies not only in acquiring them but how you express them. That requires a different skill set.

Here are seven skills that are often overlooked, but that can be most impactful to make you appear confident and significantly advance your career.

1.        Articulation or Speaking Skills: Whether English is your first language or not, the ability to articulate your thoughts is of paramount importance. Being well-spoken and clear in your communication not only enhances confidence but also portrays competence in your field. I think faster than I can speak. So I have to slow myself down, take a breath, and think before I speak. This is especially important in interpersonal communication, where the other person will automatically judge you as someone who knows their stuff and, therefore worth having the conversation with.

2.        Writing Skill: Despite the challenges, improving your writing skills is crucial. From everyday communication to crafting research proposals and cover letters, effective writing can greatly boost your career by showcasing your expertise. It is often the first form of first impression you will get to make on someone. So use this superpower with the advent of software tools like Grammerly, and ChaTGPT and find your voice in writing to get your point across.

3.        Presentation Skill: Mastering the art of presentations, whether in morning ward rounds or regional meetings, can leave a lasting impression and open doors to new opportunities. So whenever you have the opportunity to present a case whether in handover or at a conference, the principle of presentation is the same. You need to be concise and precise with a clearly defined purpose, to maximize every opportunity. because you never know, who is watching you.

4.        Networking Skill: Often termed as a soft skill, networking is a hard skill that requires practice and initiative. Building connections and expanding your professional circle can lead to opportunities. Most people will hire or give projects to someone based on recommendations or their network. So go to conferences, courses, and workshops, not just to learn skills, but also to build new connections. Use social media to build connections, and follow people who you admire. For more information on that, you can read the post Leveraging Social Media for Career Advancement: A Surgeon’s Guide.

5.        Evidence-Based Practice: I am not saying to be that person who quotes a study or paper every time they do anything and everything. But there should be a logical reason behind any procedure you do or how to do it. What method do you use when you close the wound, is it evidence-based or do you do it just because you were taught that? Staying updated with current literature and practicing evidence-based medicine not only earns respect but also positions you as a knowledgeable person in your field.

6.        Critical Appraisal of Literature: You will have to take part in some sort of research in your surgical career. Understanding research and being able to critically evaluate studies is essential for informed decision-making and defending your clinical choices. If you build this habit early, it will serve you for the rest of your career.

7.        Systemic Thinking: Always try to have a system for thinking and doing things. This is very important for two reasons. If you do the same thing the same way every time in a logical fashion, then this will be your default system, which will reduce errors. Secondly, it will be easier for your colleagues to follow your thought process. Also, approaching challenges methodically and logically enhances your ability to navigate complex situations with confidence and competence. Humans are prone to habits, and habits are essentially systems. So building systems early for your thought process and actions will serve you immensely in the long run.  

Mastering these seven non-clinical hard skills alongside your clinical expertise can truly distinguish you. Whether you're presenting a case or networking at a conference, these skills will set you apart, help you to project your confidence self, and propel your career forward.