Shows
The PulseScience's Storyteller: Bob McDonald’s Memoir & Recycling Pop-ups in Parksville"Send us a text about this episode!"(22:58) From Truck Driver to National Science Host: “Quirks and Quarks” host Bob McDonald of Victoria shares his inspiring journey of how a university dropout became one of Canada's most beloved science journalists through simply saying "Yes" to opportunities - in his memoir, “Just Say Yes”. (12:00) Parksville's volunteer-run Recycling Program is making a difference. Duane Round explains how a community-driven initiative has evolved into an efficient environmental success story that has diverted 91 tons of recyclables from landfills. (08:00) Peter McCully and Dave Graham share a new song from Alan Frew...
2025-04-0145 min
Serious Soft Skills75 Coaching With Neal Woodson Part 1Bob Graham interviews author, trainer, and expert coach Neal Woodson Part 1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-12-1115 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 156: PivotingBob Graham discusses how that you need to know when to alter you agenda. Even what works for years may need to change for long term success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-12-0603 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 155: Celebrate SuccessBob Graham discusses the importance of celebrating successes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-12-0403 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 150: DelegationBob Graham discusses the high level soft skill of delegating Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-11-2002 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 149: Myth 5Bob Graham goes after myth 5 - there is an end in sight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-11-1103 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 145: Myth 1Bob Graham explores the myth that everyone knows what they need to do and have a clear pathway Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-11-0102 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 130: People FirstBob Graham talks about the importance of prioritizing people Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-09-2501 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 125: The Home StretchBob Graham challenges listeners to make plans for progress in the last few months of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-09-1301 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 123: Fifty Percent Success RateBob Graham discusses the difficulty in picking winners in the hiring process, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-09-0901 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 119: Performance RaisesBob Graham discusses how work performance drives pay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-2800 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 117: Emotionally UnintelligentBob Graham talks about the continuing need for emotional intelligence as part of organizational DNA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-2301 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 116: 3-Day WeekendBob Graham talks about the benefits of a 3-Day weekend over a week off? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-2101 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM:115 More OlderBob Graham discuss the changing landscape of the workforce. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-1900 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 113: Should I Reply or NotBob Graham is looking for your help - is it worth leaving message anymore? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-1401 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 109: Mental Health MattersYour mental health matters is today's topic with Bob Graham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-0500 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 108: Really CommittingWhen you start your workday - what are you committing to? It better be the right things - on today's Soft Skills Minute podcast with Bob Graham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-08-0200 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 107: Under PressureHow is pressure affecting your performance? Bob Graham discusses it on today's Soft Skills Minute podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-3101 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 106: Sunday ScariesAre worries about Monday ruining your Sunday? Sunday scaries are today's Soft Skills Minute topic with Bob Graham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-2901 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 104: Perfection ParalysisBob Graham talks about how an obsession with perfection can prevent progress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-2401 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 102 Hot DeskingDoes hot desking motivate your team or crush them? Bob Graham discusses it today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-1901 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 101 Text Only PleaseBob Graham discusses how communication methods can impact interactions with your coworkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-1701 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 100 Hangover at WorkIs your social life negatively impacting your work - it might be time to take action. Today's podcast with Bob Graham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-1501 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 99 Are You All In?Bob Graham discusses a recent study finding that teams impact employee engagement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-1201 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 97 Thanks a latteOn this episode Bob Graham discusses practical and effective approaches to showing appreciation at work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-0801 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 96: 2 Keys to Graceful DelegationBob Graham shares two keys to gracefully delegating at work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-07-0301 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 93: Everywhere is NowhereBob Graham offers up a challenge on improving your networking opportunities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-06-2602 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 92: Do You Know SEDO?Need a new friend? You gotta meet SEDO. Find out more about SEDO from Bob Graham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-06-2400 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 90: Managing UpBob Graham discusses making good choices on what to take to the boss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-06-1901 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 88: Golf is about Relationships?Bob Graham discusses golf - and relationships? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-06-1401 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 87: Really Getting Time OffBob Graham talks about time away from work - really away, not just out of the office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-06-1201 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 86: Better To Look AheadBob Graham shares insights on getting past the current turmoil to make decisions that shape the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-06-1000 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 85: Is Burnout Real?Bob Graham discusses the medical view on burnout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-06-0701 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 83: Avoid DistractionsJury duty for Bob Graham give new insights on the value of being sequestered Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-06-0301 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 82: Happy SummerBob Graham talks about the anticipation of summer vacation, be sure to take a break this summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-05-3101 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 80: Lying is NEVER acceptibleBob Graham discuss the results of a new study on lying on this episode of the Soft Skills Minute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-05-2901 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 79: Absent Minded is Totally AbsentIn today's Soft Skills Minute Bob Graham reminds us how important it is to be fully present in the moment, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-05-2401 min
Serious Soft Skills75: Morale May Be LaggingWorkers in a new study graded a large portion of their work as a B-, which suggests that they may not be as happy some executives would hope. In this episode co-hosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham talk about the results from a new Kforce survey of 2,000 full-time employees.Among the topics they explore are:80% of workers said their day-to-day work, work-life balance, company morale and benefits packages rate a B-. 10% more men than women loved their job.Half the people who were surveyed would give up as much as 29% of th...
2019-05-1519 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 76: Importance of Last WordsOn today's episode of the Serious Soft Skills Minute, Bob Graham talks about the importance of choosing your last words well Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-05-1301 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 75: Getting More DoneOn Today's Serious Soft Skills Minute, Bob Graham discusses what he learned about getting things done on a day that shouldn't have been productive at all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-05-1000 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 74 What Going From Worst to First Shows UsWorst to First. We see it happen - how do we make it happen. Bob Graham helps us unpack it today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-05-0601 min
Serious Soft Skills74: What We Want -- NowThe workplace is changing as more younger people move up in organizations big and small. Old ways and views are shifting, and a recent study from Gallup points this out. We’ll explore a few of those important changes in this episode of the Serious Soft Skills podcast.Among the topics Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss are:Why millennials want development opportunitiesWhere coaching plays in their favorWhy annual reviews are not going to drive progressAre you or is your organization stuck? Yes, stuck. As in can’t figure out...
2019-05-0118 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 71: Fessing Up to Move OnBob Graham talks about the importance of owning your mistakes - immediately in this episode of the Soft Skills Minute podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-2901 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM:70 Commit to a RoutineBob Graham discusses how a routine can help clear the path to productivity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-2601 minSerious Soft SkillsSSM 72 Administrative Professionals' Day Is A Really Bad IdeaBob Graham, cofounder of Serious Soft Skills LLC, explains why he thinks Administrative Professionals Day is bad for any organization. See if you agree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-2401 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 68: Call in the ExpertsBob Graham discusses when its the right time to go for HELP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-1901 min
Serious Soft Skills73: Overcoming Generational Differences in the OfficeGenerational differences are real in the workplace, as we have the broadest segment of age groups working than at any time in human history.Among the topics Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss are:How younger employees perceive older employeesHow older employees perceive younger employees.Who does the hiring and why it's important to knowThe best strategy for helping someone learn something you knowFive tips for dealing with generational differences in the officeLooking for additional help in addressing the challenges of generational differences in your office? Contact Serious Soft...
2019-04-1717 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 66: Patience Power in SalesBob Graham talks about his experience as a customer when patience pays off for the salesperson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-1201 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 64: InnovationBob Graham discusses a practical approach to innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-0601 minSerious Soft SkillsEpisode 72 Elevating Your Elevator Speech and a Live Elevator Pitch MakeoverWe talk to a resident expert about how to take an elevator pitch or elevator speech from boring to bright, bold and business-friendly. Co-host Dr. Tobin Porterfield interviews his co-host, Bob Graham, who has helped thousands of people, from college students to CEOs, in a wide range of fields to build a powerful elevator pitch.Among the topics they discuss are:How long should an elevator pitch beThe roots of elevator pitchesThe one-and-only objective of the elevator pitchA results-focused approach that focuses on value The keys to developing an ev...
2019-04-0320 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 63: Brackets Are Busted - Move OnBob Graham talks about putting his NCAA college basketball brackets aside to focus on more important issues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-04-0101 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 62: Why Not BOTH?Bob Graham discusses a false choice that we should not accept. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-03-2501 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM #61: The What-If GameBob Graham offers a podcast challenge to open up your mind and consider new possibilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-03-2201 minSerious Soft Skills71: Making Meetings Matter with the Rule of FoursOne study finds that only about 15% of meetings accomplish real results. This episode looks at how people attending meetings can make them matter more and some other suggestions for ensuring meetings achieve results.Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss:Why meetings don't work so well for most peopleHow to plan for who should attend meetingsWhat good meeting behavior isThe Rule of Fours fo making sure every meeting mattersWant to learn more about managing meetings or being more productive in your...
2019-03-2018 minSerious Soft SkillsSSM 59: Daylight Savings CrashesBob Graham discusses the unexpected consequences of Daylight Savings Time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-03-1501 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 58: Winds Drive FocusBob Graham discusses how focusing can energize your work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-03-1101 min
Serious Soft SkillsSSM 57: Best Sleep Aid EVERBob Graham discusses how using simple task lists can keep you on track and ensure you get a good night's sleep without worry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-03-0801 minSerious Soft Skills70: Overcoming the New Year's Resolution Effect with Intentional ActionsAs March begins many of us have already cast our New Year's resolutions to the side for another year, just like last year and prior years. What's lacking is intentionality, that ability to focus on what makes the most sense and way as a means of developing a plan to actually achieve it. That's our topic on this week's episode of the Serious Soft Skills Podcast.Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss many topics related to setting intentions, including:What intentionality is and isn'tThe project management perspectiveHow to bring new focus to your effortsHow...
2019-03-0617 minSerious Soft Skills69: How Different Generations Look at Sick LeaveGenerational differences, something we also covered in Episode 68, continue to vex organizations, and today we look at the way different generations tend to look at sick leave.Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss these and other topics in this episode:Views of sick leaveCommunicationRules of engagement dealing with sick leaveExplicit and implicit sick leaveHints for dealing with these situationsDon't forget to check out our Soft Skills Minutes, bite-size nuggets on soft skills in work.Also, have you read our book, The 55 Soft Skills That Guide Employee...
2019-02-1317 minSerious Soft Skills68: Exploring Those Vexing Generational DifferencesThere’s a lot of head scratching and complaining in most offices centered around a major difference we are seeing in offices of all sizes. We’ll tell you what that big difference is and why it’s so vexing in this episode of the Serious Soft Skills Podcast. Cohosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham explore this complicated area and discuss:Differences among the generationsWhy we need to find common groundWhere these issues most often crop up among the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and iG...
2019-02-0617 minSerious Soft SkillsSSM 40: Addressing When Someone Constantly Talks Over YouBob Graham, author, keynote speaker and workshop leader, explains how to address a person who constantly talks over you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2019-01-0901 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 39: Infusing Cultural Awareness into the HolidaysBob Graham, author, keynote speaker and trainer on soft skills, explains why the soft skill of cultural awareness is of paramount importance at this time of year. For more podcast episodes, visit Serious Soft Skills website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-12-1901 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 38: Problem Solvers Aren't MagiciansBob Graham, soft skills author, keynote speaker and trainer, explains how problem solvers do their magic, which isn't actually magic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-12-1201 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills 67: Getting the Job, Interviewing Resources To Get You HiredDr. Tobin Porterfield interviews his co-host Bob Graham on two new offerings to help people get jobs. Graham has created a free webinar, Acing the Job Interview, which details exactly how to go about using a job interview to advance your chances of getting the job. It's available for free at http://serioussoftskills.com/acingThis course is perfect for people who are struggling to get hired, don't know what to say at a job interview, get nervous at the job interview, or want to be more in command at the job interview....
2018-12-0519 minSerious Soft SkillsSoft Skills Minute 37: Networking The Easy WayBob Graham, a soft skills expert and co-founder of Serious Soft Skills, explains how networking can occur without trying. Just being real and talking to people can open great doors of discovery and opportunity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-11-3001 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 36: Thanksgiving Is All About CollaborationBob Graham, co-founder of Serious Soft Skills, explains how the soft skill of collaboration is evident in nearly every part of Thanksgiving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-11-2000 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 34: Tackling Things When Confidence Is LackingBob Graham, co-founder of Serious Soft Skills LLC, explains what to do to overcome brief bouts where you lack confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-11-1400 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 33: Set A Course for Daily and Weekly SuccessBob Graham, a soft skills speaker and expert, explains why putting together a list of priorities for the day and week can help you get things done more efficiently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-11-1201 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 32: Being Analytical In a Good WayBob Graham, co-founder of Serious Soft Skills and a soft skills expert, explains how being analytical isn't bad, but rather a key to building any successful organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-11-0701 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 29: Strategically Traveling Toward End-Of-Year GoalsBob Graham, co-founder of Serious Soft Skills, explains that his recent travels -- and time away for all of us -- provides time to clarify and codify the end-of-year goals we need to achieve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-11-0101 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 28: We Wear Our Halloween Masks All YearBob Graham, co-founder of Serious Soft Skills, talks about wearing masks, like many of us do on Halloween, all year long and its detrimental effects on developing teams, trust and respect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-10-3101 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 26: Leading Change Is All About the LeadingBob Graham, co-founder of Serious Soft Skills, explains what's required to successfully lead change in an organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-10-2901 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 25: Applicants Talking, But Employers Not ListeningBob Graham, co-founder of Serious Soft Skills, discusses research from HireVue indicating a disconnect between applicants and employers on soft skills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-10-2601 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skill Minute 23: A Broader Definition of Being ProactiveBob Graham, cofounder of Serious Soft Skills, explains how he sees the soft skill of being proactive with a definition that's broader than most people's. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-10-2300 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 22: It's All About Respect, DudeBob Graham, cofounder of Serious Soft Skills, explains why showing respect from the beginning sets the stage for a relationship between any two people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-10-1901 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 21 Setting Priorities to Ensure SuccessBob Graham, cohost of the Serious Soft Skills Podcast, talks about how setting priorities, one of the soft skills, can make or break success in our days, weeks, months and years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-10-1500 minSerious Soft Skills66: Part 2 of Keith Daw Interview, Presentation and Soft SkillsSales, whether of products and services or ideas, requires powerful presentation skills and Keith Daw, Vice President of Business Development and Trainer at Sandler Training in Baltimore, offers insights and tips for success.Among the topics he discussed in an interview with cohost Bob Graham are:Where sales and presentation, one of the soft skills, intersectTips and strategies for better presentationsKeith Daw, Vice President of Business Development and Trainer at Sandler Training in Baltimore is McDonell Consulting Group, a Sandler Training operation, based in Towson, Maryland. More information is available...
2018-10-1022 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 19 Being FlexibileBob Graham, cohost of the Serious Soft Skills Podcast, explains in Half-Marathon Monday, his runup to a run in December, how he has to be flexible while traveling and how flexibility is critical to our success in work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-10-0801 minSerious Soft Skills65: Part 1 of Interview with Keith Daw on Sales & Soft SkillsSo many of us are involved in selling, either as a career or for our ideas. We brought in an expert to talk about the role of soft skills in sales. This week Bob Graham is talking to Keith Daw, Vice President of Business Development and Trainer at Sandler Training in Baltimore, for a discussion on soft skills and sales. Keith Daw trains high-level executives on sales and training. He also is a strong advocate for the role of soft skills in business. Here is the first part of an interview Bob recently did with him.
2018-10-0316 minSerious Soft SkillsSerious Soft Skills Minute 17: Being Persistent and ResilientBob Graham, cohost of the Serious Soft Skills Podcast, discusses how resilience and persistence come into play in his preparation for a half marathon and our business lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2018-10-0100 minSerious Soft Skills63: Part 2 of Interview on Teamwork, Leadership with Bestselling Author Michael RodgersIn this episode, we air the second part of our interview with Michael Rogers, bestselling author of You Are the Team—6 Simple Ways Teammates Can Go from Good to Great.Cohost Bob Graham interviews Michael, who is a consultant on teamwork and leadership and is working on his second business book, Heart Based Leadership. If you missed the first part of the interview, visit Episode 62.In this episode, Bob and Michael discuss:The differences between teamwork and team buildingHow to give and receive criticismOne-on-one meetings to ensure a proper fe...
2018-09-1920 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 37: Details, Details, DetailsPaying attention to details can help an individual, the team and the organization. Yet most of us struggle with this important soft skill. Learn why it matters and how to do it better in this episode of Serious Soft Skills.Cohosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham explore the many important benefits of paying attention to details.Among the topics they cover:Who benefits from our attention to detailWhat happens when we don’t pay attention to detailsHow to pay attention to details more effectivelyEight hints for better paying attention to de...
2018-03-2118 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 33: Becoming a Networking Ninja Using Your Soft Skills, Part 2More than four-in-five jobs come from connections, making networking a critical piece of any job search or path toward promotion. And at its core, any kind of networking calls on our soft skills.Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss:Why focusing on the perfect customer during networking can ruin any eventHow every contact you make could be a vitally important one somedayHow networking differs from speed datingBuilding value through networking is the name of the gameSome examples of good and bad networkingHow natural discussion can do more for networking than anything contrived.Opening doors to...
2018-02-2120 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 26: The 55 Soft Skills Book Launch Starts Six Weeks of Serious Soft Skills StrategyTo launch the Six Weeks of Serious Soft Skills Strategy, Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss their new book, The 55 Soft Skills that Guide Employee and Organizational Success, its origins and how it will help every employee and leader be more effective this year.Hosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham have released a new ebook, The 55 Soft Skills that Guide Employee and Organizational Success, that offers the first comprehensive look at the 55 soft skills they have uncovered through their research of academic research and business.The hosts also offer a special...
2018-01-0315 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 16: Soft Skills: The True Differentiator for Employees, Job Seekers and OrganizationsSoft skills are the true differentiator that helps people with strong technical skills earn jobs and transform their organizations, the hosts explain while answering listener questions.IntroductionBob Graham (‘0:20'): Welcome to Serious Soft Skills, Episode 16. With me is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. For you newcomers and those of you who have been with us for a while, you may or may not know we have uncovered a list of 55 soft skills. We dug this list up though academic research and our teaching of college students and work in various industries. Paying really close att...
2017-10-1717 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 15: The Soft Skill of Patience and Its Many RewardsPatience makes the list of soft skills. We'll explain why and how it fosters opportunities at work and in careers. IntroductionDr. Tobin Porterfield (‘0:20'): Welcome to Serious Soft Skills, Episode 15. With me is Bob Graham. For you newcomers, welcome. Let's set the stage. We have uncovered a list of 55 soft skills from our review of academic research and our teaching of college students, and our work in diverse industries. We use our keen eye on soft skills to help uncover how they work and how we all can improve them. We loo...
2017-10-1215 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 14: How Self Reflection ‘Fast-Tracks’ Soft Skills DevelopmentSelf-reflection, while not a soft skill, plays an important role in how we develop our soft skills over time.IntroductionBob Graham (‘0:20'): Hello, I am Bob Graham and with me as always is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. We teach college, we research soft skills and we help our students develop these skills and have seen how they play out in a variety of work settings. We'll show you that eye for soft skills in a second when we start talking about self reflection.Graham (‘0:39'): Self reflection itself is not a soft skil...
2017-10-0417 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 13: Interview Part 2 on How Customer Service, Cultural Awareness Stoke SuccessExploring the role customer service as a soft skill plays in the success of an organization om an interview with customer service expert Neal Woodson. IntroductionDr. Tobin Porterfield (‘0:21'): Welcome to Episode 13 of Serious Soft Skills. I am your host, Dr. Tobin Porterfield. Today we will have the second of a two-part interview that my cohost Bob Graham conducted with Neal Woodson. Neal has 35 years of experience across a range of environments, including 19 years in the event technology industry. Neal currently serves as director of service excellence for PSAV, where he hel...
2017-09-2714 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 12: Interview on How Everyone Has a Customer-Service JobThe soft skill of customer service is often misunderstood. Serious Soft Skills Cohost Bob Graham interviews Neal Woodson, a customer service expert, in the first part of a two-part interview on the topic.Neal's view is that customer service is the most important aspect of what organizations provide, and it ultimately is what is necessary to find any success.IntroductionDr. Tobin Porterfield (‘0:21'): Welcome to Episode 12 of Serious Soft Skills. I am your host, Dr. Tobin Porterfield. Today we will have the first of a two-part interview, where my cohost, the sultan of soft skills, Bob Gr...
2017-09-2013 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 11: The Debate about Project Management as a Soft SkillProject management is not always considered a soft skill. Hosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss its role as a soft skill and discuss the criticism.What Project Management IsBob Graham ‘1:06': We should probably start out first off with defining what project management is and explaining why it fits into our list of soft skills because most people, or some people, might be thinking that they can take a course of project management in college. Why are you saying it's a soft skill? Dr. Tobin Porterfield ‘1:23': Let's start that up. Let's start with what...
2017-09-1218 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 10: How Perseverance or Persistence Helps Entrepreneurs, OrganizationsHosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss perseverance or persistence, and why it plays a critical role in group dynamics.IntroductionGraham ‘0:21': Welcome to Episode 10 of Serious Soft Skills. I'm Bob Graham and with me as always, at least so far, is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. We each teach college; we collaborate on researching soft skills, and we both have used and seen others employ soft skills over the course of our long and illustrious careers, not that long and not that illustrious. We think our experience and expertise give us a unique lens for looking at so...
2017-09-0515 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 9: How Empathy Builds Trust, Teams Hosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss empathy, a soft skill that everyone can benefit from, but it's a soft skill that is poorly understood and often overlooked. IntroductionGraham ‘0:24': Welcome to Episode 9 of Serious Soft Skills. I'm Bob Graham and with me as always, at least so far, is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. We each teach college; we collaborate on researching soft skills, and we both have used and seen others employ soft skills over the course of our long and illustrious careers, not that long and not that illustrious. We th...
2017-08-2919 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 8: Soft Skills That Guide Organizational Change, VisionHosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham look at the soft skills that guide an organization and its culture toward change and a shared vision. Bob Graham (‘0:00'): Coming up, we're going to talk about the list of soft skills that play the most prominent role in organizations and organizational change. That and more in just a few seconds.IntroductionGraham ‘0:20': Welcome to Episode 8 of Serious Soft Skills. I'm Bob Graham and with me as always is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. We each teach college, (not this month, but soon we will...
2017-08-2318 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 7: Group Soft Skills That Help Lead Teams, Fuel InnovationHosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham talk about specific soft skills that fuel innovation and guide you when you are working in a group.Bob Graham (‘0:00'): Coming up, we're going to talk about some specific soft skills that guide you when you are working in a group. That and more in just a few seconds.IntroductionGraham ‘0:19': Welcome to Episode 7. It's already been a week. I'm Bob Graham and with me is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. We each teach college, we collaborate on researching soft skills, and we both have used...
2017-08-1617 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 6: Nexus Soft Skills Backing One-On-One InteractionsHosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham discuss the soft skills necessary to foster good one-on-one communications.Bob Graham ‘0:00': Coming we're going to talk about the specific soft skills that can make or break your discussion with another person. That and more in just a few seconds.The OpeningGraham ‘0:17': Welcome to Episode 6 of Serious Soft Skills. I am Bob Graham and with me is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. We each teach college, we collaborate on researching soft skills and we have both used and seen others use soft skills in a va...
2017-08-0916 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 5: The First Step to Improve Your Soft SkillsDr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham take a deeper dive into one of the key areas of soft skills: Individual soft skills. We’re also going to talk about how best to get moving toward improving your soft skills.Bob Graham ‘0:00’: Coming up, we’re going to take a deeper dive into one of the key area of soft skills: Individual soft skills.Graham ‘0:23’: Welcome to Episode 4 of Serious Soft Skills. I am Bob Graham, and with me, as always, is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. We each teach college, we collaborate on researching soft skills, and we...
2017-08-0220 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 4: New Soft Skills Research RevealedHosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham share some cutting-edge research on soft skills we obtained from a survey of almost 500 business people. They further dig into results among various groups, including people seeking jobs, workers without leadership roles, mid-level managers, executives, and the self-employed. It’s great stuff that will give you new insights on soft skills. Bob Graham ‘0:00’: Coming up, we will share some cutting-edge research on soft skills we obtained from a survey of almost 500 business people. It’s great stuff that will give you new insights into how soft skills are real...
2017-07-1818 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 3: The Most Important Soft Skill, MaybeToday we are going to look at arguably what is one of the most important soft skills, one that sets the stage for so many other soft skills to appear. Will you agree or disagree with our host?Bob Graham ‘0:00’: Coming up, we are going to look at arguably what is one of the most important soft skills, one that sets the stage for so many other soft skills to appear. That’s coming up in just a few seconds.Graham ‘0:26’: Welcome to Episode 3 of Serious Soft Skills. I am Bob Graham and with me, a...
2017-07-1115 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 2: The Story of Doug, Who Has Poor Soft SkillsYou may have heard about soft skills, but you may not know who in your office needs to use them and why. We'll explain it all.Bob Graham ‘0:00': You may have heard about soft skills, but you may not know who in your office needs to use them and why. We will enlighten you in just a few seconds.Graham ‘0:22': Welcome to Episode 2 of Serious Soft Skills. I am Bob Graham, and with me is Dr. Tobin Porterfield. We each teach college, we collaborate on researching soft skills, and we both have...
2017-07-0516 minSerious Soft SkillsPodcast 1: What Are Soft Skills Anyway?Hosts Dr. Tobin Porterfield and Bob Graham explain what soft skills are, using powerful examples from business. Bob Graham ‘0:22': We’re going to explain what soft skills are in general, and explain them in a way that gives people a better understanding. Let’s start with the big question first. Why soft skills now?Dr. Tobin Porterfield ‘0:58': We know from our research that soft skills go back almost 50 years. So they are not new. But what is new is, we are in a hyper-competitive market now, where technology and globalization have saturated...
2017-06-2918 min