The truth is becoming a well-rounded entrepreneur involves a good work-life balance and the consistent self-work required to build the strength to lead a company. We are leaving behind the image of the overworked entrepreneur and learning to build these soft skills that benefit not only our work but our personal well-being.

I wish I had understood the value of developing these skills earlier in life, but I, like many other entrepreneurs, was focused on gaining technical and knowledge-based skills. I wrongly believed that development and softer skills had no place in the business world.

What are soft skills?

These skills include everything from teamwork to problem-solving. They are sometimes referred to as ‘common skills’ as they help individuals in every area of their lives, not only in a professional sense but they are also transferable to personal life and relationships.

Developing your soft skills

Developing your soft skills is all about going back to basics and the strong foundations of your wellbeing. Take some time to reflect, make some lists and consider how much time you are investing into your own personal growth.

Get Back to Basics

You’ve got to start from a solid place, especially if you want to start building a business, so consider the basics first. Don’t underestimate how much of an impact getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising regularly will have on your ability to operate and function from a higher and better place.

When you’ve got the basics down then you can start to look at other growth practices that will help you to develop soft skills. The very best entrepreneurs are those who look at life as a teacher and are open to continuously learning and growing. They set aside time for things like reading and watching documentaries. When they talk to people they practice inquisitive conversations, always focused on learning and developing.

Try to practice things regularly that challenge you to think in new ways and do new things. I find appreciating new pieces of art opens my ways of thinking, some get the same from learning new languages or practising extreme sports. Keep trying until you find something that works for you.

Develop Practices

Finding regular practices every day that helps you ground yourself and find clarity will be key to unlocking your full potential. These practices look different for everyone and the list is endless, from meditating, yoga, journaling or practising gratitude. Each of these practices will help you to connect with yourself and face the challenges of your day-to-day with focus and clarity.

Becoming a Well-Rounded Entrepreneur

I launched a global movement to encourage and develop these skills in entrepreneurs, called FELS. Over the last seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working with many companies and individuals, from speaking at numerous engagements to working as a lecturer, mentor, consultant, panellist, and coach.

The single biggest lesson I learned from advising hundreds of individuals and entities is how important these skills are for an entrepreneur. The people I worked with who had good soft skills were able to build their companies and ride the waves of entrepreneurship.

I also saw time and time again that the entrepreneurs with the strongest soft skills had first taken the time to develop them on a personal level and integrated these skills into their lives. The entrepreneurs that tried to force the development of soft skills for the sake of company growth generally only developed them on a superficial level instead of understanding their true potential.

I am deeply passionate about helping entrepreneurs tap into the most successful version of themselves and through developing these skills find fulfilment in their work and lives. 

Truly learning these skills and putting them into practice within your day-to-day will allow you to lead from a place of strength and integrity and achieve your highest vision of success.