CRM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

CRM - Essay Example Threading also reduces visual clutter. Secondly, Gmail offer users with huge storage space, and thus, they can archive mails instead of deleting. Thirdly, Gmail users are advised to use labels instead of folders because an email can only be put in one folder; however, for flexibility, it can be put in many labels. Moreover, labels can be hierarchically organized. Fourthly, switching to Gmail like a pro entails using Gmail while working offline without any internet connection. Gmail can also be accessed through cell phones (Cloud Sherpas 2). Additionally, the fifth step listed by Cloud Sherpas in their article is the possibility of searching for emails with speed and accuracy instead of sorting, enjoying automatic software updates on a weekly basis, therefore, users experience new functionality. The seventh and last step in the article entails priority inbox. Gmail has a new feature known as priority inbox, which identifies a user’s important emails, and thus, separates it from other emails. Important emails are identified by priority inbox through the user’s pattern that is, the emails that are regularly opened and replied (Cloud Sherpas

Strategic Leadership in a Changing World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Leadership in a Changing World - Essay Example Henry Ford recognized the fact that the company can use the right technology to avail quality cars to the public at an affordable price. With an efficient production line, Ford manufactured many cars at lower costs. The company relied on innovation to become the most successful car-producer in the U.S (Niemann 2013, p. 2). Today, the company aims at delivering the world’s best cars, utilities, and trucks, including a lineup of vehicles that are more sustainable in how they make them and how they operate (Niemann 2013, p. 4). The company depends on its employees to deliver its mission that includes building great products that contribute to a better world (Niemann 2013, p. 4). The company abhors sustainability by adopting strategies and goals that minimize environmental impacts, including reducing contribution to climate change (Niemann 2012, p. 5). Moreover, the company plays a role in developing and implementing solutions to the global water challenge (Niemann 2012, p. 5). The company enhances vehicle safety by giving customers peace of mind and making the world safer by developing advanced safety technologies and making them available across a wide range of vehicles (Niemann 2013, p. 6). As such, the company continues to gain competitive market advantage by reducing the environmental impact of our products and facilities, supporting positive social change, and ensuring economic viability for long-term growth (Niemann 2013, p. 7). Indeed, Ford Motor Company manufactured the best-selling brand in Americ a where it sold more than 2 million cars in 2012 (Niemann 2013, p. 4). Moreover, the company introduced six new choices of electrified vehicles and by March 2013, the company was the second leading seller of these vehicles in America with a 15 percent of the hybrid sales. However, it is quite notable that Ford Motor Company faces strategic issues and options in the global market and in the motor vehicle

Smart Systems And Smart Materials

Smart Systems And Smart Materials Science and technology has made amazing developments in the design of electronics and machinery by using standard materials, which did not have particularly special properties (i.e. steel, aluminum, gold etc). Imagine the range of possibilities, which exist for special type of materials that have properties scientists can manipulate. Some such materials has the ability to change shape or size or simply by adding a little bit of heat, or to change from a liquid to a solid almost instantly when it is near a magnet; these materials are called smart materials. Smart materials are the materials that have one or more properties that can be dramatically altered. Most everyday materials have physical properties, which cannot be significantly altered; for example if an oil is heated it shall become little thinner, whereas a smart material with variable viscosity may turn from a fluid which flows easily to a solid. A variety of smart materials already exists, and is being researched extensively. These includes piezoelectric materials, magneto-rheostatic materials, electro-rheostatic materials, and shape memory alloys. Some everyday items are already incorporating smart materials (coffeepots, cars, the International Space Station, eyeglasses) and the number of applications for them is growing rapidly. Each individual type of smart material has a different type of property which can be significantly altered, such as viscosity, volume, and conductivity. The property which can be altered influences what types of applications the smart material can be used for. Smart systems and smart materials Smart structures are the new emerging materials systems which combines contemporary materials science with information science. The smart system is composed of these:- sensing, processing, actuating, feedback, self-diagnosing and self-recovering subsystems. These system uses the functional properties of advanced materials to achieve high performances with the capabilities of recognition, discrimination, and adjustification in response to make change of its environment. Each component of this system must have functionality, and the entire system is integrated to perform a self-controlled smart action, similar to a living creature that can think, make judgment and take actions. A smart system can be considered as a design philosophy that emphasizes predictivity, adaptivity and repetivity. A smart system/structure is defined as a non-biological physical structure having the following attributes: (1) a definite purpose; (ii) means and imperative to achieve that purpose; and (iii) a biological pattern of functioning. Smart materials are the subset of the smart systems, i.e. smart structures at the microscopic or mesoscopic scales. Smart systems are the non-biological structures which means that the system functions as a biological system rather than the pattern of functioning as a Turning machine. These materials will generally include at least one structural element, some for means of sensing the environment and its own state, and some type of processing and adaptive control algorithm. Science and technology in the 21st century will have to rely heavily on the development of new materials that are expected to respond to the environmental changes and manifest their own functions according to the optimum conditions. The development of these materials will undoubtedly be an essential task in many fields of science and technology such as informatics science, micro-electronics, computer science, medical treatment, life science, energy, transportation, safety engineering and military technologies. Materials development in the future, therefore, should be directed toward creation of hyperfunctional materials which will surpass even biological organ in some aspects. The present materials research is to develop various pathways that will lead the modern technology towards the smart sy stems. Types of Smart Materials Piezoelectric materials:- Piezoelectric materials have two unique properties that are interrelated. When a piezoelectric material is deformed, it gives off a small but a measurable electrical discharge. Alternately, when an electrical current is passed through a piezoelectric material it experiences the significant increase in size (approx. up to a 4% change in volume) Piezoelectric materials are widely used as sensors in different type of environments. They are often used to measure fluid composition, fluid density, fluid viscosity, or the force of an impact. An example of a piezoelectric material in everyday life is an airbag sensor in our car. The material senses the force of an impact on the car and thus sends and electric charge deploying the airbag. Example of Piezoelectric materials Electro-rheostatic (ER) and magneto-rheostatic (MR) materials:- Electro-rheostatic (ER) and magneto-rheostatic (MR) materials are fluids, which can experience dramatic change in their viscosity. These type of fluids can change from thick fluids (similar to motor oil) to nearly a solid substance within a span of a millisecond when exposed to a magnetic or an electric field. The effect can completely be reversed just as quickly when the field is removed. MR fluids experience viscosity changes when exposed to a magnetic field, while ER fluids experience similar type changes in an electric field. The composition of each type of smart fluid varies widely. The most common form of MR fluid consists of the tiny iron particles suspended in oil, while ER fluids can be as simple as milk chocolates or corn-starch and oil. MR fluids are mostly being developed for use in the car shocks, damping washing machine vibration, prosthetic limbs, exercise equipment, and surface polishing of machine parts. ER are mainly being developed for use in the clutches and valves, as well as engine mounts designed to reduce noise and vibration in the vehicles. Shape memory alloys:- Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are the metals, which exhibit two intresting unique properties, pseudo-elasticity, and shape memory effect. Arne Olander first observed these unusual properties in 1938 (Oksuta and Wayman 1998), but until the 1960s were no any serious research advances made in the field of shape memory alloys. The most effective and widely used alloys includes-NiTi (Nickel Titanium), CuZnAl, and CuAlNi. The unusual properties mentioned in the above are being applied to a wide variety of applications in the number of different fields. Shape memory alloys use ) pH sensitive polymers:- pH sensitive or pH responsive polymers are the materials which responds to the changes in the pH of the surrounding medium by varying or changing their dimensions. Such materials either swell or collapse depending on the pH of their own environment. These behaviour are exhibited due to the presence of certain type of functional groups in the polymer chains. There are only two kinds of ph sensitive materials:- one that have acidic group (-COOH, -SO3H) and swells in basic pH, and others that have basic groups (-NH2) and swells in acidic pH. Polyacrylic acid is an example of a former and Chitosan is an example of a latter. The mechanism of response is just same for both, just the stimuli varies. Their response is triggered due to the presence of ionisable functional groups (eg -COOH, -NH2) which get ionized and acquires a charge +/- in a certain pH. The polymer chains are now having similarly charged groups which causes repulsion and thus the material expands in dimensions. The opposite of this happens when pH changes and the functional groups loses their charge hence the repulsion is therefore gone and the material collapses back. These materials are being widely used for controlled drug delivery systems and biomimetics Halochromic material:- Halochromic materials are the materials which changes colour when pH changes occurs. The term chromic is defined as the materials that can change their colour reversibly in the presence of a factor. In this case, the factor is pH. The pH indicators have this type of property. Halochromic substances are suited for use in environments where pH changes occur very frequently, or the places where changes in pH are most. Halochromic substances can detect alterations in the acidity of substances, eg- detection of corrosion in metals. These substances can be used as indicators to determine the pH of the solutions of unknown pH. The colour obtained is compared with the colour obtained when the indicator is mixed with solutions of known pH. The pH of the unknown solution can then be estimated. Obvious disadvantages of this type method include its dependency on the colour sensitivity of the human eye, and those of unknown solutions that are already colour can be used. example of halochromoic The colour changes of halochromic substances occur when a chemical binds to existing hydrogen and hydroxide ions in solution. Such bonds result in changes in the conjugate systems of the molecules, or the range of electron to flow. This alters the amount of light absorbed, which in turns results in a visible change of colour. Halochromic substances does not display a full range of colour for a full range of pH because, after certain acidities, the conjugate system does not changes. The various shades resulted from different type of concentrations of halochromic molecules with the different conjugate systems. (6)Dielectric elastomers (DEs):- Dielectric elastomers are the smart material systems which produces large strains (even up to 300%) and belong to the group of electro active polymers (EAP). Based on their simple principle of working dielectric elastomers actuators (DEA) transform electric energy directly into the mechanical work. DE are lightweight, and have a high elastic energy density and are investigated since the late 1990s. Many of its potential applications exist as prototypes. Every year in spring a SPIE conference takes place in San Diego where the newest research results concerning DEA are exchanged between. Self-healing materials:- These materials are the class of smart materials that are having the structurally incorporated ability to repair damage caused by mechanical usage over time. The inspiration comes from the biological systems, which have the ability to heal after being wounded. Initiation of cracks and other types of damage on a microscopic level have been shown to change the thermal, electrical, and acoustical properties, and eventually lead to the whole scale failure of these materials. Usually, cracks are mended by hand, which is difficult because cracks are often hard to detect. A material (polymers, ceramics, etc.) that can intrinsically correct the damage caused by normal usage could lower production costs of the number of different industrial processes through longer part lifetime, reduction of inefficiency over time caused by degradation, as well as prevent costs incurred by material failure. For a material to be called as self-healing, it is necessary that the healing process shall occur with out human intervention. Examples shown below include healing polymers that are not self-healing polymers. Example of self healing Temperature-responsive polymer:- Temperature-responsive polymer is a polymer which undergoes a physical change when an external thermal stimulus is presented. Their ability to undergo such changes under easily controlled conditions makes this class of polymers fall into the category of smart materials. These physical changes can be exploited for many analytical techniques, especially for separation chemistry. After numerous investigations of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (poly-NIPAAm), there was a sparked interest in the applications of this and many other stimuli-responsive polymers. There have been extensive research in the applications of intelligent polymers for use as stationary phases, extraction compounds, surface modifiers, drug delivery, and gene delivery. Temperature responsive polymer Applications of smart materials There are many possibilities for smart materials and structures in this world. Engineering structures can be operated at the very limited of their performance envelopes and to their structural limits without fear of the exceeding either. These structures can also give maintenance engineers a full report on the performance history, as well as the location of the defects, whilst having the ability to counteract the unwanted or potentially dangerous conditions such as excess vibration, and effect self repair. Smart Materials in Aerospace:- Some materials and structures are termed sensual devices. These are structures which can sense their environment and generate data for use in health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS). Today the most well established application of HUMS are in the field of aerospace, in the areas such as aircraft checking. An aircraft constructed from a sensual structure could self-monitor its performance to a level beyond that of current data recording, and provide ground crews with the enhanced health and usage monitoring. This would minimise the overheads associated with HUMS and allow such aircraft to fly for more hours before any human intervention is required. Smart Materials in Civil Engineering They can be used in the monitoring of civil engineering structures to assess durability. Monitoring of the current and long term behaviour of a bridge would lead to enhanced safety during its life since it would provide early warning of structural problems at a stage where minor repairs would enhance durability, and when used in conjunction with structural rehabilitation can be used to safety monitor the structure beyond its original design life. This will influence the life costs of such structures by reducing upfront construction costs and by extending safe life of the structures. Sensual materials and structures also have a wide range of potential domestic applications, as in food packaging for monitoring safe storage and cooking. The above example addresses only sensual structures. However, the smart materials and structures offer the possibility of structures, which not only sense but also adapt with their environment. Such types of adaptive materials and structures benefit from the sensual aspects highlighted earlier, but in addition have the capability to move, vibrate, and exhibit a multitude of other real time responses. Potential applications of such adaptive materials and structures range from the ability to control the aeroelastic form of an aircraft wing, thus minimising drag and improving operational efficiency, to vibration control of lightweight structures such as satellites, and power pick-up pantographs on trains. Ken Materials Mechatronic smart structures have demonstrated the capability of its technology, but raise the important issue of the complexity of the resulting system. This smart type of structures contains a multitude of different materials, and in the case of sensual structures it will generate large amounts of data. This increase in complexity has been described as the spaghetti syndrome, and has led to the proposal for an alternative type of smart structure based on the concept of ken materials (the Chinese characters which means wisdom, structure, monitoring, integration and benignity is being pronounced ken in the Japanese language). Such structures will move functional integration into the constituent engineering materials by themselves. Some of the practical examples of ken materials exist at present, although a structural composite based on this concept had been developed in Japan. This is a carbon and glass fibre reinforced concrete which able to monitor concrete structures by using only the structural reinforcing fibres, thus reducing the complexity of the system. (4) Structural Uses (a) Active control of structures The concepts of the adaptive behaviour have been an underlying theme of active control of structures which are subjected to an earthquake and other environmental types of loads. The structure adapts its dynamic characteristics to meet the performance objectives at any instant. Sun and Sun (vi) used a thermo mechanical approach to develop a constitutive relation for bending of a composite beam with a continuous SMA fibers embedded eccentric to neutral axis. The authors finally concluded that SMAs can be successfully used for the active structural vibration control. Thompson(iii) also conducted an analytical investigation on the use of SMA wires to dampen the dynamic response of the cantilever beam constrained by SMA wires. (b) Passive control of structures Two families of the passive seismic control devices which are exploiting the peculiar properties of SMA kernel components has been implemented and tested within our MANSIDE project (Memory Alloys for New Seismic Isolation and Energy Dissipation Devices). They are the Special braces for the framed structures and isolation devices for the buildings and bridges. (c) Smart Material Tag These smart materials tag can be used for composite structures. These tags can be monitored externally throughout the life of those structures to relate the condition of internal material. Such measurements as stress, moisture, voids, cracks and discontinuities might be interpreted via a remote sensors. (d) Retrofitting SMAs can use as self-stressing fibres and therefore they can be applied for retrofitting. Self-stressing fibres are the ones in which the reinforcement is placed into the compositenon-stressed state. A prestressing force is therefore introduced into the system without the use of large mechanical actuators, by providing SMAs. These materials thus do not need specialized electric equipments nor do they create safety problems in the field. Treatment can be applied at any time after hardening of matrix instead of during its curing and hardening. So the Long or short term prestressing is introduced by triggering the change in SMAs shape using temperature or electricity. The Future The development of true smart materials at the small atomic scale is still progressing a little, although the enabling technologies are under the development. These require the novel aspects of nanotechnology (technologies which are associated with materials and processes at the nanometre scale, 10-9m) and the newly developing science of shape chemistry. Worldwide, a considerable effort is being made to develop these smart materials and structures. The technological benefits of such types of systems have begun to be identified and, demonstrators are therefore under construction for a wide range of applications from space to aerospace, to civil engineering and to domestic products. In many of above, these applications, the cost benefit analyses of such systems are yet to be fully demonstrated. The Office of Science and Technologys Foresight Programme has recognised these types of systems as a strategic technology for the future, having considerable potential for creation of wealth through the development of various unknown products, and performance enhancing the existing products in a broad range of the industrial sectors. The concept of engineering materials and structures which respond to their own environment, including their human owners, is somewhat an alien concept. So it is therefore not only important that the technological and financial implications of these materials and structures are addressed, but also issues associated with public understanding and acceptance.Techno-democracy could only come about only through education and exposure of the general public to these technologies. However, such a general acceptance of smart materials and structures may in fact be more difficult than some of the technological hurdles which are associated with their development. A new smart materials process Multiple Memory Material Technology developed by University of Waterloo engineering researchers promises to revolutionize the manufacture of diverse products such as medical devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), printers, hard drives, automotive components, valves and actuators.

European Imperialsim in Africa was Justified :: Politics Government

European Imperialism in Africa was Justified The first Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain. It led to a dramatic increase in factories, therefore a vast amount of manufactured goods. The demand for goods created by the Industrial Revolution helped clear the way for the Age of Imperialism because Great Britain and eventually all of Europe sought after more natural resources and raw materials. Imperialism is the policy in which a stronger country seeks to dominate a less developed country both politically and economically. Although the European imperialism of Africa was exploitive and self seeking, it was justified because it ultimately enhanced the growth and development of the African nations through new laws, government, well ordered finance and freedom form oppression. When the Europeans arrived in Africa, many would of thought that imperialism wasn?t fied because the Europeans were enslaving the Africans. As stated in David Diop's An Anthology of West African Verse, "And in the Conqueror's voice said, 'Boy! A chair, a napkin, a drink.'" Stated blatantly, the "conqueror" is a European, and he is commanding an African to serve him. Forcing Africans into slavery certainly doesn?t justify European imperialism in Africa, however, there are many reasons as to why imperialism actually was justified. One reason, is the fact that the raw materials the Europeans took from Africa were unused. As stated in Lord Frederick Lugard's, The Dual Mandate in British Tropical Africa, "Who can deny the right of the hungry people of Europe to utilize the wasted bounties of nature..." Lugard shows that Europe had the right to take raw materials from Africa because they were unused. This means those who argue that European imperialism in Africa was not justified because the Europeans simply took raw materials, are obviously mistaken. Another reason that European imperialism in Africa was justified, is the fact that Europeans did not take over Africa solely for their self interests. As plainly stated in excepts from Lord Carnarvon's records. "...it is certainly not a desire of selfish interests..." Clearly, those who argue that Europeans just wanted to benefit themselves through the imperialism of Africa, are incorrect. Unfortunately, even though European imperialism in Africa was justified, many Africans are still suffering from the effects to this day.

Crime and Mental Illness Essay

Crime and Mental Illness Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The increase of crime over the years, has led to various assumptions on the causes of these rapid escalations in crime. Hence, experts including psychiatrists have been engaged in this debate. Experts have been involved in the contention as to whether mental disorders and their symptoms have a direct influence on the tendency to commit crime among the related people. The purpose of this paper is to consider the generic question about whether mental disorder is significantly correlated to crime with particular reference to the issues associated with psychiatry and forensic psychiatry.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper will firstly explore the relationship between mental disorder symptoms and crimes as well as establish whether there is a direct relationship between symptoms of mental illness and criminality. Mental disorders, especially anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders and psychotic disorders will be discussed and considered in relation to their link to criminality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the UK, research has shown that mental health needs of young offenders are not being met, due to the lack of expertise and resources in the custody system (The Mental Health Foundation, 2002). As such, this essay aims to analyse and critique how the detained youth are diagnosed in psychiatry; predominantly focusing on the potential role of psychiatry in alleviating the mental health illnesses amongst the young offenders in the juvenile system. Crime and mental illness symptoms   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the UK, studies conducted have shown that In the UK, research has shown that the prevalence rate of mental health problems among the youth in the general population ranges at 13% for the girls and 10 percent for the boys. On the other hand, the prevalence rate of juveniles with mental disorders in the criminal justice system ranges from 25 to 81 percent (The Mental Health Foundation, 2002). While many researches have been directed towards investigating mental disorder as the cause of crime, the policy makers have also assumed that the metal illness symptoms have a direct connection to the crimes committed (Torrey, 2011). Hence, programs that have been initiated to remedy this situation have always operated under the assumption that medication and mental health treatment will reduce the criminal behavior (Skeem, Manchak & Peterson, 2011).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, some researchers have suggested a novel approach where studies are conducted on two groups of offenders: one group entails a small group of criminal offenders whose mental illness symptoms relate directly to their crime and a larger group of offenders where their crimes do not relate to their criminal behavior (Swanson et al., 2008; Skeem et al., 2011). The results of this studies indicated that for the smaller group of offenders, access to mental illness medical treatment led to reduced relapse into criminal behavior. On the other hand, studies conducted the larger group whose criminal actions were not directly connected to mental illness showed that interventions needed to go beyond the treatment of mental illness symptoms if the criminal justice outcomes was to be improved. Hence, the approach of treating mental health symptoms as a way of reducing criminal behavior relapse should not be applied indiscriminately. Ther e should be a distinctions between these two groups: one group with offender whose criminal behavior was motivated by mental health symptoms and the other group whose criminal behavior is not directly linked to mental health symptoms. Definitions of direct relationships between mental illness symptoms and criminal behavior   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to the UK law, section 1(2) of the Mental Act 2007, the mental disorders recognized include eating disorders, personality disorders, autistic spectrum disorders and mental illnesses (such as bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, depression and learning disorders). Before one can consider the how offenders are motivated by mental illness symptoms to commit crimes, one should first consider the definition of links between the mental illness symptoms and the criminal behavior. Hence, if there is enough evidence that the suspect or defendant is suffering from significant mental illness, the prosecution may not be appropriate lest the crime committed is serious and there is a high possibility of the offender repeating the crime (The Crown Prosecution Service, 2014). According to the section two, part three of the Mental Health Act which adds a new subsection 1(2A) to the 1983 Mental Health Act, learning disability is interpreted as the in complete development of the mind including social impairment and social functioning. Under this Act, alcohol or drug dependence is not categorized under the mental disorder. However, the mental illness that are as a result of the use or the stopping of drug use are included in the interpretation of mental disorder. Under this section of the UK constitution, immoral conduct and sexual deviancy are not included in mental disorders because they are not clinically recognized to be mental disorders.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Despite the legal definition of insanity, most individuals found to be guilty due to mental insanity have been found to be primarily diagnosed with schizophrenia and were suffering from the symptoms of psychosis during the time that the crime was committed (Callahan et al., 1991). This is because the symptoms of psychosis (such as anger and impulsivity) are a direct indicator of serious mental illness and the symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions, alter an individual’s sense of reality, hence motivating criminal behavior (McNiel, Eisner & Binder, 2009; Douglas, Guy & Hart, 2009). Research on the correlation between mental health symptoms and criminal behaviour   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Many researches, including forensic research, have been concentrating on the connection between mental disorder and criminal behaviour. Monahan et al. (2001), conducts a study which involves more than one thousand psychiatric patients, focusing on the role psychosis plays during the precedent of the violent incident. Predominantly, patients were asked whether they experienced episodes of hallucinations or even delusions while the violent incidents transpired. The results indicated that only 12% of the patients were experiencing mental illness symptoms at the time the violent incident occurred.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Peterson et al. (2010) also conducted a similar study involving one hundred and twelve parolees with mental illness compared to one hundred and nine other parolees who were not suffering from mental illnesses. Based on the information collected through interviews and records, the offending patterns were drawn. The research findings showed that the emotionally reactive pattern of offending was common for most of the offenders, whether suffering from mental illness or not. On further investigation of the offenders with mental illness, the results indicated that only 5% of the parolees committed crimes as an outcome of their psychotic symptoms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Junginger et al. (2006) incorporated the use of a broader definition of the symptoms of metal disorder. They conducted their study on one hundred and thirteen individuals arrested while suffering from symptoms of mental illness and other disorders of substance eligible for the jail diversion schedule. Their findings indicated that only 4% of the offenders had been arrested for committing crimes directly relating to psychosis while another 4% of the offenders were arrested for crimes that were not directly related to psychosis symptoms such as depression, confusion, irritability and thought disorder. It is, however, not clear how symptoms such as irritability are distinguished from normative personality characters and the emotional features found among offenders without mental disorders. The Difficulty in distinguishing between Symptoms and Traits   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The symptom of mental disorder and normative risk factors for crime becomes hard to distinguish once the mental illness symptoms are broadened beyond psychosis. Anger, for example is strongly related to psychosis symptoms (hallucinations and delusions), symptoms of personality disorders (which includes emotional stability), symptoms of mood disorders (anger attacks and irritability) and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (Novaco, 2011). On the other hand, anger is also a fundamental human emotion that is also a dynamic risk factor for criminal violence among both the general offenders and psychiatric patients (Gardner et al., 1996).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In another study involving one hundred and thirty-two subjects, Skeem et al. (2006) findings indicated that anger is a strong indicator of predicted violence, as opposed to other symptoms that were related to mental disease (such as delusions). Hence, approaching anger as a mental illness symptom risks making a human emotion appear as a symptom of a serious mental illness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another example of a difficult distinction involves impulsivity which is related to particular symptoms of bipolar disease including being easily distracted and excessive indulgent in pleasurable activities which has a possibility of a painful outcome (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Hence, impulsivity is a common for people suffering from bipolar disease as compared to the general population (Jimenez et al., 2012). On the other hand, impulsivity is a label common in the criteria for diagnosing antisocial personality disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) and has been proved to be one of the strongest predictors of criminal acts among both juveniles and adults (Kruger et al. 2007). Hence, it is difficult to distinguish whether impulsivity is a normative personality trait or a serious mental illness symptom. Mental illnesses and their symptoms   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Anxiety disorder involves a tendency of individuals to be withdrawn and avoid confrontation with other people. People with anxiety disorders exhibit heightened anxiety, worry and fear that this constant and overwhelming in a way that is crippling. Types of anxiety disorders includes panic disorders, social anxiety disorders, certain phobias towards a specific situation or object and generalized anxiety disorder where a person has excessive worry even when there is nothing that has provoked anxiety. A person with panic disorder is overwhelmed with a feeling of terror without warning has other symptoms such as chest pain, strong and irregular heartbeats and a feeling of being choked. General symptoms of anxiety disorders include problems with sleeping, panic, fear, shortness of breath, the inability to stay calm, dry mouth, muscle tension, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath. While research has indicated that the youth with anxiety are less likely to be involved in aggressive tendencies (Connor, 2002), those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a significant susceptibility to reacting aggressively to threats and in an unexpected manner (Charney et al. 1993). On the other hand, those with posttraumatic disorder combined with conduct disorder (involving antisocial tendencies) were also found to be more aggressive and impulsive as compared with individuals with conduct disorder only (Cauffman, 1998).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bipolar disorder involves mood swings ranging from feelings of depression to mania. Bipolar disorder is divided into several categories depending on the patterns of symptoms exhibited by the patient. Bipolar I disorder entails mood swings which lead to increased difficulty in a person’s workplace, school or relationships and manic episodes can be serious. Bipolar II disorder is less serious compared to bipolar I. It involves symptoms such as elevated moods, with some minimal adjustments to the functioning of a person but the he or she can conduct the normal routine. In this case, one experiences hypomania instead of a full mania. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania compared to full mania. The third type of bipolar disorder is known as cyclothymic disorder with is the mild form of bipolar disorders. In this case, a person experiences hypomania & depression that can be disruptive, but the highs and lows are not as serious as the bipolar I and II disorders. Some symptoms involving the manic or hypo-manic stage of bipolar disorder include: Euphoria, poor judgment, aggressive tendencies, risky behavior, racing thoughts, increasing drive to achieve goals, irritability and psychosis. The depressive stage of bipolar disorder includes excessive sadness, hopelessness, suicidal behavior, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, irritability, guilty and poor performance at school or the workplace (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015). The highs and lows experience by patients can lead them to perform criminal activities especially when they are excessively depressed and easily irritated and can respond to the actions of other members of the society in a way that is harmful.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Psychotic disorders include thought disturbances involving unusual interpretations of happenings. Psychotic disorders alter the ability of a person to make rational judgments, think clearly, understand reality, communicate well and behave in the appropriate manner. Patients with severe symptoms of psychotic disorders find it difficult to stay in touch with reality and as such, they can engage in criminal activities even without realizing that what they are doing is wrong. Schizophrenia is one type of psychotic disorder where patients experience changes in behavior and encounter hallucinations and delusions with can last for even more than half a year which greatly diminishes their function and increases their susceptibility to commit crime even without realizing it. Psychiatry   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Psychiatry is a speciality that deals with the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of mental disorders. On the other hand, a mental disorder is a mental anomaly that causes one to not function properly in society. Forensic psychiatry deals with the treatment of criminal offenders with mental disorders. There is evidence of individuals with mental health illnesses either being segregated for care or containment for hundreds of years now. Hoswells (1975) recounts that a psychiatric care of the mentally ill was being practices in the health facilities in Islamic countries as early as the 8th century and India this practice implemented as early as the 10th century. Hospitals dedicated for people with mental health problems in England were present even as early as the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the Bethlem Hospital which was built in 1247. Earlier treatments of individuals with mental illnesses involved the use of milieu therapy, counseling a mong other archaic methods. The story of modern psychiatry began with the introduction of legislation to protect the rights of individuals with mental illness. The Mental Health Act introduced in 1983 was introduced to protect the rights of detained patients with mental illnesses. Psychiatry and the detained juveniles with mental illnesses   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Psychiatry presents the best methods in treating mental disorders especially among the youth who have a higher chance of being reformed as compared to adults with mental illnesses. However, following the findings showing a high prevalence rate of mental illnesses among the youth within the correctional institutions, improvements must be implemented if the detained youth are to undergo complete behavioral rehabilitation (Odgers et al., 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The juvenile offenders in the justice system require supplementary attention given their vulnerability to mental health problems. Research has shown that most of the juvenile offenders have more disorders that can be easily diagnosed if close attention is given to them. While many researchers differ on the number of juveniles with diagnosable disorders, the fraction lies between 50- 70% of the total young population (Colins et al., 2010). Research shows that due to the lack of attention given by the justice authorities, juveniles suffer from more than one mental disorder, with the female juveniles being more inclined to mental health illnesses compare to the male juveniles (Schubert & Mulvey, 2014).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Howard et al. 2013) conducted a study to explore some factors that would lead to increased criminal recidivism among forensic patients. The findings of their study indicated that those who had endured a severe childhood disorders and drug dependence during adolescence were more likely to engage in rescind to their criminal behavioral patterns as compared to those who did not engage in neither childhood conduct disorders nor drug dependence. As such, forensic psychiatrist should consider the past experiences of their patients if they are to successfully rehabilitate their patients. High risk patients who have a past experience of childhood conduct disorders and drug dependence should be monitored carefully monitored and given enough support in order to control their urge to engage into criminal activities after being released from a controlled environment to the community.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While the youth with mental illnesses only commit a small fraction of the delinquencies in the community, they are at high risk of offending or re-offending as compared to the youth in the general population. Hence, more research need to be conducted to inform more effective policies to respond appropriately. Particularly, the processing of juveniles in the justice system should be improved so as to identify the youth with critical mental health needs. As such, evidence-based psychiatry services should be incorporated to identify the juveniles who may be in need of long term mental health support. The screening results should then be recorded to provide information that is required for planning and resource development (Grisso, 2008). Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This essay highlighted the relationship between criminality and mental illnesses at length and it was found that there was a significant relationship but the breath of the definition of mental disorder was a key factor when evaluating this relationship. It was found that some symptoms of mental illness such as depression, confusion, irritability or even thought disorder are not directly related to crime committed given that they can also be categorized as normal personality traits. Hence the breath of the definition of mental illness is key in determining its correlation with crime. This relationship was also evaluated from a legal point of view when determining whether to prosecute offenders with mental illnesses and it was established that such offender should only be prosecuted if there is a high possibility of committing the crime again. Under the UK law, mental disorder is any disability of the mind and does not include alcohol depend ence, immoral conduct nor sexual deviancy. This research essay also discussed psychiatry and it role in treating the detained youth with mental illnesses. While psychiatry presents one of the most effective methods of treating mental illnesses among detained youths, the high prevalence rates of mental illnesses in the juvenile justice systems indicate the need for research based methods in psychiatry services so as to isolate the juvenile who may be in need of long term mental health support. This is because, this group of juveniles pose the highest risk of repeating the crimes they committed with released into the community. References American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., text revision (DSM–IV–TR). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association. Cauffman, E. et al. (1998). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Female Juvenile Offenders. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 37, 1209-16. Charney, D. et al. (1993). Psychobiological Mechanisms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry 50, 294-305. Colins, L., Vermeiren, R., Vreughenhil, C., VanDenBrink, W., Doreleijers, T., and Broekaert, E. (2010). Psychiatric disorders in detained male adolescents: A systematic literature review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 55(4),255-263. Connor, D. (2002). Aggression and Antisocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents. New York, NY: Guilford. Douglas, K. S., Guy, L. S., & Hart, S. D. (2009). Psychosis as a risk factor for violence to others: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 135, 679-706. Gardner, W., Lidz, C., Mulvey, E., & Shaw, E. (1996). A comparison of actuarial methods for identifying repetitively violent patients with mental illness. Law and Human Behavior, 20, 35- 48. Grisso, T. (2008). Adolescent Offenders with Mental Disorders. The Future of Children,18(2), 149-157. Howard, R. McCarthy, L., Huband, N. & Duggan, C. (2013). Re-offending in forensic patients released from secure care: The role of antisocial/borderline personality disorder co-morbidity, substance dependence and severe childhood conduct disorder. Criminal Behavior and Mental Health, 23, 191-202. Howells, J. (ed). (1975). A World History of Psychiatry. New York, NY: Bailliere Tindall. Jimà ©nez, E., Arias, B., Castellvà ­, P., Goikolea, J. M., Rosa, A. R., Faà ±anà ¡sm, L., . . . Benabarre, A. (2012). Impulsivity and functional impairment in bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 136, 491-497. Junginger, J., Claypoole, K., Laygo, R., & Cristiani, A. (2006). Effects of serious mental illness and substance use on criminal offense. Psychiatric Services, 57, 879–882. Krueger, R. F., Markon, K. E., Patrick, C. J., Benning, S. D., & Kramer, M. D. (2007). Linking antisocial behavior, substance use, and personality: An integrative quantitative model of the adult externalizing spectrum. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 116, 645-666. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Bipolar disorder. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/basics/definition/con-20027544 McNiel, D. E., Eisner, J. P., & Binder, R. L. (2000). The relationship between command hallucinations and violence. Psychiatric Services, 51, 1288–1292. Novaco, R. W. (2011). Perspectives on anger treatment: Discussion and commentary. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 18, 251–255. Odgers, C. L., Burnette, M. A., Chauhan, P., Moretti, M. & Reppucci, N. (2005). Misdiagnosing the Problem: Mental Health Profiles of Incarcerated Juveniles. Can Child Adolesc Psychiatr Rev., 14(1), 26-29. Peterson, J. K., Skeem, J., Kennealy, P., Bray, B. & Zvonkovic, A. (2014). Law and Human Behavior, 38(5), 439-449. Schubert, C. A. & Mulvey, E. (2014). Behavioral Health Problems, Treatment, and Outcomes in Serious Youthful Offenders. Juvenile Justice Bulletine. Retrieved from http://ojjdp.gov/pubs/242440.pdf Skeem, J. L., Schubert, C., Odgers, C., Mulvey, E. P., Gardner, W., & Lidz, C. (2006). Psychiatric symptoms and community violence among high risk patients: A test of the relationship at the weekly level. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74, 967-979. The Crown Prosecution Service. (2014). Mental disorder offenders. GOV.UK. Retrieved from http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/l_to_o/mentally_disordered_offenders/ The Mental Health Foundation. (2002). The Mental Health Needs of Young Offenders. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/content/assets/PDF/publications/mental_health_needs_young_offenders.pdf?view=Standard Torrey, E. F. (2011). Stigma and violence: isn’t it time to connect the dots? Schizophrenia Bulletin, 37. Advanced online publication. Source document

Soft Skills

What is softskills? Soft skill is the ability required and expected from persons for finding a suitable job, its maintenance and promotion. Softskills is an important facet of life. It is essential in all spheres of life. Be it an interview or dealing with the project leader or working out a solution with a team or writing a report, getting across the point effectively is what matters. The success of an endeavour hinges on the ability to communicate effectively in today's fast paced life, everyone is asked to do more with less.In such a scenario effective communication holds the key. Effectively communication centers round the usage of words, speed of delivery of words, pitch modulation and body language. Using the right tools to communicate the right messages at the right time can salvage a crises and motivate people to work towards success. Truly said, communication works but for those who work at it. In the existing globalization scenario, most of the Information Technology, I.T E nabled Services, management institutes, public and private sector, multi-national Companies, Union Public Service Commission, and State Public Service Commission are search for a right and suitable fresher for executive posts. Whatever be the recruiting criteria that I. T, ITES, industry giants had in their agenda, once this was clear a first class degree would not serve the purpose, the candidate have to satisfy the skill sets that the companies were looking for. And unanimously, the skills set that they were looking for Softskills.The immediate results of developing good communication skills are: 1. Ability to Listen effectively 2. Ability to send Clear Messages 3. To win confidence and respect of peers, employers 4. Impressive non-verbal behaviour Scope of softskills development It is very important to develop softskills because it enables you to: * To handle interpersonal relations * To take appropriate decisions * To communicate effectively * To have good impression and impact to gain professional development Types of Softskills 1. Verbal Communication skills * Softskills form the corner stone of soft skills Every human being has to essentially ; effectively communicate with others * Effective communication is the hallmark of one's education * The ability to speak fluently using the right word in the right order is an good communication * Message using appropriate vocabulary and syntax form effective communication 2. Body language Non verbal language * Face is the index of the mind and it clearly displays the persons   interest * Body language presents to the audience what we feel & think about the particular matter * Body language (e. , arms crossed, standing, sitting, relaxed) * Emotion of the sender & receiver (e. g, speaking clearly, enthusiastic) 3. Written communication Skills * Writing evaluates a person's proficiency indications, spelling grammar etc†¦ * Errors committed while writing circulars, reports ; agenda considerably spoil the image of the writer * Good visual presentation using graphics, color, balanced design layout- adds so much to written communication. * Keep handouts and other written materials for your presentation 4. Presentation Skills Presentation skills include planning, preparation ; delivery of the message.Making a formal speech is also one form of presentation. Presentation skills can be broadly categorized into physical oral, ; electronics. * Success in life depends on presenting ideas in an appropriate manners * Look at the eyes of audience ; speak in a natural, conversational voice * Appropriate voice will make the presentation effective and interesting * Ask for feed back from your audience about your presentation ; change accordingly * In presentation especially, stop occasionally to ask the audience understand what you have said . Team Work * People of either gender, different age groups, qualification, status ; skills work as a team with a common objective of accomplishing the task * The s uccess of any organization largely depends on in the coordinated efforts of its employees * It mainly refers to the agreeableness ; co-operation among the team members 6. Professional ethics * Professional ethics is the need of the hour in India * When a person is at the work spot, he must think of his work only * He must put his heart ; soul into the work Each employee is a organic part of the organization ; must strive to contribute his mite to the successful functioning of the organization 7. Interpersonal Skills Man is a social animal ; his success in life largely depends on his relationship ; interaction with others We must respect the views ; sentiments of others. When we want to differ their views, we must very politely give hints to them without wondering their feelings 8. Time ; Stress Management Prioritize the work ; schedule your time accordingly * Impotent work should be allotted more time ; taken up first * Listening to classical music ; practicing Yoga will considerabl y reduce the physical,emotional ; mental stress of an individual 9. Leadership Softskills Leaders, executives ; managers need to be very clear about what they expect from others * Trust your self * Keep smiling * Share ; stay together * Always learn new things * Accept responsibility for your self ; your actions * Look at problems ; challenges * Be grateful always * Love your selfSo if you want to improve upon your softskills, this is the best time to go ahead. Start now, Start well Soft skills is a sociological term relating to a person's â€Å"EQ† (Emotional Intelligence Quotient), the cluster of personality traits, social graces, communication, language, personal habits, friendliness, and optimism that characterize relationships with other people. [1] Soft skills complement hard skills (part of a person's IQ), which are the occupational requirements of a job and many other activities. Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance an individual's interactions, job perfor mance and career prospects.Unlike hard skills, which are about a person's skill set and ability to perform a certain type of task or activity, soft skills relate to a person's ability to interact effectively with coworkers and customers and are broadly applicable both in and outside the workplace. A person's soft skill EQ is an important part of their individual contribution to the success of an organization. Particularly those organizations dealing with customers face-to-face are generally more successful, if they train their staff to use these skills.Screening or training for personal habits or traits such as dependability and conscientiousness can yield significant return on investment for an organization. [2] For this reason, soft skills are increasingly sought out by employers in addition to standard qualifications. It has been suggested that in a number of professions soft skills may be more important over the long term than occupational skills. The legal profession is one exa mple where the ability to deal with people effectively and politely, more than their mere occupational skills, can determine the professional success of a lawyer. 3] Soft Skills are behavioral competencies. Also known as Interpersonal Skills, or people skills, they include proficiencies such as communication skills, conflict resolution and negotiation, personal effectiveness, creative problem solving, strategic thinking, team building, influencing skills and selling skills, to name a few Meaning Critical thinking clarifies goals, examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, accomplishes actions, and assesses conclusions. â€Å"Critical† as used in the expression â€Å"critical thinking† connotes involving skillful judgment as to truth, merit, etc. Critical† in this context does not mean â€Å"disapproval† or â€Å"negative. † There are many positive uses of critical thinking, for example formulating a workable solution to a comp lex personal problem, deliberating as a group about what course of action to take, or analyzing the assumptions and the quality of the methods used in scientifically arriving at a reasonable level of confidence about a given hypothesis. To add further clarification on what is meant by thinking critically, Richard Paul (1995) articulated critical thinking as either weak or strong.The weak-sense critical thinker is a highly skilled but selfishly motivated pseudo-intellectual who works to advance one's personal agenda without seriously considering the ethical consequences and implications. Conceived as such, the weak-sense critical thinker is often highly skilled but uses those skills selectively so as to pursue unjust and selfish ends (Paul, 1995). Conversely, the strong-sense critical thinker skillfully enters into the logic of problems and issues to see the problem for what it is without egocentric and/or socio-centric bias.Thus conceived, the strong-sense mind seeks to actively, sy stematically, reflectively, and fair-mindedly construct insight with sensitivity to expose and address the many obstacles that compromise high quality thought and learning. Using strong critical thinking we might evaluate an argument, for example, as worthy of acceptance because it is valid and based on true premises. Upon reflection, a speaker may be evaluated as a credible source of knowledge on a given topic.Critical thinking can occur whenever one judges, decides, or solves a problem; in general, whenever one must figure out what to believe or what to do, and do so in a reasonable and reflective way. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening can all be done critically or uncritically. Critical thinking is crucial to becoming a close reader and a substantive writer. Expressed in most general terms, critical thinking is â€Å"a way of taking up the problems of life. â€Å"[10] Skills The list of core critical thinking skills includes observation, interpretation, analysis, infere nce, evaluation, explanation, and meta-cognition.There is a reasonable level of consensus among experts that an individual or group engaged in strong critical thinking gives due consideration to establish: * Evidence through observation * Context * Relevant criteria for making the judgment well * Applicable methods or techniques for forming the judgment * Applicable theoretical constructs for understanding the problem and the question at hand In addition to possessing strong critical-thinking skills, one must be disposed to engage problems and decisions using those skills.Critical thinking employs not only logic but broad intellectual criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, significance, and fairness. Habits or traits of mind The habits of mind that characterize a person strongly disposed toward critical thinking include a desire to follow reason and evidence wherever they may lead, a systematic approach to problem solving, inquisitiven ess, even-handedness, and confidence in reasoning. [16] When individuals possess intellectual skills alone, without the intellectual traits of mind, weak sense critical thinking results.Fair-minded or strong sense critical thinking requires intellectual humility, empathy, integrity, perseverance, courage, autonomy, confidence in reason, and other intellectual traits. Thus, critical thinking without essential intellectual traits often results in clever, but manipulative and often unethical or subjective thought. The clients have indicated that, after  inspecting the progress of the project they have outsourced, they would like to meet  the team members working on it. Why? To select one team member for a stint onsite — something  almost every software engineer  aspires for.Ravi has been one of the most active members in the project and has done a wonderful job. He is technically brilliant, but has some concerns: * Will he able to communicate his performance to the clien t in an impressive manner so that he is chosen? * Why do his team mates not prefer to come to him for solutions and go to less capable people instead? * His project manager doesn't seem to be very warm towards him either, although he does drop in those occasional mails appreciating his work.Here is a  typical scenario in an IT company; or for that matter, any organisation where interpersonal communication is involved. Or, like in Ravi's case, where an employee suffers from  a lack of interpersonal skills. Are technical/ job-related skills enough? Technical and job-related skills are a  must, but they are NOT sufficient when it comes to progressing up the ladder. With the traditional paternalistic style of leadership becoming passe, professional managers expect their teams to be proactive and communicate openly. â€Å"Soft skills are very important in business.It is essential to be technically sound, but one should also have the ability to convey the idea to the masses in the simplest possible manner,† says  Mayurkumar Gadewar, an ERP consultant with Pricewaterhouse Coopers. With the  boom in outsourcing taking root across industries, many  professionals and subject matter experts directly deal with their clients on a regular basis. Their approachability and people skills are what ultimately sustain the contract their employers have bagged. â€Å"Planning is necessary but execution is also equally important.And it takes soft skills to execute any idea because it involves dealing with people directly,†Ã‚  says Gadewar. 6 soft skills for every hard-nosed professional Behavioural training experts say there are several soft skills are required in these circumstances. Some of them  include: i. Interpersonal skills ii. Team spirit iii. Social grace iv. Business etiquette v. Negotiation skills vi. Behavioural traits such as attitude, motivation and time management Do you have these? If your answer is yes, good for you. But if your answer is no, then you know it is time to approach either a  training organisation or a training  consultant.Will formal training enhance your soft skills? There is a lot of argument in the industry as to whether it is possible to enhance soft skills in a few hours of training, especially when one considers the fact that  a person has lived with those traits all his life. To this, the answer is harsh but real — a professional who wants to do well in his/ her career does not really have a choice. In the initial years of your career, your  technical abilities are important to get good assignments. However, when it comes to growing in an organisation, it is your  personality that matters, more so in large organisations where several people with imilar technical expertise will compete for a promotion. Training on soft skills becomes all the more relevant in a country like India where the education system does not delve into personality development. â€Å"Soft skills training is essential because we do not have it in our academic curricula. Therefore, corporate houses have to take up the task of grooming employees who are the link between the company and the external world, so that they are able to present themselves better, † says Sumeet Mehta, an equity research analyst with Fortis Securities Ltd.Be your own trainer! While organisations are definitely investing in augmenting their staff's people skills, here are some inputs for professionals and students who would like to initiate the process themselves: i. Be a part of team activities It could be  either as a part of your church choir, or an NGO, or your local youth circle. Observe your own behaviour in the group and how you relate to others. ii. Ask  family members or close friends to write down your best and worst traits. Ideally, have at least four to five people do this for you.Evaluate the common traits all of them have mentioned. Thus, you can be aware of your strengths and work improvin g your weaknesses. iii. How well do you manage your time? Think. Can you do more in life? Or is your day too crammed with activities? Effective time management is very essential in the corporate world. iv. Introspect on how you react to feedback. In organisations, people skills mostly come into the picture when there is feedback given — be it for an idea, an executed project or a presentation. You are judged by the way you respond to feedback.Do you get defensive? Do you insist you were right? Do you meekly accept criticism? Remember, people tend to be judged and stereotyped according to their responses. You will, too. v. How good are you at critiquing? While responding to feedback is one side of the coin, giving feedback is the other side. Are you aggressive? Pessimistic? Do you believe in constructive criticism? Or prefer to be the yes-man? vi. Live consciously Any organisation is manned by people, therefore soft skills are all about how you deal with people and present you rself.Though it may be easier said than done, soft skills can be enhanced simply by being aware of oneself and living consciously. Rukmini Iyer is a corporate trainer and instructional designer. She  writes regularly on business etiquette, communication, language enhancement  and grooming. Definition soft skills Soft skills are personal attributes that enhance an individual's interactions, job performance and career prospects. Unlike hard skills, which are about a person's skill set and ability to perform a certain type of task or activity, soft skills are interpersonal and broadly applicable.Soft skills are often described by using terms often associated with personality traits, such as: * optimism * common sense * responsibility * a sense of humor * integrity and abilities that can be practiced (but require the individual to genuinely like other people) such as: * empathy * teamwork * leadership * communication * good manners * negotiation * sociability * the ability to teach. It's often said that hard skills will get you an interview but you need soft skills to get (and keep) the job. Definition Emotional intelligence (EI) is the area of cognitive ability involving traits nd social skills that facilitate interpersonal behavior. Intelligence can be broadly defined as the capacity for goal-oriented adaptive behavior; emotional intelligence focuses on the aspects of intelligence that govern self-knowledge and social adaptation. The term first appeared in 1985, in Wayne Payne's doctoral thesis, A study of emotion: Developing emotional intelligence. Payne's thesis centered on the idea that society's historical repression of emotion is the source of wide-scale problems such as addiction, depression, illness, religious conflict, violence and war.Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and behavioral science journalist, later popularized the term and developed related concepts in his influential book, Emotional Intelligence (1995). In Working with Emotional Intelligence (1998), Goleman explored the function of EI on the job. According to Goleman, emotional intelligence is the largest single predictor of success in the workplace. Goleman and others have developed the concept of a testable EQ (emotional intelligence quotient) counterpart to the IQ (intelligence quotient).In contrast to the focus on academically-oriented skills, such as mathematical ability, that are evaluated in an IQ test, an EQ test focuses more on the individual's capacity to deal effectively with others. To that end, it evaluates traits and abilities such as self-awareness and empathy, which are sometimes referred to as soft skills. Goleman describes emotional intelligence as â€Å"managing feelings so that they are expressed appropriately and effectively, enabling people to work together smoothly toward their common goals. † According to Goleman, the four major skills that make up emotional intelligence are: * Self-Awareness Self-Management * Social Awareness * Relations hip Management. The Importance of Soft skills When it comes to skills in employment, the first line of emphasis is typically towards abilities, training and knowledge of specific skill sets. These are referred to as hard skills. Soft skills are often overlooked, but they also play an important role in day-to-day operations. Small business owners should place equal importance on hard and soft skills during the hiring process for new employees. In addition, current employees should be encouraged to develop soft skills if they are lacking in this area. Drive/Work EthicThis is a difficult skill to quantify, but employees will typically either display a strong work ethic and the drive to complete tasks, or they won't. While a work ethic is largely an innate skill, it can be learned with proper training and motivation. Some employees may be able to develop a stronger work ethic with incentive based pay or monetary rewards such as bonuses if they reach a certain goal. Communication Skills Communication skills are the most important soft skills for an employee. The ability to communicate through the spoken and written word is a necessity in nearly every industry and in every workplace.Communication skills can be learned and improved with the right training. It may take time for employees to learn effective communication skills, particularly if they have a naturally shy disposition. In this case, a course on public speaking can work wonders. The techniques learned by speaking to a large crowd can be adapted for daily communications and these lessons are typically good confidence builders for employees. Teamwork The ability to work well within a team is another important soft skill. Some employees may naturally feel comfortable working within a group, while others may have problems and prefer to work alone.It is necessary to spot these personality types ahead of time for proper group formation. Every team should have a diverse set of personalities that mesh together as a cohesive whole. Team building exercises can be very beneficial in helping employees develop this skill. Decision Making and Problem Solving Being able to make quick decisions, think on their feet, and solve simple problems are important employee traits. Even simple problems such as a copier being out of toner can grind an office to a halt if no one displays these simple skills.At least one employee needs to have the ability to take charge of a situation and guide the others through if they have difficulty. The employees who display these decision making skills are often excellent candidates for promotion to management level. Importance of Soft Skills in Our Life Most of us feel that if we have good technical knowledge & skills we will achieve success. Hence; not many try to learn soft skills. This presentation brings out the importance of soft skills in our life. It shows that without soft skills, it will be difficult for us to achieve progress & be successful