Terry Schmitz, Author at The Conover Company

Study: Boosting Soft Skills Is Better Than Raising Test Scores

A recent study was just released by Northwestern University’s Kirabo Jackson on the effect of soft skills vs test scores. This study demonstrates that schools that build social-emotional qualities are getting better short-term and long-term results for students than schools that only focus on improving test scores. https://hechingerreport.org/early-research-focuses-on-schools-that-develop-students-social-emotional-qualities/ This study [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2020-03-09T08:54:07-05:00March 9th, 2020|SEL, Soft Skills|1 Comment

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Soft Skills

Definition of Emotional Intelligence As the workplace adjusts to fewer people doing more work, new sets of skills are needed. Often there is no one around to supervise and direct the actions of others. Each worker must be able to work well with others, to direct their own work, and [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2020-01-06T09:18:57-06:00January 6th, 2020|SEL, Soft Skills|7 Comments

The Connection Between Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Goal Setting and Soft Skills

There has been much attention placed on social emotional learning (SEL) in the last few years. SEL is critical to the success of every person in our society. No doubt about it, improving SEL skills will result in more emotionally connected youth and adults. But is that enough to instill [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2020-01-06T08:08:29-06:00October 1st, 2019|Goal Setting and Achievement, SEL, Soft Skills|11 Comments

Social Skills: Helping Customers

Many jobs require employees to work with customers or clients. Your students need to start developing their communication skills so they can successfully interact with customers when required to do so. The quality of customer service is an important factor clients consider when making decisions about where to shop or [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2019-10-01T09:25:20-05:00September 6th, 2019|Emotional Intelligence, Soft Skills, Workplace Readiness|10 Comments

Teamwork: Communication

Communication is how people share ideas, knowledge, and information. Everyone has been a part of a team that doesn’t communicate well. It is very difficult to get things done when this is the case. It’s important that the lines of communication are open in order for a group to work [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2019-07-17T15:15:13-05:00August 23rd, 2019|Emotional Intelligence, Soft Skills, Workplace Readiness|1 Comment

Teamwork: Active Listening

“We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.” ― Zeno of Citium This is a fairly common quote pertaining to good listening skills. It is no secret that good listening skills are essential for workplace success. In order for a team to work [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2019-09-30T13:05:09-05:00August 2nd, 2019|Emotional Intelligence, Soft Skills, Workplace Readiness|1 Comment

Social Skills: Why Your Students Need Them

Success in the workplace is not just determined by who works the hardest or does the "best job". Technical skills and knowledge are useful, but being able to build relationships with people is critical to succeeding in the workplace. Social skills are what enable people to talk to and connect [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2019-10-01T08:40:10-05:00July 22nd, 2019|Soft Skills, Workplace Readiness|1 Comment

Anxiety Management & Physical Wellness: Wellness Pitfalls

A wellness lifestyle takes a lot of effort, not only to begin the process, but also to maintain it throughout your lifetime. This journey to wellness will have its ups and downs and will take a high level of commitment if you are to be successful. You must develop a [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2019-06-21T09:49:19-05:00June 21st, 2019|Anxiety Management|0 Comments

Teaching Time Management: Tools

Successful time management requires planning. Knowing your goals and priorities is important, but knowing the steps between setting your goal and reaching it is absolutely essential. Time management experts have developed many tools for helping people plan and reach their goals. Here are three tools you can use to teach [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2019-05-24T11:36:29-05:00May 24th, 2019|Emotional Intelligence, Life Skills, SEL, Soft Skills|0 Comments

Teaching Time Management: Planning

Nothing beats the satisfaction of coming to the end of the day and feeling like it was successful. Planning and managing your time makes this possible. Planning ahead is one of the most important things your students can do in time management. Successful people always plan ahead. If you want [...]

By Terry Schmitz|2019-05-06T15:44:10-05:00May 6th, 2019|Life Skills, SEL, Soft Skills|0 Comments