Most everyone recognizes the value of hard, bottom-line-oriented training. People flock to sales seminars, product training, computer workshops, and graduate school to earn their MBAs. All are rightly accepted as career advancement steps.

Often overlooked, however, are “soft skills.” These are intangible skills like meeting new people confidently and speaking, writing, and listening effectively. Strengthening soft skills can pay big dividends, not just in your personal life, but in your paycheck, too.