The Job Is Easy, The People Are Not: 10 Smart Skills to Become Better People

by Loredana Padurean, Charles Fine, Roberto Fernandez

What makes your job hard? Most likely it's working with others, right? Numerous studies demonstrate that working with people is the most stressful part of a job. Professor Loredana Padurean shares in 10 candid and authentic interviews, with professional managers and academic leaders from Asia School of Business and MIT Sloan, 10 essential skills that she coined as “smart” skills, (to replace the “soft” skills), such as validation, emotional maturity, followership, cognitive readiness and more. In the 10 interviews, you will hear how “regular” people navigate the complex waters of working with others, get practical suggestions about how to develop your own smart skills, and realize that you are also one of the people that makes the job harder than it should be!

Genres: Business

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2022

About the author

Loredana Padurean is the Senior Associate Dean at Asia School of Business (ASB), a collaboration between the MIT Sloan School of Management and Bank Negara Malaysia (the Central Bank of Malaysia), and holds an appointment of International Faculty Fellow at MIT Sloan where she also teaches in 3 executive education programs.

At ASB, Prof. Loredana has been one of the key “nailers” behind the establishment of the school and in particular, has directed the development of the globally recognized action learning program at ASB. She is a global entrepreneurial academic with a track record of program, school and intellectual leadership for multiple degrees. She is a global keynote speaker and her popular “Nail it, Scale it, Sail it” is a popular TedX talk.

This “Nail it, Scale it, Sail it” describes the evolution of start-ups to scale-ups to sail-ups, the challenges, opportunities and leadership styles that come with each stage. Prof. Loredana has an MA in Communication and Economics and a PhD in Management from USI Switzerland.

In the past 5 years Prof. Loredana has conducted extensive executive programs for Asia School of Business and MIT Sloan Executive Education in the area of intra/entrepreneurship, innovation, SMART skills, agile, for large global corporations such as China Construction Bank, Google Malaysia, AirAsia, and in Malaysia to some of the largest Malaysians financial and insurance institutions such Maybank, CIMB, RHB, Prudential, the leading telecommunication companies such as Astro and Axiata, governmental and national agencies such as Khazanah Nasional and GreenTech.

Reviews

[Orla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. An accessible read. Looks at the “smart” skills we need to tackle the challenges we face when we interact with people in sectors like business or community. Does what it says on the tin and helps to change perspectives on the idea of “soft skills”.

One of the chapters on “Productive Inclusion” is a bit light and could have focused a bit more on the benefits of inclusion and diversity but some of this is covered in “Multiple Perspectives”.

Overall a lovely book that gives lots to reflect on and think about. Probably a good advertisement to attend the Asia Business School too 😉

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I finished this book. Had I not have other commitments, I would have completed this book in one sitting. The book is not only informative but very thought provoking and quite engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from the stories of various everyday individuals, many of whom I was lucky to have been acquainted with. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like a relatable read about management, self improvement and community building. Finally, I strongly believe this book is better in print versus digital. A lot of thought seem to have gone into the look and feel of the book, and I was quite content with the outcome.

[Azhar Shukri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wanted to enrich your mind and personal development intentions whilst on holiday, train ride or work?

This is the book to go for if you learn from others' insights shared in an easy way. I have enjoyed reading the candid interviews of persons at MIT, the Asia School of Business who exemplify the Top 10 Smart Skills of the Future.

The book is a light read, with several "oh begitu ke” moments. An additional helpful feature is that you can read the chapters in your order of preference, to suit your mood and the Smart skill you're looking to find out more about.

Full disclosure - helped provide some content for the book.

[Alwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy read with a interview sort of structure. The 10 smart skills requires practice and measuring to structurally improve and excel at it. Great introduction to the smart skills as she calls it. 👏

[Marcus Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Highly recommend this book for anyone in a leadership position or considering accepting a leadership role in any capacity. Insightful, thoughtful and a joy to read. Love it.

[Sharon Eng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly a book, this is a collection of interview transcripts, mainly to promote Asian School of Business’ sharp and smart skills. While the smart skills made sense, it felt like a “hard sell” and I didn’t feel particularly inspired or motivated.

[Jess Kang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guidance to navigate in the constant changing world

[Cyn Libros y Vida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed each chapter with real testimonials and a practical list of skills to apply on daily life

[Amalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Easy to read, and the concepts presented all make sense and are thought provoking, but it does feel a bit like a sales pitch.