What Soft Skills Should Oil and Gas Workers Possess?

Some of the key soft skills that oil and gas workers should possess are effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, according to Chad Spencer, the CEO of Houston headquartered Hazeltine Executive Search Partners (HESP), a member of the Sanford Rose Associates Network.

“Effective communication skills are essential for any industry, and oil and gas is no exception,” Spencer told Rigzone.

“Workers need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues, supervisors, clients, and other stakeholders. This means being able to listen actively, ask questions, and express themselves in both verbal and written forms,” he added.

“Problem-solving is another critical soft skill for oil and gas workers. In this industry, things can change quickly, and unexpected challenges can arise at any time. Workers should be able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to problems, no matter how complex or urgent,” Spencer continued.

“Adaptability is also important in the oil and gas industry, as it’s constantly evolving. Workers should be able to adapt to new technology, regulations, and processes, and be open to learning new skills as needed,” Spencer went on to note.

Highlighting further “key” soft skills for workers in the sector, the HESP CEO said teamwork is crucial in the oil and gas industry, “as projects are often large-scale and require collaboration between different departments and stakeholders”.

“Workers should be able to work well in a team environment, sharing knowledge and expertise and working towards common goals,” he added.

Spencer said time management is another key soft skill for oil and gas workers, “as projects often involve tight deadlines”.

“Workers should be able to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality,” he stated.

Spencer also noted that leadership skills are important in the oil and gas sector, “as workers may be called upon to lead teams and make important decisions”.

“This means being able to motivate and inspire others, delegate tasks effectively, and make tough decisions when needed,” he said.

Attention to detail is also essential in the oil and gas industry, according to Spencer, who noted that “even small mistakes can have significant consequences”.

“Workers should be detail-oriented, able to identify errors and correct them quickly,” he said.

“Finally, safety consciousness is a critical soft skill for oil and gas workers,” Spencer added.

“Safety is a top priority in this industry, and workers need to be aware of potential hazards and take steps to minimize risks,” he went on to state.

Offering his view on the soft skills oil and gas workers should possess, Dave Mount, the President

of Louisiana based OneSource Professional Search, told Rigzone, “in general, be professional and courteous and kind to your fellow workers”.

“In terms of office professionals, oil and gas workers should have the ability to actively listen in meetings. If unsure of what was said, repeat back to the speaker and ask for clarification,” Mount said.

“Also, the ability to be patient when unexpected circumstances come up, to problem solve and not fly off the handle with angry responses,” Mount added.

The OneSource Professional Search President also highlighted diplomacy, “especially in today’s hyper-sensitive social media world” and offered some tips for those with video meetings.

“If on video meetings … turn on video. Don’t lurk behind [a] no camera setup, dress professionally, mute … if [you have a] noisy background and don’t dominate the conversation time,” he said.

To contact the author, email andreas.exarheas@rigzone.com

Photo Credit – iStock.com/adrian825